Paralegal Studies
What Paralegals and Legal Assistants Do
Paralegals and legal assistants perform a variety of tasks to support lawyers.
Paralegals and legal assistants are found in all types of organizations, but most work for law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies. They usually work full time, and some may have to work more than 40 hours a week to meet deadlines.
Training Programs at SLCC
64 Credits
This program is designed for those considering employment as a paralegal, who wish to update their professional development, or for those already in the field. A paralegal is a person qualified through education, training and work experience, who under direction and supervision of an attorney performs delegated legal work for the attorney or law firm, which the attorney otherwise would perform. Although a paralegal is not licensed to practice law, he or she completes tasks traditionally performed by an attorney, with the exceptions of giving legal advice, independently representing clients, and any other unauthorized practice of law. The Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies has been reviewed and approved by the American Bar Association. General Education requirements and elective courses provide training in effective oral and written communication, and human relation skills. Various courses are taught using group and team activities in the learning process to develop the student’s interactive skills and to build human values and ethics.