Office Administration Technology
LEGAL ASSISTANT (Paralegal)

The legal assistant option is designed to provide students with the skills to successfully pursue a career in a profession that is in great demand nationwide.
A legal internship provides work experience to supplement classroom knowledge and applications. Diversified employment opportunities are available in federal, state and local government agencies, law firms, the court system, banks, insurance companies, private business and corporations.
Students have the option of receiving a certificate in specialized classes or an associate degree, which would provide a foundation for continuation of higher education through articulation with baccalaureate degree programs.

PROGRAM FACTS

• Employment rate of 98%

• Legal specialty courses taught by attorneys and practicing paralegals

• Flexibility in choosing electives to fit your employment goals

• Electives include Office Software Specialist courses to provide certification of computer skills

• Day, evening and online courses

What You'll Learn...

• Structure and organization of the American legal system
• Basic principles of law and legal research
• Ethical duties and responsibilities of a legal assistant
• Office procedures, management and organizational skills
• Computer software skills with specialized legal applications
• Excellent preparation for a diversified range of legal occupations

What You'll Earn...

• Competitive salary opportunities
• Hands-on experience in a professional atmosphere
• Opportunity to gain work experience as an intern while earning college credit
• Strong background for entry-level positions

Career Opportunities...

• Legal assistant/paralegal •Legal office manager • Legal office assistant
• Administrative assistant •Legal transcriptionist •Legal records clerk

REQUIRED TECHNICAL COURSES

OAT 121 Keyboarding
OAT 131 Office Systems & Procedures
OAT 170 Introduction to the Legal System
OAT 280 Legal Research & Writing

LEGAL ELECTIVES

OAT 160 Family Law
OAT 172 Law of Simple Contracts
OAT 173 Civil Procedures & Torts
OAT 175 Estate Administration & Probate
OAT 270 Criminal Law & Investigative Procedures
OAT 271 Real Property Law
OAT 276 Corporations & Commercial Law
OAT 285 Law Office Management & Procedures
OAT 290 Intern Program

ELECTIVES

Microsoft software applications courses, Spanish, or other specialty courses with advisor’s approval

REQUIRED SUPPORT COURSES

ACC 101 Accounting I
ECO 111 Macroeconomics
ENG 121 Composition
ENG 122 Technical Writing & Communication
or
ENG 160 Business Communications
MAT 150 Business Mathematics
PSY 121 General Psychology
RDG 120 Critical Reading & Thinking