One of Only 270 ABA Approved Paralegal Programs in the U.S.
Associate of Arts Degree in Paralegal Studies
With our two-year associate of arts degree program, you will be prepared to jump right in to the field under the supervision of an attorney in drafting and editing legal documents, researching legal precedent, preparing for trial and coordinating law office activity.
Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
All students at College of Saint Mary enrolled in paralegal programs must complete a minimum of nine (9) semester credits or their equivalent in legal specialty courses, which can be fulfilled through synchronous instruction methods, including face-to-face class meetings or remote-synchronous classes like Zoom.
Required Courses in Your Major
Introduction to Paralegal Studies
This survey course discusses the legal environment, law office procedures, legal ethics and confidentiality, avoiding unauthorized practice of law, professional responsibilities of the paralegal, interpreting statutes, employment opportunities, salary surveys, regulations and other sources of law.
The Legal Environment
This survey course considers the different substantive areas of the law: the history of the American legal system; a general overview of the type of law applicable to the legal assistant; an introduction to basic legal principles including the judicial system and more.
Legal Research and Writing
This course emphasizes the basics of legal research methods and good written communication, with an emphasis on precise writing. The course uses a case-study approach for developing organizational, legal style and analytical skills.
Legal Research and Writing II
A continuation of Legal Research and Writing (LAW 200).
Law Office Administration and Technology
This course includes a study of administrative systems, file management, docket control, retrieval, time keeping, billing, accounting dictation, word processing, types of legal fees and their handling and the role of the attorney, paralegal, legal administrator and legal secretary in a law office.
Litigation I
This course is an introduction to the civil litigation process, with emphasis on the practice associated with a civil action. Topics covered include: civil procedure, preparation and use of pleadings, discovery, evidence, client interviewing and investigative techniques.
Litigation II
This course is a continuation of Litigation I (LAW 230) with an emphasis on the functions of a paralegal in trial preparation and pretrial and trial procedures including the gathering and organizing of materials, investigating, interviewing, appellate procedures, preparation of the trial notebook, and assisting during and after a trial.
Paralegal Internship
Law 470 is a 3 credit class and consists of the following: mock interview, orientation, work experience and online discussion board and assignments.
Plus any two of the following:
-
Torts
-
Advanced Business Law
-
Estates, Trust, Tax Law and Probate
-
Real Estate Law Contract
-
Contracts
-
Family Law
And any two of the following:
-
Bankruptcy Law
-
Federal Practice and Constitutional Law
-
Medical Terminology and Malpractice
-
Special Topics in the Law
Requirements for Graduation from College of Saint Mary
The associate degree in paralegal studies requires 64 credit hours with:
- 26 hours of general education courses
- 29 hours in the major
- 15 hours in supporting courses
The Assurance of Accreditation
The assurance of regional accreditation means that our degrees have been evaluated for their outcomes — including how well they prepare you to meet the needs of your employers, yourself and our global society. College of Saint Mary is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
College of Saint Mary’s Associate of Arts Degree in Legal Studies program is approved by the American Bar Association, Standing Committee on Paralegals, 312-998-5618.
Undergraduate Admissions Requirements for College of Saint Mary
-
Submit your application and transcripts.
-
Transcripts from any post high school institutions for transfer students. Students who have earned 12 or more credit hours with a minimum GPA of 2.0 from other institutions qualify as transfer students.
Test-Optional Admissions
CSM accepts undergraduate students with or without test scores (ACT/SAT). Below are a few key details to consider:
- Choosing not to submit test scores will not result in any penalties during the admission or merit scholarship evaluation process.
- If you decide to submit scores after being admitted, we will assess your eligibility for a potential increase in merit scholarship (scores must be submitted by March 31). No merit scholarship will be revoked due to test scores submitted after admission.
Academic Description
One of Only 270 ABA Approved Paralegal Programs in the U.S.
Associate of Arts Degree in Paralegal Studies
With our two-year associate of arts degree program, you will be prepared to jump right in to the field under the supervision of an attorney in drafting and editing legal documents, researching legal precedent, preparing for trial and coordinating law office activity.
Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
All students at College of Saint Mary enrolled in paralegal programs must complete a minimum of nine (9) semester credits or their equivalent in legal specialty courses, which can be fulfilled through synchronous instruction methods, including face-to-face class meetings or remote-synchronous classes like Zoom.
Accreditation
The Assurance of Accreditation
The assurance of regional accreditation means that our degrees have been evaluated for their outcomes — including how well they prepare you to meet the needs of your employers, yourself and our global society. College of Saint Mary is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
College of Saint Mary’s Associate of Arts Degree in Legal Studies program is approved by the American Bar Association, Standing Committee on Paralegals, 312-998-5618.
Admissions Requirements
Undergraduate Admissions Requirements for College of Saint Mary
-
Submit your application and transcripts.
-
Transcripts from any post high school institutions for transfer students. Students who have earned 12 or more credit hours with a minimum GPA of 2.0 from other institutions qualify as transfer students.
Test-Optional Admissions
CSM accepts undergraduate students with or without test scores (ACT/SAT). Below are a few key details to consider:
- Choosing not to submit test scores will not result in any penalties during the admission or merit scholarship evaluation process.
- If you decide to submit scores after being admitted, we will assess your eligibility for a potential increase in merit scholarship (scores must be submitted by March 31). No merit scholarship will be revoked due to test scores submitted after admission.
Curriculum
Required Courses in Your Major
Introduction to Paralegal Studies
This survey course discusses the legal environment, law office procedures, legal ethics and confidentiality, avoiding unauthorized practice of law, professional responsibilities of the paralegal, interpreting statutes, employment opportunities, salary surveys, regulations and other sources of law.
The Legal Environment
This survey course considers the different substantive areas of the law: the history of the American legal system; a general overview of the type of law applicable to the legal assistant; an introduction to basic legal principles including the judicial system and more.
Legal Research and Writing
This course emphasizes the basics of legal research methods and good written communication, with an emphasis on precise writing. The course uses a case-study approach for developing organizational, legal style and analytical skills.
Legal Research and Writing II
A continuation of Legal Research and Writing (LAW 200).
Law Office Administration and Technology
This course includes a study of administrative systems, file management, docket control, retrieval, time keeping, billing, accounting dictation, word processing, types of legal fees and their handling and the role of the attorney, paralegal, legal administrator and legal secretary in a law office.
Litigation I
This course is an introduction to the civil litigation process, with emphasis on the practice associated with a civil action. Topics covered include: civil procedure, preparation and use of pleadings, discovery, evidence, client interviewing and investigative techniques.
Litigation II
This course is a continuation of Litigation I (LAW 230) with an emphasis on the functions of a paralegal in trial preparation and pretrial and trial procedures including the gathering and organizing of materials, investigating, interviewing, appellate procedures, preparation of the trial notebook, and assisting during and after a trial.
Paralegal Internship
Law 470 is a 3 credit class and consists of the following: mock interview, orientation, work experience and online discussion board and assignments.
Plus any two of the following:
-
Torts
-
Advanced Business Law
-
Estates, Trust, Tax Law and Probate
-
Real Estate Law Contract
-
Contracts
-
Family Law
And any two of the following:
-
Bankruptcy Law
-
Federal Practice and Constitutional Law
-
Medical Terminology and Malpractice
-
Special Topics in the Law
Degree Requirements
Requirements for Graduation from College of Saint Mary
The associate degree in paralegal studies requires 64 credit hours with:
- 26 hours of general education courses
- 29 hours in the major
- 15 hours in supporting courses
