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
When students graduate with a A.A.S degree in Paralegal Studies, they can secure a job as a legal assistant, legal secretary, or a paralegal.
- Legal Assistant- Legal assistants job duties may include conducting legal research, drafting and reviewing documents, communicating with clients, preparing hearings, trials, and meetings, and organizing and maintaining files. Salaries range from $30,000-$46,000 per yr.
- Legal Secretary- Legal Secretaries work in law offices and perform secretarial tasks that are specific to the law field: writing legal documents, such as summonses, motions, subpoenas, etc., conducting research and reading legal articles, and more, as well as standard secretarial duties, that might include answering phones and email, filing, creating and maintaining schedules for lawyers, ordering supplies, copying, faxing and maintaining the office. Salaries range from $25,000-$35,000 per yr.
- Paralegal- Paralegals job duties may include drafting documents, file motions, interview clients, prepare retainers, legal research, legal writing, and day to day law office administration. Salaries range from $36,000-$75,000 per yr.
Contact Information
Faculty/Staff Contact(s)
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stuart Gibson | Associate Dean of Business, Education, Socials 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 |