Phoenix College

Degree/Code		Description
AAS-3384		Associate in Applied Science (Career Program Specified)-Paralegal The Paralegal Studies Program prepares students for entry-level employment in law offices. A paralegal is qualified by education, training, or work experience to work for a law office, corporation, governmental agency, or other entity, performing specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible. Paralegals are also referred to as Legal Assistants in some legal settings. The curriculum provides students with practical legal skills enabling them to draft legal documents with minimum supervision. Students also are familiarized with fundamental concepts of substantive areas such as torts and business law. In addition, emphasis is placed on the development of effective written and oral communication skills, team work, critical thinking skills, computer proficiency, and legal research techniques. Legal theory and related practical applications are integrated throughout the program. Students also learn how to manage practical ethical dilemmas commonly encountered as working paralegals, including learning how to avoid the unauthorized practice of law by non-lawyers. Those students with no prior law-related experience are strongly encouraged to participate in the internship program to enhance their chances of securing employment upon graduation. Students enrolled in the Paralegal Studies Program may earn a Certificate of Completion (CCL) or an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. A Verification of Eligibility form is required to be officially accepted to the program. The Paralegal Studies Program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) (321 North Clark Street , Chicago, Illinois 60610).