Nov 28, 2024

2022-2023 Catalog

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2022-2023 Catalog [PAST CATALOG]

Paralegal Studies (A.A.S.)

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Official Title of Major: Paralegal Studies, A.A.S.

Award: Associate of Applied Science degree, A.A.S

Code: AAS.PARA-STUDIES

Total credit hours: 60

About the Legal Studies Institute

American Bar Association approved.

Purpose: This American Bar Association-approved program prepares students for employment in the paralegal field or to meet the requirements for promotion and/or additional career responsibility. Paralegal courses are taught by judges, practicing attorneys, and experts in the field, with an emphasis on practical applications. Employment projections suggest that the paralegal field will be one of the fastest-growing careers during the next several years. Students may enroll in either full-or part-time courses that are offered in day, evening, online, and weekend formats.

Range of Occupations

Court administrative assistant
Court clerk
Law office manager
Legal assistant
Litigation paralegal
Personal injury paralegal
Medical malpractice paralegal
Mediator
Family law paralegal
Paralegal for the State’s Attorney and/or Public Defender
Victim advocate

Note: Paralegals may not provide legal services to the public except as permitted by law.

Approximate Cost

Honors Program Courses

If you qualify for the Honors Program, you may take honors versions of some courses (such as ENG 101H , ENG 102H , etc.).

Graduation Requirements

See Academic Regulations for college-wide Graduation Requirements .

Statewide Tuition Reduction Program

This program of study is designated a Statewide Tuition Reduction Program. This means that some residents of Maryland (refer to the Tuition, Fees and Payments section of this catalog) enrolled in this program of study by the first day of the term may be eligible for in-county tuition rates for courses required for program completion. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm that this program still maintains a Statewide Program status before enrolling. Please refer to the college’s Accounts Receivable Office to confirm this designation.

Planning Tool: Two-Year Sequence

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General Education Requirements: 22 credits

An approved list of general education courses can be found in the General Education and Diversity, Technology and Wellness Requirements section of the catalog. Choose general education courses from the following topics:

English Composition: 6 credits

ENG 101 - Academic Writing and Research 1 3 credit hours
ENG 102 - Academic Writing and Research 2 3 credit hours
ENG 101 and ENG 101A are equivalent courses. Students may take ENG 101 -ENG 102 or ENG 101A -ENG 102 to meet their English Composition General Education requirement.

Arts and Humanities: 3 credits

LGS 271 - Civil Rights Law 3 credit hours
LGS 271 will also satisfy the diversity requirement.

Biological and Physical Sciences: 4 credits

One laboratory science course required. See General Education Biological and Physical Sciences Requirements for a list of approved courses.

Mathematics: 3 credits

MAT 100 - The Nature of Mathematics 3 credit hours
Or more advanced level if qualified. Due to a variety of transfer requirements at four-year schools, students should consult with an advisor or refer to the math department listed by their transfer school before choosing a math course.

Social and Behavioral Sciences: 3 credits

See General Education Social and Behavioral Sciences Requirements for a list of approved courses.

Additional General Education Requirements: 3 credits

Wellness Requirement 3 credit hours

See General Education Wellness Requirements for a list of approved courses.

Program Requirements: 38 credits

LGS 111 - Introduction to Paralegal Studies 3 credit hours
LGS 112 - Law Office Practice and Technology 3 credit hours
LGS 141 - Electronic Legal Research 1 credit hour
LGS 143 - Legal Research and Writing 1 3 credit hours
LGS 144 - Legal Research and Writing 2 3 credit hours
LGS 170 - Civil Procedure 3 credit hours
LGS 210 - Legal Ethics 3 credit hours
LGS 215 - Criminal Law 3 credit hours
LGS 253 - Business Law 1 3 credit hours
Choose one of the following:
LGS 160 - Domestic Relations 3 credit hours
OR
LGS 171 - Tort Law 3 credit hours
Electives (consult with an advisor and/or paralegal studies)  10 credit hours Students must have a minimum of 9 credits of legal specialty electives, which excludes the following courses: LGS 100, LGS 156, LGS 217, LGS 218, LGS 225, LGS 232, LGS 250, LGS 270 and LGS 271. Students may choose a one-credit general elective in order to achieve the 60 credits needed for graduation. See suggested electives below. Suggested electives are based on student interest in a particular area of law.

Suggested electives for each practice area:

Civil:

LGS 160  (if not used to satisfy a program requirement above)

LGS 171  (if not used to satisfy a program requirement above)

LGS 220

LGS 230

Criminal:

LGS 205

LGS 216

Domestic:

LGS 165

LGS 235

LGS 281

Transactional:

LGS 200

LGS 235

LGS 236

LGS 254

LGS 260

LGS 281

Diversity Requirement

Satisfied by LGS 271 .

Technology Requirement

Satisfied by LGS 112 .

Wellness Requirement

Unless they are in a degree that is exempt, all students in associate degree programs must satisfy the Wellness Requirement . In many cases, students may satisfy this requirement simultaneously as they satisfy a general education course requirement or with an elective.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Explain basic legal concepts, issues and terminology in subject matter areas that are essential to the practice of law.

2. Apply critical thinking skills to identify, analyze, and interpret legal and factual issues and effectively interface with clients and attorneys.

3. Demonstrate effective legal research, writing, and oral communication skills.

4. Apply general principles of ethical and professional responsibility to the role of paralegals and attorneys in the practice of law.

5. Apply practical legal skills and legal theory to assist attorneys in the practice of law.

This program aligns with all the college’s core competencies.

Related Offerings

Students may wish to also review requirements for the related majors or programs linked below.

Paralegal Studies - (certificate)

Career and Educational Advancement Resources

Career, Workforce Certifications, Education, and Transfer Resources