About Paralegal Studies (Legal Assisting) (A.S.)
The Associate in Science (A.S.) in Paralegal Studies (Legal Assisting) degree prepares students for careers in the legal profession. The courses provide students with both the knowledge of the substantive areas of law studies (such as tort law, family law, real estate law, criminal law, probate and estate planning) and the practical skills (such as conducting legal research, preparing legal documents, investigating and communicating), which are necessary to succeed as a paralegal or legal assistant. The program culminates in a professional internship during the student’s last term in the program consisting of a minimum 180 intern hours at a law-related office. For those students who are unable to complete a traditional internship, the program offers a simulated law office class.
The A.S. in Paralegal Studies (Legal Assisting) degree at FSCJ has been approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) since 1997. In fact, it is the only ABA-approved program in North Florida.
This program cannot be completed entirely online. Due to ABA requirements, students must complete a minimum number of credit hours through traditional classroom instruction. Transfer of legal specialty courses from other institutions may be limited by the program's ABA approval.
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