Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Paralegal/Legal Assisting [2018]


Associate in Science Degree

(64 Credit Hours)

Program Manager

Suzanne Bechtol
941-752-5359
BechtoS@SCF.edu

Program Goal

To educate paralegals with an effective balance of legal knowledge and practical skills. To prepare the student for work in the legal profession upon graduation and to sit for the National Legal Assistant Certification Exam. This program is considered to be substantially in compliance with ABA guidelines for paralegal education by the American Association for Paralegal Education.

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the ethical and professional standards of the paralegal.
  • Demonstrate ability to utilize legal research materials and apply knowledge in legal writing.
  • Demonstrate basic knowledge of substantive law, including: tort law, constitutional law, criminal law, real property law, estate planning and probate, business organizations, contracts, and family law.
  • Demonstrate basic knowledge of procedural law, including: the fundamental steps of civil and criminal litigation and court rules and procedures.
  • Demonstrate basic knowledge of law office procedures and the technology involved in carrying out law firm management activities, case management, and document preparation/management.
  • Demonstrate employability skills, including: communication, employment search strategies, work habits, appearance, and basic computer skills.

General Education Courses


Subtotal Credit Hours: 15


Program Specialization Courses


Please consult the course description section of the Catalog for any prerequisites. Students should take the PLA courses in sequence if possible.

Note(s):


The Legal Assisting Program has a recommended sequence that includes both general and specialized program courses.

Please see the Paralegal/Legal Assisting Program manager for additional information.

Articulated credit from a technical college/secondary school may be applicable. For more information click here: http://www.scf.edu/Academics/CareerTechnicalEducation/Career_Pthwys.asp.

A related certificate also is offered. See certificate  listing.

Degree Pathway

Required Courses and recommended Sequence: The following is a recommended sequence of courses for completing this program. Developmental courses and prerequisite course requirements, credit load, and/or course availability may affect a student’s individual progress. Course availability within the program sequences is specifically intended for full-time students who begin their course work with the fall semester. Students should always consult their online degree planner for the catalog year that they entered the college, and contact their program manager to better understand typical course availability and individual program planning.

Please follow link to: http://www.scf.edu/Academics/degree-pathways.asp