May 02, 2024  
2023-2024 Arapahoe Community College Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Arapahoe Community College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Paralegal AAS - Academic Plan


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Total Credits = 60

Paralegals play an important role in assisting attorneys to provide affordable legal services.


ACC’s American Bar Association – approved Paralegal Program provides a solid foundation of knowledge and practical experience to prepare students for this profession. While paralegals may not practice law, they work under the supervision of attorneys in private law firms or businesses, as well as in many government agencies. Tasks performed by paralegals include interviewing, investigation, research, preparing legal forms, assisting attorneys in court and other activities.


Please contact the Paralegal Program Chair or Coordinator if you have questions about the academic requirements.

Program Outcomes


  • Apply critical thinking and analysis skills to legal situations.
  • Exhibit basic legal knowledge by locating and analyzing local laws and legal processes.
  • Develop written research assignments that focus on communicating legal research and outcomes.
  • Exemplify entry-level career preparedness in a real-world employment setting.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of professional ethics.
     

Recommended Course Sequence (Full-Time)


Year 2 - Summer


Recommended Course Sequence (Part-Time)


Year 1 - Summer


Year 2 - Fall


Year 2 - Summer


Year 3 - Fall


Year 3 - Spring


Year 3 - Summer


Notes


  • *This course requires college level readiness as measured by Accuplacer, ACT, or SAT scores; approved high school course work that is less than five years old; or successful completion of appropriate college-readiness course.
  • AAA 1001  – College 101: Student Experience is required for all new college students seeking degrees or transfer.
  • Course availability is subject to change. Please consult the Paralegal Program for specific course planning information and official advising. Students should use DegreeCheck (available via myACC) to monitor progress toward completion.
  • In order to meet program requirements, students registered for ENG 1021  or ENG 1031  must also register for ENG 0094  unless they can demonstrate otherwise meeting the ENG 0094  standard through assessment testing, prior college coursework, or recent High School coursework. See an Advisor for details.
  • Recommended GT courses may be listed above for certain electives; consult with the Academic Advising Office (advising@arapahoe.edu or 303.797.5664) for additional elective recommendations.
  • Paralegal Electives: Select three (3) courses from the following, PAR 1117  Family Law, PAR 1126  Administrative Law, PAR 1127  Legal Ethics, PAR 2202  Evidence, PAR 2205  Criminal Law, PAR 2207  Current Issues in the Law, PAR 2208  Probate and Estates, PAR 2215  Alternative Dispute Resolution, PAR 2216  Employment Law, PAR 2217  Environmental Law, PAR 2218  Bankruptcy Law, PAR 2219  E-Discovery and Litigation Technology, PAR 2227  Immigration Law, PAR 2228  Intellectual Property. Paralegal electives are offered on a rotating basis. Not all Paralegal electives are offered every semester. The pre-requisites for all Paralegal electives are PAR 1110  Legal Analysis and PAR 1115  Introduction to Law.
  • The Paralegal Program at ACC is ABA-approved and Paralegal course content is demanding and rigorous. The program strongly encourages that students take no more than four paralegal classes per semester.
  • Students must apply for graduation; visit www.arapahoe.edu/graduation.
  • Information regarding median loan debt, completion and placement rates, occupations and tuition / fees may be found at www.arapahoe.edu/gainful.
  • Refer to 2023/2024 catalog for specific requirements and important information about this degree.

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