Paralegal Studies Degrees and Programs

A.S. Degree

Seminole State's Associate in Science, Legal Assistant/Paralegal degree is an American Bar Association (ABA)-approved program designed to prepare qualified persons to work under the supervision of attorneys. 

• A.S. Legal Assistant/Paralegal

Our goal is to help students play essential roles as valuable members of legal teams in various settings including law firms, courts, corporations, financial institutions, non-profit organizations and various government offices. Students receive academic instruction in a variety of legal areas and hands-on applications in a technology-enhanced environment. A variety of educational experiences that promote critical thinking and the development of specialized skills and professional ethical behavior are integrated throughout the curriculum. This diverse educational foundation prepares our graduates to meet the current and future requirements of the legal community we serve.

The required internship program provides students the opportunity to gain actual work experience in a legal setting. Students are encouraged to sit for one of the national certification exams, and are aided in their preparation through the curriculum, training, and experiences offered by the program. Specific courses may provide transfer opportunities to four-year institutions.

As a paralegal/legal assistant, you will work under the supervision of an attorney:

• Assisting with trials, hearings and depositions
• Drafting motions, proposed orders and judgments
• Conducting legal research
• Attending client meetings, hearings, depositions and trials
• Drafting pleadings and memoranda
• Interviewing clients and witnesses
• Preparing trial notebooks and exhibits
• Drafting Contracts

Course Descriptions & Supplements

Program Goals

This American Bar Association (ABA) approved program is designed to prepare qualified persons to work under the supervision of attorneys. Our goal is to help students play essential roles as valuable members of legal teams in various settings including law firms, courts, corporations, financial institutions, non-profit organizations, and various government offices. Students receive academic instruction in a variety of legal areas and hands-on applications in a technology-enhanced environment. A variety of educational experiences which promote critical thinking and the development of specialized skills and professional ethical behavior are integrated throughout the curriculum. This diverse educational foundation prepares our graduates to meet the current and future requirements of the legal community we serve.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will develop the following student learning outcomes throughout the coursework: 

• Students will be able to conduct basic legal research and analysis, including: identifying and applying key facts, identifying and describing the legal issue/issues of a case, finding the law that applies to a client’s problem, and determining how the law applies to a problem. 
• Students will learn to draft legal documents by organizing legal research and analysis and applying writing skills.
• Students will demonstrate basic knowledge of the Florida E-Filing Portal.
• Students will be able to explain and demonstrate interpersonal skills when interacting with clients, fellow employees, members of the legal community, and the public.
• Students will demonstrate an understanding of ethical rules as applied to various situations typically encountered by a paralegal.
• Students will demonstrate basic proficiency with various software and technology programs commonly used in law offices.
• Students will learn how to identify and apply relevant procedural and substantive rules to competently draft various legal documents. 

Note: Paralegals  may not provide legal services directly to the public except as provided by law.