Legal Studies
Associate of Science
Certificate
School: Business and Professional Studies
Dean: Dr. George Repic, george.repic@sunyrockland.edu
Program Director: Patricia Szobonya, patricia.szobonya@sunyrockland.edu
Support Staff: TBD
Location: Academic II, Room 2314, Phone: 845-574-4731
Degrees Offered:
Program Description:
The program, which is approved by the American Bar Association, provides a dynamic and academically challenging course of study. Students will develop a critical understanding of the law in preparation for a career in the legal profession.
Only students who have completed an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree or higher are eligible to enroll in the Certificate program.
Program Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate up-to-date skills in law office technology, including using practice specific applications, electronic filing, and appropriate word-processing software
- Apply principles of computerized and manual legal researching, and master the skills of legal writing
- Produce various legal documents, such as motions, discovery papers, pleadings, forms as well as practice specific documents
- Identify and use the principles of legal ethics and professional responsibility
- Demonstrate knowledge of their profession, with insight as to the ever-changing role of the paralegal, licensing and certification issues, employment trends and options, paralegal networking organizations and professional development
- Apply substantive knowledge of the law and analysis in the following areas: the court systems, jurisdiction, civil and criminal procedure, contracts, torts, wills and estates, real estate, family and matrimonial law
- Employ effective people skills to promote positive client relationships, conduct client and witness interviews, and network within the paralegal community