Paralegal Studies (A.T.C.) (4104)

This is a Limited/Selective Access program.

The mission of the Paralegal Studies program is to educate, train, and develop students for careers as paralegals and legal assistants. The curriculum focuses on the study of legal theory and substantive areas of the law, and incorporates the practical application of law to develop the skills necessary to succeed in the profession. The program emphasizes legal research, writing, law related technology, communication, ethics, and critical thinking skills so that students enter the legal profession well prepared.

This Advanced Technical Certificate (A.T.C.) is exclusively for the student who has earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and is now seeking a career change or certification. The Paralegal Studies courses identified in this A.T.C. will meet the educational requirements for the Certified Paralegal (CP) examination administered nationwide by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). The A.T.C. in Paralegal Studies program at Florida State College at Jacksonville has been approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) since the program’s inception, Fall 2015.

Employment opportunities may include private law firms, courthouses, governmental or administrative agencies, non-profit organizations, corporations, and other legal environments. The program may provide a solid foundation for those considering law school in the future as well.

Transfer of Legal Specialty courses from other institutions must be approved by the Program Manager and may be limited by the program’s ABA approval.

All courses in this technical certificate are also included in the Legal Studies (Paralegal Studies) (A.S.) degree. Students have the option of applying all of the coursework completed in this program toward an associate’s degree.

A minimum grade of C or higher must be achieved in all professional coursework.

ABA Requirements

FSCJ Legal Studies students must take at least nine semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction.

Course Transfer Policy: A total of 9 legal specialty credits from another institution will be accepted. The other institution must have an American Bar Association (ABA) - approved paralegal or legal studies program. The course description in the syllabus must closely mirror that of an equivalent legal specialty course offered by FSCJ. The Legal Studies Program Director evaluates requests for the transfer of legal specialty credits from other institutions. The Program Director will not consider any legal specialty courses taken more than 5 years ago at another institution.

Students in this certificate program are not required to complete math courses unless they are listed as part of the certificate program. Please note that related programs suggest a Mathematical Thinking in Context math pathway. For additional information about Mathematics Pathways, please visit the Mathematics Pathways page.

This is a Limited Access program option. Only those who meet the criteria below are eligible to be admitted. All others may consider the A.S. in Paralegal Studies program option.

Applicants must submit an application for admission into A.T.C. in Paralegal Studies program. The following criteria apply:

1. Applicants must have graduated with at least a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

2. Applicants must have a 2.0 overall grade point average.

legalstudies@fscj.edu.