LEGAL  SUPPORT SERVICES  PROGRAM
      

Paralegal Program

• Associate degree (A.A.S.)

• Certificate Program

• Bachelor of Applied Science degree (B.A.S.)

PHILOSOPHY  STATEMENT

The Legal Support Services program was developed to give students a common core of legal knowledge and the necessary critical thinking, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills they will need to succeed as a legal support professional.  

The program consists of  four-phases, or "built-in stops" - somewhat like a journey by train.  The first phase, or year one of the program, presents the student with basic legal concepts and core classes.   Both Paralegal and Legal Secretary students begin in phase one.   A student may exit or graduate after completion of phase one with a "Certificate in Legal Office Technology."  A student with this level of education might enter the 
 workforce as an entry-level receptionist or secretary.  

The second year of the program begins phase two.  During this phase, a student attains additional skills that are necessary and critical to work as a Legal Secretary.  All skills and knowledge gained in phase one will be utilized and applied to the coursework in phase two and will build upon a higher-level of knowledge and understanding of legal concepts.  Upon completion of phase two, a student may elect to graduate with an Associate of Applied Science degree (A.A.S.) in Legal Secretary and enter the workforce, or the student may move into phase three of the program.

In phase three, or the third year of the program,  students are introduced to a variety of substantive areas of the law, including, but not limited to Legal Research & Writing I & II; Family Law; Civil Litigation; Wills, Trusts & Estates; Business Organizations; Criminal Law & Procedures; and Real Estate Law.  Students are expected to apply all previously obtained knowledge and skills and take such knowledge and skills to yet a higher level.  Upon completion of phase three, a student graduates with an Associate of Applied Science degree (A.A.S.) in Paralegal.

Phase four of the program affords students with the opportunity to complete a Bachelor of Applied Science degree (B.A.S.).   This option opens the door for students desiring a 4-year degree.   Some law school bound students find this option very appealing! 

The Legal Support Services program offers a student a wide-range of learning opportunities from a certificate to a Bachelor of Applied Science degree.  Each phase of the program builds upon the next.   This program encourages and promotes "Life Long Learning."

Lori Ann McCann
Program Coordinator
Lewis-Clark State College
500 - 8th Avenue
Lewiston, ID  83501

Phone:  (208) 792-2363
Fax: (208) 792-2856

E-mail:  lmccann@lcsc.edu

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