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

PAR 115	Introduction to Law	3
PAR 116	Torts	3
PAR 118	Contracts	3
PAR 125	Property Law	3
PAR 127	Legal Ethics	3
PAR 201	Civil Litigation	3
PAR 206	Business Organizations	3
PAR 211	Legal Research	3
PAR 212	Legal Writing	3
PAR 219	E-Discovery and Litigation Technology	3

PAR 289	Capstone	3
	or
PAR 280	Internship	3
	or
PAR 287	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:

PAR 117	Family Law	3
PAR 126	Administrative Law	3
PAR 202	Evidence	3
PAR 205	Criminal Law	3
PAR 208	Probate and Estates	3
PAR 209	Constitutional Law	3
PAR 215	Alternative Dispute Resolution	3
PAR 216	Employment Law	3
PAR 217	Environmental Law	3
PAR 218	Bankruptcy Law	3
PAR 227	Immigration Law	3
PAR 228	Intellectual Property	3
Total Credit Hours:		9

General Education Courses

Communication

Select one course (3 credits) from below:

COM 115	Public Speaking	3
COM 125	Interpersonal Communication	3
COM 220	Intercultural Communication	3
Total Credit Hours:		3

English

Select two courses (6 credits) from below:

ENG 121	English Composition I	3
ENG 122	English Composition II	3
Total Credit Hours:		6

Mathematics

MAT 107	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

POS 111	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