Florida Community College at Jacksonville

The Paralegal Studies (Legal Assisting) program of Florida Community College at Jacksonville is suitable for students seeking employment as paralegals in legal or criminal justice fields and also for employees who want to progress in their careers. In the state of Florida, a survey taken by local attorneys suggest the need for trained paraprofessional specialist; Florida Community college provides programs to meet these needs.

Students can feel comfortable knowing that their teachers are practicing attorneys or other legal professionals. An advisory committee, consisting of attorneys and other professionals, holds meetings on a regular basis in order to put forward suggestions and recommendations for the program. The program concludes with a professional internship (PLA 1943 Internship). Completion of all other professional core courses is required before beginning the internship program. While classroom studies prepare students with knowledge, this paralegal program requires that they work a minimum of 120 hours in a law or law related office, gaining hands-on experience. In addition, students will receive final preparation for paraprofessional practice and will meet to share work experiences.

A note to all students wishing to pursue a baccalaureate degree: they need to consult the program director.

The ultimate responsibility for fulfilling graduation requirements stated in the Degree Audit Report rests upon the student.

The director of the program must approve the Legal Specialty Courses transfers from other institutions.

Educational Goals of the Legal Assisting Program

An associate in science degree trains graduates to aid attorneys as legal assistants in administrative agencies, insurance companies, private law firms, state agencies, corporations, government, and other legal environments. The program's curriculum is meant to give students the knowledge and abilities they need to work as a legal assistant, including the following:

• ethical requirements
• how to do legal research and analysis
• preparing legal documents
• practice and procedure of litigating
• transacting in real estate
• family law
• administrative law
• tort law
• criminal law
• probate law and practice

Civil & Criminal Matters are given greater emphasis during the student's training.

Accreditation

The American Bar Association approves this program.