Paralegal
The Degree
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
The Outlook
The paralegal profession has experienced dramatic growth since the 1960's as a direct result of the need for affordable legal services. The profession is one that is exciting as well as rewarding. Paralegals – although not attorneys themselves - assist attorneys in substantive legal work. On an average day, a paralegal might be involved in handling a real estate closing, interviewing clients and witnesses, drafting legal documents, performing legal research and conducting an investigation. All work is done under the supervision of an attorney and in compliance with strict ethical standards. By allowing a paralegal to handle such tasks, the attorney is available for other work and, at the same time, is able to provide the client with quality legal services at a lower rate.
The goal of the Paralegal program at Finger Lakes Community College is to provide students a quality paralegal education in order to prepare them to competently assist attorneys upon graduation. To this end, the Paralegal Program has sought and achieved American Bar Association (ABA) approval. ABA approval is a voluntary goal but one which signifies that an institution is providing the highest quality paralegal education. Further, the program is an institutional member of the American Association for Paralegal Education, which also maintains strict standards to obtain such membership status.
The Program
The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Paralegal degree program at Finger Lakes Community College is designed to prepare you for entry into the job market immediately upon graduation. The curriculum was developed in accordance with the American Bar Association guidelines and in consultation with area legal practitioners. We emphasize practical skills and knowledge utilized in common legal specialties such as real property law, family law, and trust and estate law
Honors Courses: The College offers honors courses that provide enhanced educational experiences for students who have demonstrated outstanding academic ability. Enrollment in honors courses is open to qualified students in this degree program, as well as all other qualified FLCC students. Successful completion of honors courses or an Honors Certificate may increase student transfer options to four-year institutions.
The Experience
FLCC's ABA-approved paralegal degree program emphasizes legal theory and practices as well as contemporary office skills and office management procedures. Students in the paralegal program receive individualized attention in small classes.
The Graduates
A student who successfully completes the Paralegal Program at Finger Lakes Community College is well prepared to find employment as a paralegal in law firms, corporate legal departments, insurance companies, real estate development companies, title insurance firms and banks. In addition, our graduates are prepared to find jobs with community legal service programs; consumer organizations; federal, state and local agencies; and other public organizations needing or providing legal assistance.
The Faculty
All paralegal faculty (whether adjunct or full-time) are either attorneys or experienced paralegals from both the private and public sectors. Collectively, they bring a wealth of real world experience and knowledge of law to the classroom. This combination creates lively discussions as well as practical and relevant lessons for today’s paralegal.
