Paralegal/Legal Assistant - Associate of Applied Science Degree

This degree is designed for individuals who are seeking a career in the legal profession as a legal assistant/paralegal. Paralegals work under the supervision of an attorney and their work includes preparing legal documents, researching and compiling information, and communicating with clients. Paralegals are not authorized to practice law under any circumstances. Excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as computer literacy skills, are important to the paralegal. This program allows for technical training in the paralegal field and to work effectively with computers and legal research.

Courses in this program are offered online and in the classroom. Classroom courses are offered at both the Westminster and Larimer campuses. Classes are offered Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. Students must be computer literate and knowledgeable about the internet.

In addition, the program provides the opportunity for students and current paralegals who wish to upgrade existing job skills or those who are seeking a career change.

Requirements

Assessment testing is required for all students. Students who place into ENG 121 or above and MAT 050 or above may begin this program of study. Students scoring below this level should consult with a Faculty Member before registering for courses in this program of study.

All courses in the degree and certificates must be completed with a “C” or better to graduate.

Required Courses

PAR115	Introduction to Law	3
PAR116	Torts	3
PAR118	Contracts	3
PAR125	Property Law	3
PAR127	Legal Ethics	3
PAR201	Civil Litigation	3
PAR206	Business Organizations	3
PAR211	Legal Research	3
PAR212	Legal Writing	3
PAR219	E-Discovery and Litigation Technology	3

PAR289	Capstone	3
	or
PAR280	Internship	3
	or
PAR287	Cooperative Education	3
Total Credit Hours:		33

Electives

Select any three PAR courses (9 credits) not listed above and found in this catalog. Available courses are listed below:

PAR117	Family Law	3
PAR126	Administrative Law	3
PAR202	Evidence	3
PAR205	Criminal Law	3
PAR208	Probate and Estates	3
PAR209	Constitutional Law	3
PAR215	Alternative Dispute Resolution	3
PAR216	Employment Law	3
PAR217	Environmental Law	3
PAR218	Bankruptcy Law	3
PAR227	Immigration Law	3
PAR228	Intellectual Property	3
Total Credit Hours:		9

General Education Courses

Communication

Select one course (3 credits) from below:

COM115	Public Speaking	3
COM125	Interpersonal Communication	3
COM220	Intercultural Communication	3
Total Credit Hours:		3

English

Select two courses (6 credits) from below:

ENG121	English Composition I	3
ENG122	English Composition II	3
Total Credit Hours:		6

Mathematics

MAT107	Career Mathematics	3
	or higher
Total Credit Hours:		3

Note: MAT 107 students desiring professional advancement in this field through transfer should consider taking a gtPathway Mathematics course (MA-1) to satisfy general education requirements in mathematics for intended transferring institutions.

Social and Behavioral Sciences

POS111	American Government	3
Total Credit Hours:		3

gtPathway Elective

Select one course (3 credits) of gtPathway coursework.

Total Credit Hours:

Note: Students desiring professional advancement in this field through transfer should consider taking gtPathway coursework in the following areas: Arts & Humanities (GT-AH); Social & Behavioral Sciences (GT-SS2 or GT-SS3); History (GT-HI1) or Natural & Physical Sciences (GT-SC1 or GT-SC2).

Required General Education Courses