Paralegal Studies
Associate in Science (A.S.)
The Paralegal Studies Associate in Science (A.S.) degree at Valencia College prepares you to go directly into a specialized career as a paralegal.
The paralegal is one of the lawyer’s most valuable resources, performing substantive legal work delegated and supervised by the lawyer-including assisting with trial preparation and real estate closings, drafting legal documents and performing research. Through the A.S. degree in Paralegal Studies at Valencia College, you will develop a strong background in areas such as civil litigation, real property, business organizations, legal research and legal technology. You will also gain an understanding of the ethical framework within which you work and be able to effectively analyze and communicate in these areas.
Specializations Available:
- Litigation
- Transactional
American Bar Association
The A.S. degree in Paralegal Studies at Valencia College is approved by the American
Bar Association.
Paralegals cannot give legal advice, accept a case, set a fee, or present a case in
court, and may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted
by law.
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Program Details
Program Overview and Degree Requirements
Review course descriptions, important dates and deadlines and other programs details in the official college catalog.
Per ABA requirements, students must take at least nine semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction. Synchronous instruction includes traditional face-to-face courses as well as RTV (Real Time Virtual) courses. RTV courses provide remote synchronous instruction that includes real time faculty-to-student and student-to-student interaction.
PROGRAM LENGTH
64 credits
You want to step up. We have a path to a bachelor’s.
More career options. Increased opportunities to advance in your field. A bachelor’s degree at 2/3 the cost of a Florida public university. The Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Business and Organizational Leadership at Valencia College lets you build on your associate degree and prepare for a supervisory or management role in your field or the industry of your choice. Enroll with an associate degree or at least 60 credit hours. Contact a career program advisor to learn more.
Career Outlook
Learn How To
- Assist in trial preparation.
- Draft contracts, court pleadings and related documents.
- Maintain corporate records.
- Perform legal research and informal investigations.
- Prepare real estate documents and assist in real estate closings.
Job Outlook
Employment for Paralegals is projected to grow much faster than average, as employers try to reduce costs and increase the efficiency of legal services by hiring qualified Paralegals to perform essential support services and complete tasks once done by lawyers. Excellent career opportunities are available in law firms, banks, corporations and government agencies.
Potential Careers
- Legal Assistant
- Paralegal
AVERAGE SALARY RANGE
$28,000 - $35,000
Placement Rate
The average placement rate for Valencia College A.S. degree and certificate programs ranges between 90 – 95%, according to the latest FETPIP data.
Career Center
Job search strategies, employment readiness tips and more at four on-campus locations.
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Request Information
If you are a future student and would like more information about this degree program, please complete the form below.
If you are a current student, please log on to Atlas and contact your assigned Career Program Advisor.
For general enrollment questions, assistance is available through the Answer Center.
Need Help?
For general enrollment questions, assistance is available through our virtual Answer Center or by contacting Enrollment Services.
407-582-1507
enroll@valenciacollege.edu