a table with a computer and legal books.

Paralegal

Program Type: Associate In Applied Science

Program Level: UG

Program Duration: 23 months

Program Contact: Tracy Evans

Credit Requirement: 69

Time: Day

Program overview

Paralegals are found in all types of organizations, but most are employed by law firms, corporate legal departments, and various government offices. In these organizations, they can work in many different areas of the law, including litigation, personal injury, corporate law, criminal law, employee benefits, intellectual property, labor law, bankruptcy, immigration, family law, and real estate. According to the US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (2017), the median income is approximately $48,810 including bonuses. The projected growth for job opportunities is projected to increase 21-35% through 2024.

Courses Required

Semester 1

English Composition I

Course Code: ENG-101

This is a (College Transfer) course in which the following topics are presented: A study of composition in conjunction with appropriate literary selections, with frequent theme assignments to reinforce effective writing. A review of standard usage and the basic techniques of research are also presented.


Legal Bibliography

Course Code: LEG-132

This course is a study of the methods of legal research, proper citation of authority, use of legal treatises, texts, reporters, and digests.


Introduction to Law and Ethics

Course Code: LEG-135

This course provides a general introduction to law, including courts, legal terminology, procedures, systems, and laws of society. Emphasis is on ethics and the role of the paralegal in the legal system.


Constitutional Law

Course Code: LEG-222

This course provides a study of the United States and South Carolina constitutions and the foundation of the American legal system.


General Psychology

Course Code: PSY-201

This course includes the following topics and concepts in the science of behavior: scientific method, biological bases for behavior, perception, motivation, learning memory, development, personality, abnormal behavior, therapeutic techniques, and social psychology.


Semester 2

Microcomputer Applications

Course Code: CPT-170

This course introduces microcomputer applications software, including word processing, data bases, spreadsheets, graphs, and their integration. Note: May not be used for credit in any CPT degree or certificate program.


English Composition II

Course Code: ENG-102

This is a (College Transfer) course in which the following topics are presented: Development of writing skills through logical organization, effective style, literary analysis and research. An introduction to literary genre is also included.


Torts

Course Code: LEG-120

This course is a study of the various classifications and functions of tort law, including intentional and negligent torts, causation, proximate cause, and defenses.


Civil Litigation I

Course Code: LEG-201

This course is a study of the principles of litigation and the rules of procedure for each court in the South Carolina system, including pleading, practice, and discovery procedures.


Legal Writing

Course Code: LEG-230

This course includes methods, techniques, and procedures for the research and preparation of legal memoranda, trial and appellate briefs, and trial notebooks.


Semester 3

Business Law I

Course Code: LEG-121

This course is a study of the basics of commercial law, with emphasis on the formation and enforcement of contracts and the rules particular to the uniform commercial code (UCC) and sales of goods.


Advanced Legal Writing

Course Code: LEG-236

This course provides the students with a more comprehensive view of the discipline of legal writing. Students will gain additional skills in legal analysis, critical thinking, and components of public speaking (oral arguments).


Litigation Applications

Course Code: LEG-262

This course introduces computer applications in various litigation and courtroom settings using general computer and legal software programs.


Semester 4

Family Law

Course Code: LEG-213

This course includes an examination of the laws of marriage, divorce, annulment, separation, adoption, custody, and the junenile.


Property Law

Course Code: LEG-214

This course includes an overview of South Carolina property law, including the mechanics of various commercial and private property transactions and mortgage foreclosures.


Criminal Law

Course Code: LEG-231

This course includes a study of the definition and classification of criminal offenses, criminal responsibility, and legal procedures in a criminal prosecution.


Wills, Trusts, and Probate

Course Code: LEG-233

This course includes a detailed study of testacy and intestacy, preparation of wills and codicils, and fundamentals of trust and probate administration.


Special Projects For Paralegals

Course Code: LEG-244

This course provides specialized paralegal training with an update on changes in the laws and procedures. This training is through practical experience.


Semester 5

Law Office Management

Course Code: LEG-232

This course is a study of the basic principles of office management, including administrative procedures, client relations, and office operating procedures.


Paralegal Certification Preparation

Course Code: LEG-270

This course provides a review and preparation for testing for a national paralegal certification. exam.


Contemporary Mathematics

Course Code: MAT-155

This course includes techniques and applications of the following topics: elementary number theory; algebra; geometry; measurement; graph sketching and interpretations; and descriptive statistics.


Ethics

Course Code: PHI-110

This course is a study of the moral principles of conduct emphasizing ethical problems and modes of ethical reasoning.


Entry Requirements

To see a list of entrance requirements for this program, please check the FDTC Course Catalog.

Download Catalog

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of what a paralegal is, what a paralegal does, where paralegals work, what is expected of a professional paralegal, and the fields where paralegals are utilized.
  • Locate and analyze relevant primary and secondary legal sources in electronic and print media, computer assisted research (Westlaw or Lexis), and legal writing.
  • Utilize the critical thinking abilities necessary to operate in the legal profession.
  • Use oral and written skills to communicate with participants throughout the legal process. Know the differences between legal writing and other forms of writing.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the significant similarities and differences among areas of civil, criminal, and administrative law.
  • Demonstrate an ability to work in a legal environment.
  • Be familiar with the common software programs used in law offices and criminal justice agencies.

ACCREDITATIONS, APPROVALS, AND CERTIFICATIONS

American Bar Association (ABA)

This program has been approved by the American Bar Association (ABA)
http://www.abanet.org/legalservices/paralegals

American Bar Association – Standing Committee on Legal Assistants
321 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60611  Tel: (312) 988-5618

Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL) Statement: Paralegals must work under the supervision of a licensed attorney and are not authorized to practice law in South Carolina (S.C. Code § 40-5-310). 

Transfer credits may be accepted from Legal Assistant/Paralegal programs that are ABA (American Bar Association) approved.  No more than 50% of the transferring student’s legal specialty courses may be transferred from another institution.  The courses must be substantially similar in substance to that of the course description contained within the College’s catalog.  However, no legal specialty courses will be transferable into FDTC, regardless of American Bar Association approval status, if the courses were completed by the student more than 5 years from the date of transfer.