Advanced Technical Certificate

(25 Credit Hours)

Program Manager

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

Program Goal

The Paralegal/Legal Assisting Program educates with an effective balance of legal knowledge and practical skills. We prepare students for work in the legal profession upon graduation and to attain professional Certification.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge of the ethical and professional standards of the paralegal profession.
• 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.
• Demonstrate ethical, and technological skills, including AI proficiency to meet the demands of a modern legal workforce.