Associate in Applied Science - Paralegal

This regionally respected American Bar Association (ABA) approved program consists of basic and specialty legal courses designed to prepare students for employment in the legal services field. The program offers an Associate in Applied Sciences (AAS) in Paralegal Studies and Paralegal Certificate.

The AAS in Paralegal Studies is awarded after the completion of 90 credits of required coursework. If full class loads are taken each quarter, the program requires 6 quarters to complete. The supervised legal work experience required for graduation or the internship must be approved by the program director. A grade of 2.0 or higher in each class (including prerequisites) is required for both the AAS degree and the certificate.

Students may enroll in the certificate program instead of the AAS program if the student is in the process of or has completed an Associate in Arts degree (AA), a bachelor's degree, or advanced degree from an accredited college and/or university.

Note: A paralegal graduate does not receive a license to practice law; thus performing legal work directly for the public or giving legal advice directly to the public constitutes the unauthorized practice of law.
 

Offered At

Start

Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Website

https://scc.spokane.edu/Paralegal

Course of Study

A paralegal/legal assistant is qualified through education, training or work experience to perform substantive legal work that requires knowledge of legal concepts and is customarily, but not exclusively, performed by a lawyer. This person may be retained or employed by a lawyer, law office, governmental agency, or other entity or may be authorized by administrative, statutory or court authority to perform this work. This definition includes those individuals who, with administrative, statutory or court authority, perform substantive legal work directly to the public [National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)].
 

Learning Outcomes

1. Apply knowledge of law and legal procedures through legal research, writing, document drafting, analysis of facts, interviewing and investigation.
2. Develop skills in civil and criminal pretrial and trial practice, real estate, business, family law, commercial transactions and litigation, bankruptcy proceedings, intellectual property, estate planning, probate and other specialty areas.
3. Develop technological and organizational skills, including categorizing and organizing documents, calendaring, assessing and prioritizing work; managing time; creating and maintaining databases; and using standard forms and checklists.
4. Develop understanding of rules of professional and ethical conduct, competence, professionalism and client service.

Typical Student Schedule

Disclaimer: The college cannot guarantee courses will be offered in the quarters indicated. During the period this guide is in circulation, there may be curriculum revisions and program changes. Students are responsible for consulting the appropriate academic unit or adviser for more current and specific information. The information in this guide is subject to change and does not constitute an agreement between the college and the student.