Business & Technology

Paralegal Studies Program

Pursue your passion for law

The Paralegal Studies program is designed to prepare individuals for employment in law-related areas. While paralegals typically are found in law firms, they also are utilized by government agencies, insurance companies, bank trust departments, corporations, and the court system. Dedicated, motivated students will graduate with an Associate in Science degree in Paralegal Studies and with qualifications to sit for the Paralegal/Certified Legal Assistant Exam administered by the National Association of Legal Assistants.

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Paralegal Certifications

CP/CLA Exam

Students in the Paralegal Program are eligible to take the Certified Paralegal/Certified Legal Assistant Exam after completion of the program. The CP/CLA Exam is administered by the National Association of Legal Assistants. The cost is $250 for NALA members or $275 for nonmembers.

Florida Certified Paralegal

Students who successfully pass the CP/CLA certification exam are eligible to take the Florida Certified Paralegal Exam.

Florida Registered Paralegal

After successful completion of Associate in Science degree in Paralegal and working as a paralegal for 4 years, students may register with the Florida Bar to become a Florida Registered Paralegal. Students who have been convicted of a felony are not eligible to become a Florida Registered Paralegal.

Students in the Paralegal program may also be eligible to take the following certification exams:

  • Certified Professional Secretary Exam (upon successful completion of OST2401 Office Administration I).
  • Certified Administrative Professional Exam (upon successful completion of OST2402 Office Administration II).
  • Microsoft Certified Application Specialist Word 2010 Certification Exam (upon successful completion of OST2717 Advanced Word).

Graduates of the Program will be able to:

  • Communicate in a clear and effective manner.
  • Identify and apply ethical and professional standards of the paralegal profession.
  • Demonstrate ability to utilize the law library and electronic legal research to create well-written legal documents.
  • Apply knowledge of tort law, constitutional law, and criminal law concepts to analyze factual situations.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of all phases of litigation practice and procedure.
  • Examine real property law and its application to real property transactions.
  • Analyze issues related to estate planning and probate administration concepts and their application to probate procedures.
  • Identify the fundamental principles of the law of business organizations.
  • Explain how contract law and the Uniform Commercial Code impacts individuals and business entities.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of entrepreneurship, management techniques and procedures.
  • Analyze family law situations by applying family law and procedure.
  • Identify and demonstrate employability skills.
  • Enroll in CF Bachelor of Applied Science in Business and Organizational Management program.

Graduates smiling

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