Paralegal ATC

Paralegal ATC Overview (4570)

Type of Award

ATC - Advanced Technical Certificate

Program Website

www.palmbeachstate.edu/career-pathways/pathway-business.aspx

Program Description

The Paralegal Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC) is designed for students who have a bachelor's degree and are seeking further education in the field of paralegal studies. This program certificate renders the student eligible to obtain professional certification from the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) through the Certified Paralegal (CP) examination.

Course content includes legal concepts, legal writing and research, court systems, and business law. Course work prepares the student for employment as a paralegal in law-related occupations, including public and private law practice and/or corporate or government law-related activities.

Program Learning Outcomes

For detailed information, visit www.palmbeachstate.edu/learningoutcomes/Program-Learning-Outcomes

Admission Requirements

Completion Requirements

Students must successfully complete all courses and earn 24 credits as listed in the catalog for this program.

Program Length

The program can be finished in one year if students attend full-time.

Location

The program is offered at the Lake Worth and Palm Beach Gardens campuses.

For More Information

Professor Jeffery Van Treese ll, Department Chair, vantrej@palmbeachstate.edu, (561) 207-5150

Paralegal Studies Academic Advisor, (561) 207-5340

Employment Opportunities

This certificate will qualify a student to sit for the National Association of Legal Assistants national exam to become a Certified Paralegal (CP). Upon qualifying, all Paralegal students are encouraged to take this exam.

Career Path Notes

Career Center

www.palmbeachstate.edu/Career

For more information about employment opportunities, including job outlook and salary information, visit: Occupational Outlook Handbook: www.bls.gov/ooh

O-Net Online: www.onetonline.org

Required courses:

Required Courses (Credits: 21)

ENC1101English Composition 1 (AA)

3 Credits

PLA1003Introduction to Paralegalism (AS)

3 Credits

PLA2229Court System: Procedures and Pleadings 2 (AS)

3 Credits

PLA1104Legal Writing and Research 1 (AS)

3 Credits

PLA2114Legal Writing and Research 2 (AS)

3 Credits

PLA2209Court System: Procedures and Pleadings 1 (AS)

3 Credits

BUL2241Business Law 1 (AA)

3 Credits

Or

BUL2242Business Law 2 (AA)

3 Credits

Elective: (Credits: 3)

Any course with PLA prefix not otherwise used for program completion

3 credits

Total Credit Hours: 24

Course Sequence

Term One - Fall (Year One) (Credits: 12)

ENC1101English Composition 1 (AA)

3 Credits

PLA1003Introduction to Paralegalism (AS)

3 Credits

PLA1104Legal Writing and Research 1 (AS)

3 Credits

PLA2209Court System: Procedures and Pleadings 1 (AS)

3 Credits

Term Two - Spring (Year One) (Credits: 9)

PLA2114Legal Writing and Research 2 (AS)

3 Credits

PLA2229Court System: Procedures and Pleadings 2 (AS)

3 Credits

Any course with PLA prefix not otherwise used for program completion

3 credits

Term Three - Summer (Year One) (Credits: 3)

BUL2241Business Law 1 (AA)

3 Credits

Or

BUL2242Business Law 2 (AA)

3 Credits

Total Credit Hours: 24