The paralegal profession has experienced dramatic growth since the 1960's as a direct result of the need for affordable legal services. The profession is one that is exciting as well as rewarding. Paralegals – although not attorneys themselves - assist attorneys in substantive legal work which in their absence would have to be done by the attorneys. On an average day, a paralegal might be involved in handling a real estate closing, interviewing clients and witnesses, drafting legal documents, performing legal research and conducting an investigation. All work is done under the supervision of an attorney and in compliance with strict ethical standards. By allowing a paralegal to handle such tasks, the attorney is available for other work and, at the same time, is able to provide the client with quality legal services at a lower rate.
The goal of the Paralegal
program at Finger Lakes Community College is to provide students
a quality paralegal education in order to prepare them to competently
assist attorneys upon graduation. To this end, the Paralegal Program
has sought and achieved American Bar Association (ABA) approval.
ABA approval is a voluntary goal but one which signifies that an
institution is providing the highest quality paralegal education.
Further, the program is an institutional member of the American
Association for Paralegal Education which also maintains strict
standards to obtain such membership status.
The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Paralegal degree program
at Finger Lakes Community College is designed to prepare you for
entry into the job market immediately upon graduation. The curriculum
was developed in accordance with the American Bar Association guidelines
and in consultation with area legal practitioners. We emphasize
practical skills and knowledge utilized in common legal
specialties such as real property law, family law,
and trust and estate law.
In addition, the College offers honors courses that provide enhanced
educational experiences for students who have demonstrated outstanding
academic ability. Enrollment in honors courses is open to qualified
students enrolled in this degree program, as well as all other qualified
FLCC students. Successful completion of honors courses or an Honors
Certificate may increase student transfer options to four-year institutions.
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FLCC's ABA-approved paralegal degree program emphasizes legal theory
and practices as well as contemporary office skills and office management
procedures.
Students
in the paralegal
program receive individualized attention in small classes.
A student who successfully completes the Paralegal Program at Finger Lakes Community College is well prepared to find employment as a paralegal in law firms, corporate legal departments, insurance companies, real estate development companies, title insurance firms and banks. In addition, our graduates are prepared to find jobs with community legal service programs, consumer organizations, federal, state and local agencies and other public organizations needing or providing legal assistance.
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