Paralegal Studies
College of Rural Alaska
Tanana Valley Campus
(907) 455-2800
www.tvc.uaf.edu/programs/info/pls-info.html
A.A.S. Degree
Minimum Requirements for Degree: 60 credits
The paralegal studies program trains students for employment as paralegals to assist in the delivery of legal services under the supervision of a practicing lawyer, and provides continuing education and upgrading of skills for paralegals already employed. In addition, the program offers practical law-related topics for UAF students whose main focus is in other areas of study such as political science and justice.
Paralegals and legal assistants are not authorized to provide direct legal services to the public. However, they are qualified to perform rudimentary legal research and produce drafts of letters, office memoranda, pleadings, contracts, wills and similar documents. Paralegals conduct client and witness interviews, engage in basic fact-finding and investigation, and assist in trial preparation and discovery. At all times they remain cognizant of the ethical responsibilities owed by the supervising lawyer to clients, other lawyers and the court system.
The UAF paralegal studies program does not train lawyers or legal administrators. Its curriculum is approved by the American Bar Association.
- Complete ENGL 111X with a grade of C or better prior to admission to the program.
- Complete the general university requirements.
- Complete the A.A.S. degree requirements.
- Complete the following:*
CIOS 150—Computer Applications (3)
or CIOS course appropriate for the skill level of the student (3) 3 credits
PLS 101—Introduction to Paralegal Studies 3 credits
PLS 210—Civil Procedure 3 credits
PLS 260—Computers in the Law Office 3 credits
PLS 280—Legal Research and Writing for Paralegals 3 credits
PLS 299—Paralegal Studies Internship 3 credits
PS 101—Introduction to American Government 3 credits
PS 303—Politics and the Judicial Process 3 credits
PS 435W—Constitutional Law I: Institutions and Governmental Powers (3)
or PS 436—Constitutional Law II: Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (3) 3 credits
- Complete five of the following:*
PLS 203—Torts 3 credits
PLS 213—Criminal Law for Paralegals 3 credits
PLS 215—Contracts/Real Property 3 credits
PLS 240—Family Law 3 credits
PLS 242—Employment and Administrative Law for Paralegals 3 credits
PLS 250—Probate Law 3 credits
PLS 275—Business Organizations 3 credits
PLS 293—(special topics course) 3 credits
- Complete law-related electives** 3 credits
- Minimum credits required 60
* Student must earn a C grade or better in each PLS, PS and CIOS course.
**Students may meet this requirement by completing an additional PLS, ANS, CIOS, JUST or PS course; or by completing HSV 215 or JRN 413.
Note: Students interested in the paralegal studies degree should consult the program coordinator before enrolling in paralegal classes. Transfer credits for paralegal courses completed at other institutions are subject to approval by the program coordinator.
Minor
- Complete the following:
PLS 101—Introduction to Paralegal Studies 3 credits
PLS electives 15 credits
- Minimum credits required 18