Legal Studies – Paralegal (LSPAO)
Award: Associate in applied science degree
Program location: South Omaha Campus
This degree option prepares paralegals for entry-level employment in law-related occupations including public and private law practice or corporate/government activities related to law. It enables graduates to pursue further education at the college junior level.
Graduates are qualified to:
- perform basic legal research and supporting memoranda using both computerized and manual search methods;
- draft correspondence, pleadings, contracts, and other legal documents appropriately for attorney use; and
- prioritize and complete work assignments in a timely, professional, and ethical manner.
Although graduates are not authorized to provide direct legal services to the public, they are authorized to perform substantive legal work under the direct supervision of a lawyer. This program does not train lawyers or legal administrators.
This program has special admission requirements. Interested individuals should contact Student Services or the program director for details.
Graduation Requirements
|
General education
|
27.0
|
|
Major requirements
|
36.0
|
|
Option requirements
|
17.0
|
|
Electives
|
22.5
|
|
Total credit hours required
|
102.5
|
Paralegal Program Admission
The Paralegal program has special admission requirements. The application process includes the completion of both LAWS 1100 and LAWS 1101 with grades of C or better and the submission of the Paralegal Program Application with original high school transcripts or GED documentation. Students are notified as to their acceptance into the program.
Students are advised to work closely with Jo Wandel (or program advisor, Tamara Fisher) to make sure that they are registered for classes at the most beneficial time for graduation from the program. Students should not complete all of their general education requirements before starting the Paralegal program.
Paralegal Program Application
Paralegal Program PowerPoint Presentation
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General education requirements
See General education requirements for Legal Studies
Major requirements for Legal Studies
See Major requirements for Legal Studies
Option requirements for Legal Studies – Paralegal (17.0 credit hrs.)
Elective requirements for Legal Studies – Paralegal (22.5 credit hrs.)
Select 22.5 credit hours from the following:
Legal-specialty courses taken at another college are transferred only if they are from an ABA-approved program with substantially the same content, are for the same or more earned credit hours, and earned a grade of C or better. Credit is not available by portfolio or written examination.
Curriculum Plan
Below is a suggested guide for students planning to complete associate degrees in Legal Studies – Paralegal after two years of full-time study.
First Year
First quarter
| INFO 1001 | Information Systems and LiteracyONLINEHYBRID | 4.5 |
| ENGL 1010 | English Composition IONLINEHYBRID | 4.5 |
| PHIL 1100 | Critical ReasoningONLINE | 4.5 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 13.5 |
Second quarter
| ENGL 1020 | English Composition IIONLINEHYBRID | 4.5 |
| POLS 2050 | American National GovernmentONLINE | 4.5 |
| | OR | |
| POLS 2060 | The ConstitutionONLINE | 4.5 |
| SPCH 1110 | Public SpeakingONLINEHYBRID | 4.5 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 13.5 |
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Second Year
Paralegal electives should be taken during the second year of study.
Fifth quarter
| | Elective | 4.5 |
| LAWS 1230 | Legal Research and Writing I | 4.5 |
| LAWS 2324 | Criminal Law and Procedures | 4.5 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 13.5 |
Sixth quarter
| | Elective | 4.5 |
| | Elective | 4.5 |
| LAWS 2240 | Legal Research and Writing II | 4.5 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 13.5 |
Seventh quarter
| | Elective | 4.5 |
| LAWS 2982 | Internship II | 4.0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 8.5 |
Eighth quarter
| | Elective | 4.5 |
| LAWS 2981 | Internship I | 4.0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 8.5 |
The Paralegal option is approved by the American Bar Association.