Paralegal AAS

This program combines an understanding of legal principles, legal analysis, and ethical considerations with practical applications. Courses lead to an American Bar Association (ABA) approved Paralegal Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree or Paralegal Certificate. All Paralegal students should consult with a Pathways Advisor. Students who want to earn a bachelor’s degree after completing their Paralegal AAS degree should contact an academic advisor at their 4-year institution.

Students must take at least nine (9) semester credit hours of required Paralegal legal specialty courses through in-class or remote synchronous instruction.

The Paralegal Program’s primary goal is to provide high-quality and meaningful education so that graduates enter the workforce prepared to perform their jobs ethically, effectively, and professionally.

The Program’s objectives are to:

1. provide students with knowledge of the paralegal’s role in delivering quality legal services;
2. educate students about the paralegal’s ethical obligations in a professional legal setting;
3. provide students with the necessary practical skills, including legal research, legal drafting, critical thinking, communication, and organization, to perform the job of a paralegal;
4. instruct students on the importance of working well for and with others in the job setting; and
5. introduce students to advanced technology applications used in the legal field and instruct them in their operation.

The CCA Paralegal Program has been ABA-approved since 1998.

A paralegal performs substantive legal work assigned by and supervised by a licensed attorney. The attorney is responsible for the paralegal’s work. Paralegals may not engage in the unauthorized practice of law.