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

Program Information

A.S. Degree - Code 206200 - Catalog 2023/2024

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

School of Business Administration, 386-506-3086

Program Mission, Description, and Outcomes

Mission:

The mission of the Paralegal Studies A.S. degree program is to create an innovative, inclusive, and industry-relevant learning environment that promotes excellence in the legal profession by preparing students for the professionalism, ethics, and competencies required for a law-related career.

Description:

The Associate of Science Paralegal Studies degree program at Daytona State College is designed to deliver the education, training, and work experience opportunities that prepare students for a paralegal career1. The program also provides a solid foundation in the law and legal system for students seeking advanced degrees, including law school, where this knowledge would be advantageous.

Students experience an innovative Florida-focused curriculum taught by licensed attorneys that blend legal knowledge with practical legal skills. Courses are carefully designed with input from the program’s advisory committee (whose members include Florida attorneys, judges, and paralegals) to ensure that students are acquiring industry-relevant knowledge and skills.

Students are eligible for the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) Certified Paralegal (CP) knowledge exam during their last semester and graduates who earn the NALA, CP certification are eligible to become a Florida Registered Paralegal (FRP).

The program is an institutional member of the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) which is the nation’s largest continuously operating organization dedicated to promoting quality paralegal and legal studies education.

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 effectively and professionally with lawyers, clients, witnesses, coworkers, court personnel, and other professionals.

  2. Perform substantive legal work as a paralegal in all phases of litigation including case/document management, drafting, discovery, calendaring/scheduling, and trial preparation.

  3. Perform substantive legal work as a paralegal in the areas of family law, estate planning & administration, and real property including reviewing, drafting, and editing transactional documents.

  4. Integrate knowledge of substantive and procedural laws across multiple domains by identifying and analyzing legal issues.

  5. Develop and execute legal research plans and write objective or persuasive legal documents based upon the results.

  6. Apply and adapt law office management best-practices and optimize workflow using legal technology.

  7. Explain and apply the NALA Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and other standards of legal ethics that govern the legal profession.

     

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 the FAFSA at studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. For more information on grant, loans, and work program available please see the Office of Financial Aid webpage at daytonastate.edu/financial-aid/. Students are also encouraged to apply for one of the many Daytona State College Foundation scholarships offered each semester. For more information see: daytonastate.edu/scholarships/.

Note: It’s never too early to prepare for your career! Login to your Daytona State Career Services Student Job Board and create your personal account to submit your resume for review and search for jobs, and practice your interview skills with Big Interview. For questions, please email Career Services to connect with a Career Advisor.

General Education Courses

General Education Core - 21 Credits

Communication Core (9 credits)

ENC1101Introduction to Composition

3

ENC1102Writing with Research

3

SPC2608Oral Communications/Research/Presentation Skills

3

 

Mathematics Core (3 credits)

Choose One Course

MGF2106Survey in Mathematics

3

MGF2107Mathematics for Liberal Arts

3

MAC1105College Algebra

3

 

Natural Sciences Core (3 credits)

Choose One Course

AST1002Astronomy

3

BSC1005Survey of Biological Sciences (For Non-Science Majors)

3

CHM1020Chemistry in Society

3

EVR2001Introduction to Environmental Science

3

PHY1020Energy and its Environmental Effects

3

 

Humanities Core (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

 

Social Sciences Core (3 credits)

Choose One Course

AMH2020United States History 1865 to Present

3

POS2041American Federal Government

3

AMH2020, POS2041: These courses satisfy the Civic Literacy Competency graduation requirement.

 

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

OST2828Business Presentation Software

1

PLA1003Introduction to Paralegal Studies

3

PLA1104Legal Research and Writing I

3

PLA2610Real Property Law and Transactions

3

PLA2800Family Law

3

PLA2114Legal Research and Writing II

3

PLA2201Civil Litigation

3

PLA2303Criminal Law and Procedure

3

PLA2600Wills, Trusts, and Estate Administration

3

PLA2763Law Office Management and Technology

3

PLA2880Constitutional Law

3

 

PLA2949Cooperative Education Experience in Legal Assisting

1-4

OR

PLA2460Bankruptcy Law

3

PLA2949: This course is a variable credit course (1-4 credits).  The academic department has approved it for 3 credits in this program.

 

Sample Program of Study

Year 1

1st Semester

BUL2241Business Law I

3

ENC1101Introduction to Composition

3

PLA1003Introduction to Paralegal Studies

3

Mathematics Core

3

Social Sciences Core - Civic Literacy (AMH2020 or POS2041)

3

 

2nd Semester

PLA1104Legal Research and Writing I

3

PLA2303Criminal Law and Procedure

3

Natural Sciences Core

3

BUL2242Business Law II

3

ENC1102Writing with Research

3

OST2828Business Presentation Software

1

 

Summer Semester

ISM2000Business Information Processing

3

 

Year 2

1st Semester

SPC2608Oral Communications/Research/Presentation Skills

3

PLA2201Civil Litigation

3

PLA2610Real Property Law and Transactions

3

PLA2880Constitutional Law

3

PLA2114Legal Research and Writing II

3

 

2nd Semester

PLA2800Family Law

3

PLA2600Wills, Trusts, and Estate Administration

3

Humanities Core

3

PLA2763Law Office Management and Technology

3

 

PLA2949Cooperative Education Experience in Legal Assisting

1-4

OR

PLA2460Bankruptcy Law

3

PLA2949: This course is a variable credit course (1-4 credits).  The academic department has approved it for 3 credits in this program.

 

Note: Sequence of courses may vary but not all courses are offered every semester. Check catalog course descriptions for requisite requirements and offering semesters.

 

Total Credit Hours: 64

Notes

  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.