Paralegal Studies
Solid Foundation In Legal Concepts
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Solid Foundation In Legal Concepts
If you have an interest in the law, a career as a paralegal may be ideal for you. Paralegals provide valuable assistance to lawyers or to other employers who need employees with legal training. As the paralegal profession has developed, employers have recognized that not all work traditionally performed by lawyers is necessarily required to be done by a lawyer. Qualified non-lawyers can perform many tasks incidental to an attorney’s work. However, paralegals cannot engage in the actual practice of law by doing such activities as giving legal advice, setting fees, negotiating, or representing clients in court. They may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
The Paralegal Studies associates degree at Broward College provides you with a solid foundation in legal concepts as well as hands on training in the tools/software that are used in current law offices. Our program is one of only a few in the State that is approved by the American Bar Association and all faculty teaching in the program are attorneys and members of the Florida Bar.
With an associates degree in Paralegal Studies from Broward College you will be prepared for a variety of jobs or you can move on to pursue a law degree, should that be your ultimate goal.
Paralegals can continue moving forward with their careers until they meet the requirements to pass the State Bar exam and become an attorney. Attorneys represent clients in court, prepare legal documents, and in some cases, act as a mediator between two or more parties.
Paralegals can find work in the criminal justice field in any number of capacities. They can work as a clerk of courts, researcher, attorney liaison, and many positions as well. The criminal justice field is quite broad and encompasses hundreds of different career paths.
Paralegals can become educators if they have the right credentials and years of experience. As an educator, a paralegal must be able to teach their students and then test their knowledge so they can ensure they understood each lesson.
Paralegals who have a working knowledge of contracts and other legal documents can find jobs in the financial services area. This may include reviewing loan documents and other legal paperwork.
Paralegals are effective law clerks because they understand the laws and how the legal system works. They can effectively manage all of the documents, actions, and activities that take place in a law office and can assist with creating a variety of legal documents.
The duties of a paralegal and a legal assistant are similar. If a paralegal chooses to work as a legal assistant, they will be in charge of preparing legal documents, working with the clients, and performing many of the day to day tasks that are included in the operation of a legal office.
Paralegals have the skills to be an effective mediator in legal proceedings. Mediators must have exceptional listening skills and be able to find reasonable solutions to conflicts within a short period of time. They must have a working knowledge of the legal system and be able to effectively interpret the law.
As a legal software/training/support/sales staff member, a paralegal would be responsible for using and maintaining the legal software that is currently in the office. They would also be in charge of training other staff members to use the system as well. If systems with the software should occur, it would be up to the paralegal to work with the software company to resolve any issues and get the system back online and running efficiently.
Paralegals who work as contracts administrators are in charge of writing, negotiating, and closing contracts. They must have the knowledge to write accurate and concise contracts that are legally binding and able to stand up in a court of law. Paralegals must be able to work with clients and attorneys to ensure that each contract contains all of the pertinent information required for the document to be filed with the courts.
Flexibility: online, day, and evening classes are available to students.
Skill-Based curriculum that makes you job-ready at graduation.
Professors who are all attorneys who are active members of the Florida Bar.
Nationally recognized program, affirmed by the American Bar Association.
The Paralegal Studies Advisory Board, comprised of locally-based employees meets bi-annually to share updates about the industry and the program. The partnership between industry leaders and the College helps to ensure that the program curriculum remains relevant. (if applicable)
Student Club builds community and provides students with professional development and opportunities to network with employers.
Job placement and Internship assistance, give students valuable hands on experience and help with post-graduation opportunities.
Affordable tuition and scholarships to assist with the cost of your education.
Broward County residents can qualify for up to $12,000 for eligible programs to cover the costs of tuition, books, and supplies.
Get matched to available scholarships when you complete your enrollment application.
Everything you need to know about applying for financial aid at Broward College.
Are you looking to enhance your college experience, build lifelong friendships, and develop valuable skills outside the classroom? Look no further than our vibrant array of student clubs! From academic and professional organizations to cultural and recreational groups, there's something for everyone. Joining a club not only allows you to pursue your passions but also offers networking opportunities, leadership experience, and a sense of belonging. Don't miss out on the chance to enrich your college journey and make memories that will last a lifetime. Step into a world of endless possibilities – join a student club today!"
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences.
FBLA student business organization at Broward College is an amazing college life experience. The extra-curricular work that is a part of FBLA enhances the lessons learned in the classroom. Student members of FBLA can put into action the leadership skills learned in the classroom by participating in both team and individual competitive events and compete against colleges and universities across the country. FBLA members also have volunteer opportunities including the March of Dimes, Relay for Life, and beach and waterway cleanups. Student members of FBLA also join in all Student Life activities on campus such as Club Rush, chili-cook-off, and Leadership Series events.
For more information pertaining to the FBLA, please contact Prof. Cathileen Montesarchio at cmontesa@broward.edu.
The Paralegal Eagles is a college-wide club that provides great exploration opportunities outside the classroom for students interested in the paralegal profession. The club enables students to integrate skills learned in the classroom with real-world experiences. Students are given opportunities to network with a variety of legal professionals, participate in the club's Mentor-Mentee Program, and role-play in mock trials.
For more information pertaining to the Paralegal Eagles, please contact Dr. Lynn T. Slossberg at lslossbe@broward.edu.
The Accounting Students Association (ASA) was established to promote financial literacy among our students. We achieve these goals through community involvement, networking and internship opportunities.
If you are interested in becoming an ASA Member contact Prof. Simone Keize at skeize@broward.edu
Collegiate DECA is a not-for-profit student driven organization that provides its members a platform to participate in career development activities that offer our students important industry knowledge.
OUR MISSION is to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in colleges around the globe. DECA enhances the preparation for college and careers by providing co-curricular programs that integrate into classroom instruction, applying learning in the context of business, connecting to business and the community and promoting competition. Our student members leverage their DECA experience to become academically prepared, community oriented, professionally responsible, experienced leaders.
If you are interested in becoming a DECA member, contact Prof. Erick Perez at eperez3@broward.edu
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