Paralegal

Associate of Applied Science Degree Program

The UCC two-year associate degree Paralegal Program prepares students for highly responsible entry-level positions as paralegals or legal assistants. Students take courses that provide them with basic competencies to being a career as a paralegal or legal assistant/legal secretary. The curriculum is designed to prepare the future paralegal professional with both a theoretical understanding of the world of law and the practical skills necessary to succeed.

Upon completion students may gain employment in law firms, businesses, insurance companies, financial institutions, public agencies, title companies, or for Federal, State, County, or City government offices.

Employment Outlook
According to the Oregon Department of Labor, the projected growth rate in this industry state wide is expected to exceed 14% over the next year. Graduates with an AAS degree can earn $14 - $19 per hour.

For more information about this field, you may want to explore the Oregon Labor Market Information System website.

You can expect to take courses in these subjects:

• Intro to Paralegal Studies
• Civil Procedures
• Concepts of Criminal Law
• Family Law
• Legal Research and Writing
• Contract Law
• Business Law
• Elder Law
• Torts - Pleading and Practice
• Real Estate Law
• Wills, Probate, and Estates
• Ethics and Law
• Other Subject Areas

For a full listing of courses by term and description of each course, please see the current catalog.  All of the paralegal specific courses are offered online.  Other required classes can be taken online or in person depending on your preference.  Classes should be taken in the order they are listed by term in the catalog.  If you cannot access the online catalog, you can pick up a hard copy in the counseling center.

To begin the paralegal program, you should be at a Math 65, Writing 121, and type at least 45 wpm.  Please contact the counseling center for their hours to take your placement testing.

For more information, contact
Crystal Sullivan
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