Paralegal Studies, A.A.S.

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This program is structured to provide a fundamental knowledge of the law while training the student for practical application of the legal concepts learned. The program of study is career-oriented and is not designed specifically for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution or attend law school.

The objectives of this program are to:

Seek entry-level positions in law offices, governmental entities (courts, regulatory agencies, and law enforcement agencies, etc.), businesses and non-profit organizations.
Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of legal issues related to litigation, family law, criminal law, contracts, business entities, wills and probate, real estate transactions, and legal research and writing.
Assist attorneys in the preparation of a wide variety of legal documents using word processing software while assisting with office management.

First Year

Fall Semester

COLL 101 - Foundations for Success Credits: 3
ENGL 101 - English Composition I Credits: 3
LEGA 100 - Intro. to the American Legal Sys Credits: 3 (FA & SP)
LEGA 105 - Legal Research & Writing I Credits: 3 (FA)

Total Semester Hours: 12

Winter Session

Spring Semester

ENGL 102 - English Composition II Credits: 3
LEGA 103 - New Jersey Practice Credits: 3 (SP)
COMS 110 - Computer Concepts & Applications Credits: 3
LEGA 210 - Legal Research and Writing II Credits: 3 (SP)
BUSA 205 - Business Law I Credits: 3 (FA, SP & SU)

Total Semester Hours: 15

Summer Session

LEGA 115 - Real Estate Transactions Credits: 3 (SU)
BUSA 206 - Business Law II Credits: 3 (SU)

Total Semester Hours: 6

Second Year

Fall Semester

PSYC 101 - Introduction to Psychology Credits: 3
LEGA 110 - Estates and Trusts Credits: 3 (FA)
LEGA 120 - Family Law Credits: 3 (FA)
GHMN 000 - Humanities Gen Ed Requirement Credits: 3
LEGA 106 - Civil Litigation Credits: 3 (FA)

Total Semester Hours: 15

Winter Session

Spring Semester

ENGL 201 - Effective Speaking Credits: 3
LEGA 281 - Paralegal Internship Credits: 3 (FA, SP & SU)
PALG 000 - Program Elective Credits: 3
MASC 000 - Math/Science Gen Ed Requirement Credits: 3

Total Semester Hours: 12

Summer Session

Total Program Hours: 60

Math, Science, Humanities & Social Science General Education Courses

Choose from the list of approved courses in the College catalogue.

Program Electives (Recommended)

Recommended courses listed below but student can also choose from any LEGA course designation.

LEGA 215 - Bankruptcy Credits: 3
LEGA 217 - Worker’s Compensation Credits: 3
LEGA 218 - Torts Credits: 3
LEGA 230 - Elder Law Credits: 3
LEGA 250 - Spec. Topics in Paralegal Studies Credits: 4

Developmental Courses

Students may need to first take some developmental courses that are designed to prepare students for the college-level coursework in their academic plan. This may add to the students’ completion time. The number of credits students take each semester will determine when the student will complete his/her program of study.