Paralegal & Legal Studies

Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.)

Paralegals play an important role assisting attorneys. You'll conduct research, draft legal documents, work with clients, and manage case files. Acquire the professional writing and research skills necessary to enter this field with our flexible online program.

A.A.S. Program Overview

Contribute meaningfully to the work of attaining justice and resolving legal issues as a paralegal. Gain knowledge of specialized legal fields such as property rights, litigation, and estate planning. Complete projects and draft legal documents that are identical to those you'll write as a paralegal. Explore many career options and then personalize your education to match your interests and professional goals.

Supplement your core paralegal studies with general education coursework that focuses on writing, research, and logic. Courses in composition and public speaking prepare you to communicate with clients, lawyers, judges, and other law professionals.

Online Degree Program

Our paralegal programs are offered exclusively online. This online format provides a convenient and flexible way to earn your education. Study on your time and from a location that fits your busy schedule. Find out more about online degree programs.

Gain Hands-On Experience with Internships

Complete a 128-hour paralegal internship and gain first-hand experience in this profession. Find the perfect fit with our network of over 35 law firms, real estate companies, government agencies, banks, and insurance companies. During your internship, you'll engage in substantive legal work such as preparing official documents (trusts, wills, and real estate closings) and managing client communications.

Learn From Regional Experts

Meet and learn from experts working in a variety of legal settings through the program's guest speaker series. Attorneys and paralegals from Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo will join you in class to discuss real-world scenarios. Hear what it's like to work in public firms, small private practices, real estate offices, and corporate headquarters — so you can make an informed choice about your future.

A.A.S. Program Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this degree program, students will be able to:

• Interpret and articulate the legal issue posed by a client's fact scenario, along with the answer to that issue.
• Prioritize, integrate, and analyze information to achieve the best outcome for a client.
• Apply the rules of legal ethics in different scenarios encountered in paralegal practice.
• Create appropriate legal documentation required for various legal tasks.

Career Pathways

After graduating from this program, you'll be ready to start a career as a paralegal or legal assistant. Previous graduates have earned positions at law firms, corporations, and government offices across New York state.

Seamless Transfer Opportunities

An associate degree in Paralegal Studies may serve as the first step toward earning a law degree. With this education, you can transfer to a four-year school to study political science, mathematics, or other pre-law program. Some regional transfer options include:

Faculty

FLCC's Paralegal faculty and adjuncts are experienced attorneys or paralegals. They bring valuable real-world experience and law knowledge in the private and public sectors to the classroom.

* Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.