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BACK TO PROGRAMSAbout the Program
Legal Studies & Paralegal Training is a unique program that merges liberal arts with professional education. Traditionally, a liberal arts education is broad-based, exposing students to varied subjects like history, science, and math as a means to develop an expansive intellectual grounding in many kinds of humanistic inquiry. In contrast, a career-oriented education is more narrowly focused on preparing students for one field of work, such as becoming a nurse, welder, or paralegal. So which option is best?
Generally, the choice between the two depends on one’s personal goals. But why choose? Legal Studies & Paralegal Training effectively incorporates key aspects of both educational systems by tapping into areas where the two methods naturally intersect, in developing important academic skills like problem-solving, critical analysis, and effective written and oral communication. Equally important is helping students with career readiness so that they possess the essential skills and training needed for success in the workforce. Program content also provides specific employment-type training geared toward helping students learn crucial employability skills, like organization, prioritization, and time management. These skills become the foundation from which graduates can demonstrate achievement of law-related core competencies. Legal Studies & Paralegal Training is committed to helping students learn how to be successful.
What will learning look like in this program? Classes are activity-based and are geared to help students learn the theory and operation of law and legal institutions. Topics introduce many facets of the law as a social phenomenon—its evolution, function, and its effects. In general, students can expect to learn the specific knowledge and skills often utilized in law-related occupations.
The program’s mission is to empower and prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to succeed in industry or transfer. For these reasons, the Legal Studies & Paralegal Training may be the right program to help you achieve your educational and career goals.
Needed Info
Classes to be completed by the Semester for the ITC and AAS degree
Click the link to access the program’s student advising worksheet. Depending on the certificate or degree option selected, the ITC can be completed in two semesters and the AAS degree in four. The advising worksheet lists the legal courses in the semester they must be taken. To graduate within two or four semesters, a student must take 15 credits each semester.
Advising Worksheet for AAS Degree
Semester 1
| Course | Course Name | Cr | Technical or Transfer Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSN 115 | Comp Productivity Applications | 3 | Transfer |
| ENGL 101 | Writing and Rhetoric I | 3 | Transfer |
| POLS 101 or 102 | American National Government or Intro to Political Science | 3 | Transfer |
| LSPT 100 | Introduction to Law | 3 | Technical |
| LSPT 100L | Introduction to Law - LAB | 1 | Technical |
| LSPT | Constitutional Law, Rights & Responsibilities | 3 | Technical |
| 16 |
Semester 2
| Course | Course Name | Cr | Class Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL 102 | Writing and Rhetoric II | 3 | Transfer |
| MATH | Any GEM 3 course | 3 | Transfer |
| GEM 6 | Preferably Criminal Justice, U.S. History, Economics | 3 | Transfer |
| LSPT 101 | Contract Law | 3 | Technical |
| LSPT 103 | Tort Law | 3 | Technical |
| 15 |
Semester 3
| Course | Course Name | Cr | Class Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMM 101 | Fundamentals of Oral Communication | 3 | Transfer |
| PHIL 103 | Introduction to Ethics | 3 | Transfer |
| LSPT 200 | Civil Litigation | 3 | Technical |
| LSPT 201 | Criminal Law | 3 | Technical |
| LSPT 202 | Wills, Trust, & Estates | 3 | Technical |
| 15 |
Semester 4
| Course | Course Name | Cr | Class Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| LSTP 203 | Capstone | 3 | Technical |
| LSTP 204 | Legal Research & Writing I | 3 | Technical |
| LSTP 205 | Debtor/Creditor Law & BKRPT | 3 | Technical |
| LSTP 207 | Legal Practices & Technology | 2 | Technical |
| LSTP 208 | Family Law | 3 | Technical |
| 14 | |||
| Total | 60 |
Advising Worksheet for ITC Certificate
Semester 1
| Course | Course Name | Cr | Class Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSN 115 | Comp Productivity Applications | 3 | Transfer |
| ENGL 101 | Writing and Rhetoric I | 3 | Transfer |
| POLS 101 or 102 | American National Government or Intro to Political Science | 3 | Transfer |
| LSPT 100 | Introduction to Law | 3 | Technical |
| LSPT 100L | Introduction to Law - LAB | 1 | Technical |
| LSPT 104 | Connotational Law, Rights & Responsibilities | 3 | Technical |
| 16 |
Semester 2
| Course | Course Name | Cr | Class Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL 102 | Writing and Rhetoric II | 3 | Transfer |
| MATH | Any GEM 3 course | 3 | Transfer |
| GEM 6 | Preferably Criminal Justice, U.S. History, Economics | 3 | Transfer |
| LSPT 101 | Contract Law | 3 | Technical |
| LSPT 103 | Tort Law | 3 | Technical |
| 15 | |||
| Total | 31 |
Advising Worksheet for BTC Certificate
Semester 1
| Course | Course Name | Cr | Class Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSN 115 | Comp Productivity Applications | 3 | Transfer |
| ENGL 101 | Writing and Rhetoric I | 3 | Transfer |
| POLS 101 or 102 | American National Government or Intro to Political Science | 3 | Transfer |
| LSPT 100 | Introduction to Law | 3 | Technical |
| LSPT 100L | Introduction to Law - LAB | 1 | Technical |
| LSPT 104 | Connotational Law, Rights & Responsibilities | 3 | Technical |
| 16 |
Three reasons to choose this program
- Legal Studies & Paralegal Training can help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive workforce
- Program graduates successfully launch careers in legal and non-legal fields, thus expanding employment opportunities
- Job placement is traditionally strong in this program for hard-working, determined students
Employment Opportunities
Contrary to popular belief, paralegals work in many different fields besides law firms. If you are interested in a law-related career, know there are many viable employment options for those seeking a less traditional career path. Paralegals, like most paraprofessionals, work for a variety of employers in business, law, and government. Those considering law school will find Legal Studies & Paralegal Training can serve as pre-law courses. And for still others, many law-related careers also extend into the criminal justice system.
