Legal Assisting Program

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Legal Assisting Program   PAGE 1

FAQs(  Frequently Asked Questions)
 

 

Q:	What is the difference between "legal assistant" and "paralegal"?
A:	The terms "legal assistant" and "paralegal" are used interchangeably.  American Bar Association defines the profession as follows: A legal assistant or paralegal is a person, qualified by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible. (Click here to read ABA's new definition of Legal Assistant/Paralegal.)
Q	Is Columbus State’s Legal Assisting Program an approved program?
A:	YES: Columbus State is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The Legal Assisting Program is approved by the American Bar Association. For more information, see Legal Assisting Program
Q:	What are typical course requirements for courses in the Legal Assisting Program?
A:	The Program's main emphasis is to introduce students to the fundamentals of legal research and production of legal documents.  Typical course requirements include legal research, document production and the occasional in-class examination.
Q:	Can I receive transfer credit?
A:	The College and the Department of Legal Studies welcomes students who have successfully completed course work at other colleges and universities. Contact: transfer office at 1 800 621-6407.
Q:	How many courses are required for graduation?
A:	Twenty two quarter hours of General Education courses, twenty four hours of Basic education courses and fifty five quarter hours of Legal Assisting courses. Twenty two quarter hours of General Education courses, twenty four hours of Basic education courses and fifty five quarter hours of Legal Assisting courses. Please click here to view the graduation requirements.
Q:	Can I Transfer to other Colleges and Universities?
A:	Yes, Columbus State has articulation pacts with The Ohio State University and   several other colleges. The majority of our courses are transferable to the college of your choice. Contact the transfer office at 1800-621-6407.
Q:	Can I take this program while I'm working?
A:	Yes, you can.  Most of our students enroll on a part-time basis.
Q:	How long will it take me to finish the full-time course of studies?
A:	A typical full-time student should be able to complete the entire curriculum in two years. Most of our students graduate in three to four years. Click here to view Plan of Study.
Q:	What are my employment prospects and anticipated salary?
A:	The legal assistant field is considered one of the top ten employment growth fields for the 21st Century. Beginning salaries start in the low to mid $20's and a experienced legal assistant with five years of experience with a CLA certification can anticipate a minimal annual salary in the high $30's. Employment/Occupational Information
	FAQS (PAGE 2)