Paralegal Studies
Program Description
The Paralegal Studies Program prepares students for entry-level employment in a variety of settings. A paralegal is qualified by education, training, or work experience to work for a law office, corporation, governmental agency, or other organizations such as insurance companies, real estate and title insurance firms and banks, performing specifically delegated substantive legal work. Paralegals work under the supervision of an attorney and their work may include analyzing legal issues, investigate and evaluate facts, preparing legal documents, interview clients, assist in case management, and perform other duties to assist the lawyer in the delivery of legal services to clients. Excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as computer literacy skills, are important to the paralegal.
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Schedule NowDegree(s) / Certificates(s)
| Title | Local Bachelor's |
|---|---|
| Paralegal Studies - A.A.S. Occupational Degree | - |
| Paralegal Studies - CERT Occupational Certificate | - |
Career Outlook
Successful completion of this program can open doors to various employment opportunities, many of which require further higher education at the university level. Below are examples of related occupations and their annual mean wages in Arizona, based on career and wage data from Pipeline AZ, which utilizes government sources for its reports and forecasts.
Description
Perform secretarial duties using legal terminology, procedures, and documents. Prepare legal papers and correspondence, such as summonses, complaints, motions, and subpoenas. May also assist with legal research.
Duties/Tasks
- Prepare, proofread, or process legal documents, such as summonses, subpoenas, complaints, appeals, motions, or pretrial agreements.
- Mail, fax, or arrange for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials.
- Receive and place telephone calls.
- Schedule and make appointments.
- Organize and maintain law libraries, documents, and case files.
- Make photocopies of correspondence, documents, and other printed matter.
- Assist attorneys in collecting information such as employment, medical, and other records.
- Draft and type office memos.
- Complete various forms, such as accident reports, trial and courtroom requests, and applications for clients.
- Prepare and distribute invoices to bill clients or pay account expenses.
Salary Information (AZ)
$45,930
$30,220
$38,320
$70,320
$22.08
$14.53
$18.00
$33.81
Typical Education Level
Some College Courses
Description
Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.
Duties/Tasks
- Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system.
- Prepare legal documents, including briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements.
- Prepare for trial by performing tasks such as organizing exhibits.
- Investigate facts and law of cases and search pertinent sources, such as public records and internet sources, to determine causes of action and to prepare cases.
- Meet with clients and other professionals to discuss details of case.
- File pleadings with court clerk.
- Gather and analyze research data, such as statutes, decisions, and legal articles, codes, and documents.
- Direct and coordinate law office activity, including delivery of subpoenas.
- Call upon witnesses to testify at hearing.
- Arbitrate disputes between parties and assist in the real estate closing process, such as by reviewing title searches.
Salary Information (AZ)
$55,560
$30,570
$49,390
$77,630
$26.71
$14.70
$23.00
$37.32
Typical Education Level
Associates Degree
Contact Information
Faculty/Staff Contact(s)
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stuart Gibson | Dean of Business, Education, Social and Behavioral Sciences | (928) 317-6417 | Stuart.Gibson@azwestern.edu |
| Brenda Doak | Coordinator or Paralegal Program and Professor | (928) 344-7689 | Brenda.Doak@azwestern.edu |