This program of study meets all the General Education Requirements at Chesapeake College.
Award: Associate of Applied Science Degree
Program Mission: The Chesapeake College Legal Studies Degree provides students with the legal knowledge, skills and practice to prepare for employment as paralegals or in other areas related to the practice of law.
Program Description: The Legal Studies program was designed to prepare students for employment as paralegals or in other areas related to the practice of law, including criminal law, torts, family law, property law, etc. Some of the expected tasks for a paralegal are assisting with title searches, legal research, drafting legal documents, pleadings, and litigation support. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law. Students should consult with the College’s Admissions Office or an academic advisor in planning an appropriate program.
Program Goals: The Legal Studies Degree program will:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts of substantive and procedural law including the operation of the legal system and the theory of law.
- Perform the duties of a paralegal in the public and private sector or in a position relating to the practice of law.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical obligations and legal limitations of the paralegal in the public and private sectors.
Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Apply appropriate industry terminology in the legal setting.
- Demonstrate legal skills and knowledge while working under the supervision of an attorney.
- Conduct legal research using both traditional and electronic methods.
- Prepare legal documents.
- Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, in the legal environment.
- Evaluate professional responsibilities concerning ethical issues that may be present in a legal environment.
Program Requirements:
Paralegal students are required to take 10 face to face credits in legal specialty courses. Students must meet with an advisor prior to registration for a review of his/her academic plan. This plan shows all of the classes the student has taken and enables the advisor to insure the students take the required ten credits in legal specialty courses in a traditional classroom format. Students are limited on the number of legal specialty courses that may transfer into Chesapeake College’s Legal Studies program. Legal Speciality courses must have been completed through an ABA approved paralegal progam and meet the face to face credit requirement for graduation as determined by the program director. Students are limited to no more than three of the six required legal specialtiy courses and no more than one elective speciality courses may transfer into Chesapeake College’s Legal Studies program subject to the limits above and approval by the program director. Only students admitted to the Legal Studies program can enroll in legal specialty courses.
Contact Person: Ms. Bridget Lowrie
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