Paralegal Studies A.A.S. (PLG)
Attention
This is an overview of the program. The course sequencing is meant to serve as a guideline for your semester planning. Please note that the scheduling of courses, program sequencing and curriculum are subject to change.
The Paralegal Studies Associate Degree program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).
LCCC’s Paralegal Studies is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) and, because of growth in the paralegal field, provides excellent opportunities for employment and advancement. Qualified graduates of the Paralegal Studies program can be hired by law firms,
banks, title companies, real estate firms, and corporations. Career possibilities include paralegal supervisor, trust coordinator, title searcher, settlement clerk, litigation specialist, contract coordinator, and a variety of other positions. Individuals with legal skills take these skills into a multitude of positions in the business environment, including human resources, records management, legal support, and government.
Students will gain an understanding of what paralegals can accomplish, as well as the limitations imposed by the unauthorized practice of law statute. Internships provide students with practical experience in the paralegal field. Students may also transfer credits to various four-year colleges or universities toward a bachelor’s degree.
The primary goal of the program is to educate students to become paralegals who perform effectively in a variety of legal settings and adapt to changes in the legal
environment and law practice. The program prepares students for careers as paralegals working under the supervision of lawyers in either the public or private
sectors, as well as striving to encourage and facilitate graduates to pursue advanced degrees. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to public except as permitted by law.
Through a collaborative program of study between LCCC and Kutztown University, LCCC’s Paralegal Studies graduates may transfer to Kutztown University to major in English, Political Science, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, History and Psychology.
LCCC’s Paralegal Studies program options are primarily offered through synchronous instruction. Paralegal Studies classes may be enhanced with asynchronous materials. Paralegal Studies students must take at least nine-semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction.
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
• apply legal and business skills necessary for a position in a law office, bank, real estate office, government authority, or any position that uses the knowledge
of law.
• apply soft skills, such as cooperative teamwork, communication skills and ethical decision-making.
• demonstrate substantive knowledge and procedural knowledge of law.
• apply the rules of professional conduct governing lawyers and the application to paralegals.