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ACADEMIC CATALOG
- Catalog 2024-2025
- General Information
- Letter from the District President
- Board of Trustees
- Administration
- History of the College
- Mission, Vision and Values
- Equal Educational Opportunity
- Accreditation
- 2024-2025 Academic Calendar
- Navarro College Locations
- Navarro College Foundation, Inc.
- Cook Education Center
- Small Business Development Center
- Navarro College Awards
- Admissions & Registration
- Tuition & Fees
- Student Services
- Academic Policies and Information
- Programs of Study
- Course Descriptions
- Previous Catalogs
PARALEGAL STUDIES
The Occupations
Legal Assistant, Paralegal
About the Occupations
The terms “legal assistant” and “paralegal” are used inter- changeably to denote a person who assists licensed attorneys in the delivery of legal services. In this occupation, paralegal/legal assistants perform many of the same tasks as lawyers under their direct supervision. Paralegals generally work for one law firm or sole practitioner, but they may also provide their services to licensed attorneys on a contract basis as a freelance paralegal. In either case, legal assistants may assume a variety of responsibilities, such as drafting legal documents, conducting legal research to ascertain the applicable law in a given case, and investigating the facts of cases.
A career as a paralegal also provides diverse employment settings. In addition to having the option to work for small, medium, or large law firms, legal assistants may work for corporations assisting attorneys with such tasks as drafting employee contracts, maintaining corporate minute books, or preparing annual financial reports. Other paralegal assistants may work for the state or federal government in one of their numerous administrative agencies performing a variety of duties. When assigned a legal problem on which to work, legal assistants must be able to communicate their findings to their supervising attorney(s), both orally and in writing. In order to do this effectively, paralegal assistants must not only understand legal terminology and have good research and investigative skills, but also must have excellent communication skills. Proficiency in the operation of computers in legal research and litigation is also essential. As legal assistants gain experience they are usually delegated increasingly challenging tasks, and can be a great asset to their employers. The paralegal occupation provides virtually unlimited opportunities to self-motivated people who recognize the importance of details, are able to work under pressure, and will abide by the strict rules of ethics and confidentiality of the legal profession.
Navarro College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Navarro College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Navarro College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org).
WORK ENVIRONMENT | |
Employers |
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Typical Schedule |
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Tools and Equipment |
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WORKER PORTRAIT | |
Skills and Aptitudes |
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Interests |
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OUTLOOK | OCCUPATION |
Excellent | Paralegal personnel |
POSITION | SALARY (PER YEAR) |
Paralegal | $38,020 - $56,080 |
(Note: Individual earnings may vary based upon the job set- ting and position. These are ranges – not guarantees of earnings.)
Navarro College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Navarro
College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree
levels. Questions about the accreditation of Navarro College may be directed in writing
to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866
Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using
information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org).
CONCENTRATION OPTIONS | DEGREE / CERTIFICATE TYPE | DEGREE PLANS |
Paralegal Studies | Associate in Applied Science | View Degree Plan |
Paralegal Studies with Criminal Justice Emphasis | Associate in Applied Science | View Degree Plan |
Paralegal Studies | Certificate | View Degree Plan |
Navarro College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Navarro College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Navarro College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org).