Paralegal Studies
Paralegal Studies Program at Fisher College
The Associate of Science Degree in Paralegal Studies is perfect for students who wish to pursue administrative work in the field of law. Paralegals, also referred to as legal assistants, assume a large range of responsibilities in legal offices. They help lawyers prepare for closings, hearings, trials and corporate meetings. Paralegals conduct legal research and prepare legal documents. The Fisher College Associate of Science degree in Paralegal Studies provides a broad introduction to the American legal system, an in depth knowledge of law office administrative practices and the technical skills and abilities needed to provide legal support. This program provides immediate and marketable skills for employment. The program is also designed to provide a foundation knowledge of law for students who may wish to further pursue their education in this area.
General education requirements in public speaking, writing and computer applications compliment the legal training to provide the necessary skills for professional employment as a paralegal.
| First Year | Credit hours | |
|---|---|---|
| CS101 | Computer Concepts and Applications | 3 |
| EN101 | English I | 3 |
| EN102 | English II | 3 |
| GV105 | The American Legal System | 3 |
| LA107 | Criminal Law | 3 |
| LA204 | Business Law | 3 |
| MA106 | Elementary Algebra* | 3 |
| PS101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| Math/Science Elective | 3/4 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 30/31 | |
| Second Year | Credit hours | |
| BU103 | Business Communication w/PowerPoint® | 3 |
| CM105 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| CS108 | Advanced Computer Applications | 3 |
| EC101 | Macroeconomics | 3 |
| LA190 | Paralegal Internship | 3 |
| LA203 | Law Office Management | 3 |
| LA205 | Legal Research and Writing | 3 |
| LA207 | Litigation for Paralegals | 3 |
| Humanities Elective | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 31 | |
| * A higher level of math (MA107, MA109, MA110 or MA121) may be substituted. Note: This program formerly known as Legal Studies Minimum credits required for graduation--60. |
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Graduate Competencies
Potential Careers and Earnings
Paralegals (also referred to as legal assistants) are employed primarily in private law practices. In fact, 7 out of 10 paralegals work for law firms. Other employment options exist in the legal departments in government agencies as well as private corporations.
Employment is expected to grow much faster than average as employers begin to use paralegals for more tasks previously completed by lawyers. The work of a paralegal will continue to grow in challenge and complexity as this trend continues.
The most common education background for a paralegal is an Associate degree program such as ours.
Paralegal and legal assistant employment is expected to grow in the period of 2006-2016 by 22%.
Some related fields that do not require a law degree include law clerks, title examiners, abstractors, claims adjusters, appraisers and examiners.
Wages
As of May 2006, the national average for paralegals and legal assistants was $43,040.
In Massachusetts the average salary as of May 2007 was $51,120.
*Bureau of Labor Statistics