Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies
Oakland, USA
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2024
TUITION FEES
USD 7,120 / per semester *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* this is for a standard 15 credit semester including fees / price may vary depending on how many credits are taken
Introduction
There is a growing need for trained paralegals who know substantive law and administrative procedures required by the law and the court systems. The paralegal performs various legal tasks under the supervision of attorneys, including conducting legal research and drafting legal documents.
Paralegals provide staff support for attorneys in a law office or in a legal setting. Many of these tasks are done by attorneys; however, under the law, they could be provided by paralegals under the supervision of an attorney. The Associate in Arts degree in Paralegal Studies will be awarded upon satisfactory completion of the Major course requirements and the General Education requirements.
Program Outcome
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Draft various legal documents including motions, complaints, answers, discovery requests, declarations, legal forms, and other legal documents.
- Conduct legal research using online research methods, such as Lexis and the Internet, as well as legal books.
- Perform effective legal analysis and communicate effectively through oral communication and written documents.
- Communicate effectively with attorneys, clients, and other persons, including but not limited to effectively interviewing clients and witnesses.
- Assist attorneys in and demonstrate knowledge of particular areas of law, including criminal law, tort law, family law, business law and estate planning, and probate procedures.
Curriculum
Program Requirements
Major Core Courses
- Law and the Legal Profession 3
- Legal Research 3
- Introduction to Civil Procedure and Litigation Practice 3
- Advanced Legal Research and Writing 3
- Composition and Reading 4 or College Composition and Reading 4
Major Elective Courses
Select a minimum of 11-12 units from the following:
- Law Office Management 2
- Introduction to Tort Law 3
- Family Law 3
- Estate Planning and Probate Procedure 3
- Criminal Law 3
- Seminar in Paralegal Studies Internship 1
- Introduction to Business Law 3
- Occupational Work Experience in Paralegal Studies 1-4
Recommended Courses
- Concepts of Criminal Law (3)
- Financial Accounting (4)
- Critical Thinking in Reading and Writing (3)
- Introduction to Philosophy (3)
- Government and Politics in the United States (3)
Major Requirements 27 - 28
Total Units 60
Note: To qualify for the Paralegal Studies Associate in Arts degree, students must satisfactorily complete the major requirements specified above and the local AA/AS general education requirements.
Career Opportunities
This program leads to career opportunities as a paralegal.
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English Language Requirements
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