Paralegal Studies, AAS

B&SC Code: PLEG
CIP Code: 22.0302
New York Hegis Code: 5099
Available online in all states

Program: PLEG

The Paralegal Studies program emphasizes practical hands-on applications and prepares students for careers in both traditional and non-traditional professions.  The program also emphasizes the ethical considerations for legal professionals as prescribed by the American Bar Association.  Coursework includes extensive training in case management, conducting legal research, conducting interviews, communicating professionally both orally and in writing, as well as drafting research documents used in a variety of legal venues.  Graduates are prepared to obtain entry-level positions working under the supervision of an attorney in private law firms or in other related areas of employment.

Graduates of this degree plan will achieve the following program and institutional outcomes:

• Describe and discuss the basic responsibilities, legal and procedural theories, and professional standards of a paralegal.
• Define, apply, and defend principles of legal ethics within a variety of settings.
• Utilize appropriate legal terminology and terms correctly in legal documents.
• Draft legal documents, including but not limited to correspondence, pleadings, briefs, and memoranda, that are relevant to different substantive areas of law.
• Utilize resources to locate primary and secondary law-related legal documents to research, summarize, and evaluate legal issues.
• Utilize current technology and resources to identify a research need, locate and evaluate necessary  and available information, and then use it appropriately to communicate findings in visual, written, or oral formats.
• Integrate new and prior knowledge, skills, and behaviors acquired through learning to engage in career, life, and academic pursuits.
• Examine individual thinking strategies through reflection, analysis, and evaluation to adjust learning processes focused on continual improvement.
• Follow established methods of scientific inquiry and quantitative reasoning to form conclusions and make decisions.
• Assess academic, life, and career situations that promote cultural sensitivity, global and economic awareness, and a sense of belonging.