Paralegal & Legal Studies

Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.)

Paralegals play an important role in assisting attorneys. You'll conduct research, draft legal documents, work with clients, and manage case files. Gain the writing and research skills necessary to enter this field with our flexible online program.

Career Outlook: Paralegal and Legal Assistants

Paralegal expertise is vital to an organization's success in every industry. Legal assistants often work in law firms, corporate offices, and government agencies. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the demand for paralegals and legal assistants to grow 4% by 2032. The median annual wage for paralegal careers was $59,200 in 2022.

A.A.S. Program Overview

Contribute to the pursuit of justice and resolve legal matters by working as a paralegal. Study important legal fields such as property rights, litigation, and estate planning. Work on projects and draft legal documents like those you'll encounter as a paralegal. You'll explore career options and personalize your education to match your interests and goals.

Supplement your paralegal studies with general education coursework on writing, research, and logic. Courses in composition and public speaking prepare you to communicate with clients, lawyers, judges, and other law professionals.

Online Degree Program

Our paralegal degree and certificate programs are 100% online. Online courses provide a convenient and flexible way to earn your education. Study on your time and from a location that fits your schedule. Find out more about online degree programs.

Hands-On Paralegal Experience with Internships

Complete a 128-hour paralegal internship and gain first-hand experience in this profession. Find the perfect fit with our network of over 35 law firms, real estate companies, government agencies, banks, and insurance companies.

During your internship, you'll engage in substantive legal work such as preparing official documents (trusts, wills, and real estate closings) and managing client communications.

Learn From Regional Paralegal Experts

Meet experts in various legal fields through the program's guest speaker series. Attorneys and paralegals from Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo will discuss real-world scenarios.

Make an informed choice about your future. Hear what it's like to work in public firms, small private practices, real estate offices, and corporate headquarters.

A.A.S. Program Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this degree program, students will be able to:

• Interpret and articulate the legal issue posed by a client's fact scenario, along with the answer to that issue.
• Prioritize, integrate, and analyze information to achieve the best outcome for a client.
• Apply the rules of legal ethics in different scenarios encountered in paralegal practice.
• Create appropriate legal documentation required for various legal tasks.

Career Pathways

Graduate from this program ready to start a career as a paralegal or legal assistant. Previous graduates work at law firms, corporations, and government offices across New York state.

Seamless Transfer Opportunities

An associate degree in Paralegal Studies can serve as the first step toward a law degree. Transfer to a four-year school to study political science, mathematics, or other pre-law program. Some regional transfer options include:

Low-Cost Tuition and Scholarship Opportunities

Earn a quality education at an affordable rate. With our low cost-per-credit and general scholarship opportunities, you can maximize your potential with minimal debt. 80% of students are awarded scholarships or financial aid that help with the cost of college.

Faculty

FLCC's Paralegal faculty and adjuncts are experienced attorneys or paralegals. They bring valuable real-world experience and law knowledge in the private and public sectors to the classroom.

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