(97-101 credits)

Program Description

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Do you pride yourself on your organization and attention to detail? Do you enjoy supporting others and advocating for underserved causes? Paralegals, as “the hands and feet” of a law firm, play a key role in the legal system, working with both legal professionals and their clients to help serve their needs.

At SPSCC, you’ll gain the fundamental skills required to enter the legal office: skills like legal research, documentation and writing, knowing the basis of court proceedings, and more. Our advisory board includes public and private attorneys and judges from the local community.

The overall program goal of the Paralegal Associate in Applied Science Degree is to prepare students for careers as paralegals or legal assistants working under the supervision of lawyers. In addition, it is the aim of the program to provide students with knowledge of legal concepts, procedures and essential skills required to serve the needs of a complex legal and business community. The Program emphasizes organizational, interpersonal, analytical and technological skills that support students in their professional pursuits and provides a broad range of skills for positions in a variety of legal settings such as private law firms, government agencies, community action agencies, corporate legal departments, insurance companies, estate and trust departments of large banks, or real estate and title companies. The curriculum consists of a combination of legal practice concentration, law-related, and general education courses. Students seeking a career as a paralegal must be able to write clearly, communicate effectively, be proficient with office computer systems, and possess a high degree of motivation and analytical reasoning capability. The Paralegal Program promotes ethical awareness and professional responsibility, and encourages development of the Paralegal and LLLT occupations.

Career Opportunities

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The paralegal field continues as one of the fastest growing professions. The American Bar Association and Washington State Bar Association recognize the benefit of two-year paralegal and Limited License Legal Technician (LLLT) programs. Job opportunities are continuing to increase and expand into new areas. Paralegal positions open in private law firms, corporate legal departments, insurance companies, estate and trust departments of large banks, real estate and title insurance companies, nonprofit private and public organizations and professional trade associations. Job opportunities in the public sector are available in community legal services programs, offices of public defenders, prosecutors, and attorney generals, government agencies and the court system. Earnings vary depending on the size of the community, geographic location, size, and business of the employing agency, and the paralegal’s education, background, and work experience.

• Paralegal and Legal Assistant
• Compliance Officer
• Legal Secretary

Program Information

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Legal core courses are offered in the evening. It is recommended that ENGL& 101 English Composition I and a computer course be taken prior to Fall quarter.

Length of Program

Because legal courses are offered only in the evening, program completion may require nine quarters.

Special Program Note

Only an attorney or Limited License Legal Technician (LLLT) pursuant to Admission and Practice Rule (APR) 28, can counsel others as to their legal rights or responsibilities. Non-lawyer assistants act under the supervision of a lawyer in compliance with Washington State Court Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) 5.3, General Rule (GR) 24. See also, APR 28 and LLLT RPC.

South Puget Sound Community College believes that all students need to develop a broad range of abilities that will not only make them more effective in their professional pursuits but will enhance their capacity to relate well to others in their daily lives.

• Exhibit critical thinking skills in analyzing legal processes and problems
• Analyze, synthesize and communicate information about legal issues and processes in writing and in oral presentations
• Use technological applications to efficiently produce, manage, and submit accurate legal documents
• Recognize and apply reason to ethical issues in business, including the legal implications of business practices
• Develop and practice appropriate and relevant interaction skills across personal, academic and professional settings

In addition, students who complete the program will demonstrate the following skills standards:

• Engaging in legal and factual investigation and research using traditional and technology-based tools
• Briefing and analyzing legal issues in writing
• Understanding the court system and the process of civil litigation from case inception through trial and post-trial matters
• Using a variety of current computer applications to efficiently produce, manage, and analyze legal documents
• Demonstrating effective communication with attorneys, clients, court personnel, and co-workers, orally and in writing
• Effectively interviewing clients or witnesses

The SPSCC college-wide abilities are embedded into each program:

• Effective Communication
• Information Literacy
• Analytical Reasoning
• Multicultural Awareness
• Social Responsibility

Courses by Quarter

South Puget Sound Community College has provided pathways and associated recommended courses for ease of student selection based upon a student’s career interest. Please review the pathway maps for required and recommended courses.