Paralegal (AAS)

(Approved by the American Bar Association)

Degree: Associate in Applied Science
Major: Paralegal
Minimum Credits Required for Graduation: 67

Program Description: The Paralegal (PARA) associate degree program, subject to the guidelines of the American Bar Association (ABA), is designed to train individuals whose function is to assist the lawyer in the handling of routine matters and to assist in the conduct of more complicated and difficult legal matters. A graduate of the Paralegal Program, working directly under the supervision of a practicing attorney, should be able to:

• Review and apply the law to the facts while drafting a variety of litigation, contract, property, probate and domestic relations documents with accuracy and attention to detail; 
• Research and apply substantive and procedural law to hypothetical situations involving issues concerning torts, domestic relations contracts, property law, and/or probate; 
• Articulate and apply the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure to the process of drafting and filing legal pleadings, motions, written and oral discovery and other procedural issues; 
• Demonstrate the ability to analyze procedural issues and recommend appropriate courses of action; 
• Apply ethical principles of honesty, confidentiality, attorney-client privilege, the need for attorney supervision to hypothetical situations and in the internship. Recognize those aspects of the legal practice that are reserved to attorneys and that constitute the unauthorized practice of law; 
• Demonstrate professional conduct, time management skills and reliability inside and outside the classroom; 
• Prepare various legal documents using appropriate computer technology and software;  
• Understand and apply the preparation necessary for client and witness interviews and investigations; 
• Apply strategies for effective client communication when providing appropriate legal information. 

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