An important part of attending college is to learn and develop a marketable skill. Legal Studies & Paralegal Training is designed to help develop a broad range of skills that are transferable to other industries. As a result, this provides graduates with more employment opportunities with employers who are connected with contract administration, compliance, regulatory, policy, in addition to positions within law firms. Simply, developing transferable skills can greatly enhance job prospects and employability.
Job Outlook!
Employment opportunities for paralegal is strong, with solid growth anticipated from 2021 to 2031. Now is a great time to consider becoming a legal professional. For more detailed information, use the link below to examine pay, industry outlook, and job responsibilities.
!Source: U.S. Bureau Labor Statistics
Exploring paralegal skills employers commonly seek
Specialized skills for paralegals
- Litigation
- Legal documentation
- Scheduling
- Legal document composition
- Legal research
- Case management
- Administrative support
- Customer service
Transferrable skills for paralegals
- Organizational ability
- Attention to detail
- Communication
- Microsoft Office®
- Writing
- Research
- Multi-tasking
- Computer literacy
- Teamwork/collaboration
DOES THE AAS DEGREE ARTICULATE?
Where This Program’s Degree Articulates
Legal Studies & Paralegal Training has more recently partnered with Lewis-Clark State College and Idaho State University to create a transfer pipeline for seeking to earn a bachelor’s degree. Both colleges provide a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree, thus allowing 50 credits from the AAS degree to transfer. This option is particularly important for those interested in law school since a bachelor’s degree is required – and yes, the BAS degree is accepted for law school admissions.
Both BAS options provide both in-person and online course access. With a clear path forward, transferring credits is easier than ever.
FREQUENLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What can i do with this degree?
Depends. What is your aspiration? Are you seeking career-technical training to launch a new career? or are you looking to transfer to a four-year college?
Legal Studies & Paralegal Training (LSPT) program provides students will with versatility. The program’s mission emphasizes developing core competencies inherent to both options. Students will find program curriculum that is designed to build a solid foundation from which to demonstrate the requisite core competencies that broadly prepare graduates for either workplace or educational success.
By offering a blended learning and training experience, program graduates are utilizing their AAS degree as following:
Industry (employment) –
- Fluor IDAHO
- HCA Healthcare
- Bonneville County – Prosecutor & Public Defender
- Jerome County – Juvenile Probation
Transfer –
- Lewis & Clark – transfer into BAS-Paralegal Studies
- ISU – (soon to offer) into BAS-Paralegal Studies
What do paralegals do?
Paralegals organize, compile, communicate and manage workflow in law offices and law-related fields.
Typical duties of a paralegal include, but are not limited to the following:
- Conduct client interviews and maintain general contact with the client.
- Locate and interview witnesses.
- Conduct investigations, statistical and documentary research.
- Conduct legal research.
- Draft legal documents, correspondence, and pleadings.
- Summarize depositions, interrogatories, and testimony.
- Attend executions of wills, real estate closings, depositions, court or administrative hearings, and trials with the attorney.
- Author and sign correspondence provided the paralegal status is clearly indicated and the correspondence does not contain independent legal opinions or legal advice.
While the paralegal profession has its beginnings in law firms, today, many paralegals work in various corporations and business organizations including banks, insurance companies and health organizations, and government.
How long does it take to graduate?
Four semesters for those enrolled in the AAS degree and Two semesters for the Intermediate Technical Certificate.
What are classes like?
Program curriculum is created to be hands-on. Emphasis is given to helping students develop a solid educational foundation while developing employability skills. Real world case studies are implemented in classes to aid students in critical thinking skills needed to effectively apply learning concepts to support problem-solving strategies.
Will I get lost in the crowd if I enroll in this program?
No. Class sizes are small which allows for more faculty interaction. The program is hands-on so lecture is often punctuated with workshops where students often spend class time refining assessments before grading and learning how to apply learning concepts. The program blends individual with collaborative projects, which many students find particularly helpful.
Are there any restrictions to entering into the program?
No. Applicants are encouraged to consult with an enrollment advisor in Admission to discuss transcripts and course placement.
When do I start the application process? are there deadlines?
It is never too early to meet with the dental hygiene academic adviser to review transcripts. Completing the application and gathering additional information from the check list will take time, so plan accordingly. Students may enter into the program in fall or spring.
Go to Admissions for current submission dates.
How many days will I be expected to attend classes, and are the classes offered online?
Students may enter into the program on a part- or full-time basis. Generally, first-year legal courses are offered twice a week from 8:00 a.m. to noon and second-year students following a similar pattern. Required general education classes are scheduled around legal classes, therefore a student may be on campus more thaStudents may enter into the program on a part- or full-time basis. Generally, first-year legal courses are offered twice a week from 8:00 a.m. to noon and second-year students following a similar pattern. Required general education classes are scheduled around legal classes, therefore a student may be on campus more than twice a week depending on how the course schedule is planned.
This program offers a limited number of online courses in the second year, only.
Who can I talk to about the application and admissions process?
Contract Admission to speak with an enrollment advisor to discuss the application process.
Office Hours
Monday-Friday 8 AM - 5PM