Paralegal Studies:
Associate’s Degree

Our ABA-approved Paralegal program is designed to provide you with a thorough and comprehensive understanding of both the background and theory of the modern legal system while simultaneously putting your knowledge into practice while attending paralegal school. At Fremont University, our accelerated program will allow you to earn an Associate of Arts degree in Paralegal Studies in just a little over one year. Start training in a rewarding new career and become a paralegal. To learn how you can earn your paralegal degree, contact us for more information today.

• Paralegal Studies Associate of Arts Degree
  Paralegal Studies encompasses many facets of the law and includes, but is not limited to, property, employment law, family law, torts, civil procedures, contracts, and legal research and writing. This ABA approved Paralegal Studies Associate of Arts Degree program provides training in conducting research on relevant laws, regulations, and legal articles; drafting correspondence and legal documents; gathering evidence and legal documents for attorney review and case preparation; report writing; and processes for obtaining affidavits and other formal statements that may be used as evidence in court. The expected completion time for this program is 15 months.

• Vocational Objective
  Graduates of the Paralegal Studies program are eligible for entry-level positions in local, state, and federal government agencies and departments, as well as law firms, legal aid services, finance and insurance companies. Specific jobs with these employers include corporate paralegal, litigation paralegal, family law paralegal, law clerk, and litigation support analyst.(Note: Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.) Learning Outcomes Graduates of the program will be able to: 1. Demonstrate proficiency in legal writing skills. 2. Identify and interpret the fundamental concepts of substantive and procedural law. 3. Apply oral and written communication skills appropriate to the legal profession. 4. Analyze and apply the law to the facts. 5. Recognize ethical dilemmas and identify rules and laws governing the conduct of paralegals. 6. Employ software applications and technology commonly used in the legal environment. 7. Demonstrate proficiency in research skills utilized by paralegals

• Graduation Requirements To earn an Associate of Arts Degree in Paralegal Studies
  Students must: • Achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00, with no grade lower than a 1.00 for any course that applies to the program. • Complete a minimum of 90 quarter credit hours, comprised of a minimum of 60 quarter credit hours in core classes and a minimum of 30 quarter credit hours in general education courses, including GE120, GE129, GE133 and GE139 (or equivalent). • Legal Specialty Requirement: Students must complete a minimum of 60 quarter units in PA courses. Students must fulfill a minimum 15 quarter credits of legal specialty courses at Fremont University. • Meet their financial obligations. Students who fail to meet these obligations may have their diploma or degree withheld. Fremont University does not require a cumulative final test or examination for the completion of this program.

• Transfer of Credit Policies for Legal Specialty Courses
  Students who have completed equivalent legal specialty courses from an ABA-approved program, matching at least 80% of course description the current course catalog, may obtain transfer credit to fulfill the program requirements incomparable legal specialty courses subject to the minimum residency requirements, provided that the student provides official transcripts verifying the successful completion of this coursework to the Registrar prior to commencing any legal specialty courses at Fremont University. Courses will be eligible for transfer only if they were completed with a grade of C- or higher and within the past 3 years. Students must fulfill a minimum 15 quarter credits of legal specialty courses at Fremont University. Credit for Experiential Learning Fremont University does not offer credit for life experience or prior experiential learning.

Before you decide to enroll in a paralegal degree and begin learning more about law, you might be wondering what a paralegal does as well as careers for paralegal degree majors. Paralegals essentially help attorneys. This might include preparing for trials, hearings and administrative meetings. While a paralegal may not provide legal advice, they can be an important part of a legal team. Not only do paralegals work for law firms, but they may also provide assistance to legal and finance departments in large companies as well as in governmental and nonprofit organizations. So, there is tremendous scope for paralegals to work as part of different types of companies and organizations who might have a need for different paralegal positions. Business paralegals: This is an area of law that some paralegal graduates might decide to pursue after finishing their legal studies training. These are paralegals that help lawyers within the business law realm. Among other things, corporate paralegals might work under the supervision of an attorney to help make sure companies have the necessary paperwork completed. A paralegal who specializes in business law might benefit by having a thorough understanding and knowledge of banking, finance, contract law, employment laws, partnerships, mergers, acquisitions, and investments. Criminal law paralegal: A paralegal who works in a law firm or office that assists an attorney with matters related to criminal cases may work to support the work of criminal defense attorneys, prosecutors or public defenders. Duties in such roles might include conducting research, interviewing witnesses and other parties involved, corresponding with clients, filing paperwork, etc. Bankruptcy: A paralegal who works in a bankruptcy law firm may assist an attorney by completing a number of duties. Bankruptcy can be a lengthy process that involves a number of steps and actions including but not limited to scheduling and attending meetings between attorneys, filing paperwork and drafting applications and schedules. It may also involve interviewing different parties involved and preparing for key hearings. Immigration: As an immigration paralegal, you will work for immigration attorneys who specifically try to help clients obtain immigration status The immigration process can be complicated. Immigration paralegals may work for law firms, corporations or even for governmental agencies and nonprofits. Work may involve everything from filing paperwork and writing reports to assisting lawyers during trials. Personal injury: A personal injury paralegal will help personal injury lawyers. A majority of personal injury cases are settled out of court. This means paralegals may assist personal injury lawyers in collecting and compiling evidence that may help bolster the plaintiff’s case against the defendant. This work may include interviewing witnesses, doctors, conducting legal research, collecting relevant records and corresponding with clients. Litigation paralegal: Litigation refers to the process of taking legal action on civil or criminal issues. There are a number of subspecialties within the area of litigation. As a litigation paralegal, you may be performing a number of different job duties including duties such as assisting with trial preparation, interviewing witnesses and overseeing discovery. You may even spend time in the courtroom assisting attorneys. If this is your cup of tea, serving as a litigation paralegal may be extremely satisfying.

Additional Paralegal Degree Information

Paralegal Studies encompasses many facets of the law and includes, but is not limited to, property, employment law, family law, torts, civil procedures, contracts, and legal research and writing. This ABAapproved Paralegal Studies Associate of Arts Degree program provides training in conducting research on relevant laws, regulations, and legal articles; drafting correspondence and legal documents; gathering evidence and legal documents for attorney review and case preparation; report writing; and processes for obtaining affidavits and other formal statements that may be used as evidence in court. The expected completion time for this program is 15 months. If you’re ready to get more information about our school and paralegal studies program simply fill out the form on this page to learn more. Your first step in getting more information is that easy. Note: Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law