Paralegal Studies (Legal Assisting), Associate in Science

The goal of this program is to educate, train and prepare students for a paralegal career. Our curriculum is carefully developed and emphasizes practical skills and knowledge in both substantive and procedural law that is designed to enhance the student's ability to succeed in the legal profession. During the semester-long internship, students will bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world legal experience while gaining work-related references and networking opportunities to enhance marketability as a legal professional.

Paralegals work under the supervision of a licensed attorney. Paralegal duties may include legal research; drafting of memoranda, legal forms, and correspondence; client interviews, case investigation and witness interviews; case and practice management; as well as participation in trials. Paralegals work in traditional private law firms, agencies of the state and national government, offices for criminal prosecution and criminal defense, and the legal departments of corporations involved in banking, insurance, real estate, and technology.

Paralegal Studies courses are offered in the day and evening on the Melbourne campus. Admission to the Paralegal Studies program is limited. 

The Paralegal Studies program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). Graduates of this program are eligible to become certified through successful completion of the certification examination from the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).

*Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law. Florida prohibits the practice of law by non-lawyers.

Visit the program page for more details and how to apply or call 321-433-5494, prior to registering for courses.

Program Requirements 

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
General Education Courses
ENC 1101	Composition 1	3
ENC 1102	Composition 2	3
POS 2041	American National Government	3
Humanities Core Requirement		3
Mathematics Core Requirement		3
Natural Science Core Requirement		3
Major Courses
PLA 1003	Introduction to the Paralegal Field and Legal System	3
PLA 1104	Legal Research	3
PLA 1114	Legal Writing	3
PLA 1611	Property Law	3
PLA 2203	Civil Procedure	3
PLA 2260	Evidence	3
PLA 2308	Criminal Procedure	3
PLA 2762	Law Office Procedures	3
PLA 2763	Law Office Management	3
PLA 2940	Paralegal Internship	4
Specialization
Select one specialization from below:		9
General Specialization
Litigation Specialization
Transactional Specialization
Support Courses
Select two of the following:		6
CGS 2100	Microcomputer Applications
MAT 1033	Intermediate Algebra
SPC 2608	Fundamentals of Speech Communication
Total Credit Hours		64

Notes:

• A grade of "C" or higher is necessary in each major course for progression and graduation. Only courses/credits with a grade of "C" or higher may be accepted for transfer (additional requirements may apply).
• Students are required to take a minimum of 10 credit hours of legal specialty courses in traditional format.
• At least 25% of the total credits for the degree must be earned at EFSC of which a minimum of 12 credit hours must be Paralegal Studies major courses.
• Not all courses are offered every semester and are subject to instructor availability. Courses may be cancelled by the college at any time.
• PLA courses have pre-requisites or co-requisites. PLA 2940 Paralegal Internship can only be taken the last full semester prior to graduation from Paralegal Studies Program.
• The following courses are open to any student on a space-available basis: PLA 1003 Introduction to the Paralegal Field and Legal System, PLA 2308 Criminal Procedure, and PLA 2800 Family Law.

Learning Outcomes: Paralegal Studies A.S.

1. Comprehend the differences in how state and federal laws are applied in the judicial branch
   • Core Ability Supported: Communicate Effectively
2. Analyze a court opinion, including all the key facts, issues, and rules of the case, and the conclusion of the court
   • Core Ability Supported: Process Information
3. Demonstrate professional behavior consistent with employer expectations for paralegal
   • Core Ability Supported: Model Ethic & Civil Responsibility
4. Assess management of the client funds trust accounts
   •  Core Ability Supported: Process Information
5. Analyze Federal Rules of Evidence and Florida Rules of Evidence
   • Core Ability Supported: Think Critically & Solve Problems
6. Compose pretrial motion using hypothetical fact pattern
   • Core Ability Supported: Process Information
7. Write a responsive pleading
   • Core Ability Supported: Communicate Effectively
8. Ability to complete an eviction from start to finish
   • Core Ability Supported: Think Critically and Solve Problems