Paralegal Studies (Legal Assisting), A.S. Degree

Program Information

A.S. Degree - Code 206200 - Catalog 2021/2022

Nathan W. Kotas, J.D., Assistant Professor, 386-506-3511, Nathan.Kotas@daytonastate.edu

School of Business Admin., 386-506-4227

Program Mission, Description, and Outcomes

Mission:

The mission of the Paralegal Studies A.S. degree program is to provide students with a solid foundation in procedural and substantive areas of law which prepares students for employment in law firms, government agencies, and corporations through an innovative curriculum that emphasizes student success, promotes diversity, and provides the fundamental concepts, knowledge, and skills needed to excel in the legal field.

Description:

The Paralegal Studies program provides a solid foundation in procedural and substantive areas of law including research, drafting legal documents, interviewing clients and witnesses, investigative techniques, and managing law offices. Additionally, it prepares students to transfer to a four year program. It also provides eligible students with the necessary skills the students need to take the Certified Legal Assistant/Certified Paralegal Examination offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants. http://www.nala.org.

Graduates of this program are eligible to be enrolled in the Daytona State College, Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management program. Call (386) 506-4BAS or email BASinfo@daytonastate.edu for details.

Outcomes:

Graduates of the program will be able to:

  1. Communicate in a clear and effective manner.

  2. Apply ethical and professional standards of the paralegal profession.

  3. Utilize the law library and electronic legal research to create well-written legal documents.

  4. Apply knowledge of tort law, constitutional law, and criminal law concepts to analyze factual situations.

  5. Demonstrate knowledge of all phases of litigation practice and procedure.

  6. Examine real property law and its application to real property transactions.

  7. Analyze issues related to estate planning and probate administration concepts and their application probate procedures.

  8. Identify the fundamental principles of the law of business organizations.

  9. Explain contract law and the Uniform Commercial Code's impact on individuals and business entities.

  10. Demonstrate knowledge of entrepreneurship, management techniques and procedures.

  11. Apply knowledge of family law and procedures.

  12. Identify and demonstrate employability skills.

Financial Aid

This program is eligible for federal financial aid and state Bright Futures Scholarship Program.

Financing Options: All students are encouraged to apply for federal and state student financial assistance by completing their FAFSA at http://www.fafsa.gov. For more information on grants, loads and work programs available see the Office of Financial Aid webpage at http://www.daytonastate.edu/finaid. Students are also encouraged to apply for one of the may Daytona State College Foundation scholarships offered each semester. For more information see: http://daytonastate.edu/scholarships.

General Education Courses

General Education Core - 15 Credits

Communication (6 credits)

ENC1101Introduction to Composition

3

SPC2608Oral Communications/Research/Presentation Skills

3

Natural Sciences or Mathematics (3 credits)

Choose One Course

BSC1020Human Biology

3

BSC1005Survey of Biological Sciences (For Non-Science Majors)

3

MGF2106Survey in Mathematics

3

MGF2107Mathematics for Liberal Arts

3

MAC1105College Algebra

3

Social Sciences (3 credits)

GEB2430Ethics and Social Responsibility

3

Humanities (3 credits)

Choose One Course

ARH1000Art Appreciation

3

HUM2020Introduction to Humanities

3

LIT2000Literature and Culture

3

MUL1010Music Appreciation

3

PHI2010Introduction of Philosophy

3

THE1000Theatre Appreciation

3

Note: Prior to enrollment in college-level English or math courses, some students may be advised to complete college preparatory/developmental course work. See an Academic Advisor to determine developmental course requirements.

Program Specific Courses

Program specific courses require a "C" or better.

BUL2241Business Law I

3

BUL2242Business Law II

3

ISM2000Business Information Processing

3

 

OST1141Keyboarding

1

OR

OST2828Business Presentation Software

1

 

OST1435Legal Terminology

3

PLA1003Introduction to Paralegal

3

OST2431Legal Office Procedures

3

PLA1103Legal Writing and Research I

3

PLA1610Real Estate Law and Property

3

PLA1800Law of Domestic Relations

3

PLA2114Legal Writing and Research II

3

PLA2200Introduction to Litigation, Torts and Evidence

3

PLA2303Criminal Law and the Paralegal

3

PLA2460Bankruptcy Law

3

PLA2600Probate Administration

3

 

PLA2763Law Office Management

3

OR

PLA2949Cooperative Education Experience in Legal Assisting

1-4

 

PLA2880Constitutional Law

3

OST1141: Students with the ability to type at least 25wpm may take the APLE typing test to test out of OST1141 or have the option of taking OST2828.

Sample Program of Study

Year 1

1st Semester

BUL2241Business Law I

3

ENC1101Introduction to Composition

3

 

OST1141Keyboarding

1

OR

OST2828Business Presentation Software

1

 

OST1435Legal Terminology

3

PLA1003Introduction to Paralegal

3

OST1141: Students with the ability to type at least 25wpm may take the APLE typing test to test out of OST1141 or have the option of taking OST2828.

2nd Semester

PLA1103Legal Writing and Research I

3

PLA2460Bankruptcy Law

3

PLA2303Criminal Law and the Paralegal

3

Natural Sciences or Mathematics Core

3

BUL2242Business Law II

3

GEB2430Ethics and Social Responsibility

3

Summer Semester

ISM2000Business Information Processing

3

Year 2

1st Semester

SPC2608Oral Communications/Research/Presentation Skills

3

PLA2200Introduction to Litigation, Torts and Evidence

3

PLA1610Real Estate Law and Property

3

PLA2880Constitutional Law

3

PLA2114Legal Writing and Research II

3

2nd Semester

PLA1800Law of Domestic Relations

3

OST2431Legal Office Procedures

3

PLA2600Probate Administration

3

Humanities Core

3

 

PLA2763Law Office Management

3

OR

PLA2949Cooperative Education Experience in Legal Assisting

1-4

Note: Sequence of courses may vary. Check catalog course descriptions for requisite requirements.

Total Credit Hours: 64

Notes

It is recommended that the above sequence of courses be followed.

  1. Unlicensed Practice of Law (UPL) Statement: Paralegals cannot give legal advice, represent a client, or provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
  2. Most public service agencies and some law firms require the student to undergo a drug screening and a criminal background check prior to placement in legal departments. A student whose drug screening and criminal background check is deemed unsatisfactory may be denied an internship, a cooperative education experience and/or future employment for any of these organizations.