The Legal Assistant, sometimes called a “paralegal,” provides a variety of invaluable services in private law firms, banks, insurance companies, corporations, governmental agencies, and offices. Job duties often include conducting legal research, writing correspondence, drafting legal documents, and managing a law office. Legal assistants may also investigate cases, interview clients and witnesses, and generally aid attorneys in preparing for trials and hearings.
BCCC offers an AAS degree program as well as a certificate course of study. The AAS degree may be earned in one of three legal disciplines: Business, Litigation, or General Law. Some legal assistants advance their education beyond the associate or bachelor’s degree by entering law school.
In the first-level courses, students study principles of law, legal research, writing, ethics, and office procedures. At the advanced level, students take specialty courses such as litigation, criminal procedure, real estate, business organization, and family law. Further specialization is available in courses such as estates and trusts, communications law, and environmental law. To gain experience, students are required to complete a minimum of 90 hours of work under the supervision of an attorney.
Students must complete the following courses with a grade of “B” or better to continue in the program: ENG 101 (or its equivalent) and PLA 101 and/or with the permission of the Coordinator.
