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Q: |
What is the difference between
"legal assistant" and "paralegal"? |
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| A: |
The terms "legal assistant" and
"paralegal" are used interchangeably. The legal community's preference for
which term should be used has varied over the years. Currently,
"paralegal" is the preferred term.
As defined by the American Bar Association, "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."
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| Q |
Is Columbus State’s Legal Assisting
Program an approved program? |
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| A: |
YES! Columbus State
is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The
Paralegal Program is approved by the American Bar Association. |
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| Q: |
What are typical course requirements
for courses in the Legal Assisting Program? |
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| A: |
Required courses depend on which program
the student is enrolled -
Associates Degree, Post-Baccalaureate
Option, Legal Medical Consultant
or the Certificate in Workers' Compensation.
Each program, however, emphasizes the fundamentals of legal research and
production of legal documents. See each of the
Program Descriptions for a more detailed
discussion.
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| Q: |
Can I receive transfer credit? |
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| A: |
The College and the Department of Legal
Studies welcomes students who have successfully completed course work at
other colleges and universities. Contact the Transfer Office at 1 800 621-6407.
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| Q: |
How many courses are required for
graduation? |
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| A: |
See each of the programs for a more
detailed discussion of the Course Requirements.
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Q: |
Can I Transfer to other Colleges and
Universities? |
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| A: |
Yes, Columbus State has articulation
pacts with The Ohio State University,
Tiffin 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.
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| Q: |
Can I take this program while I'm
working? |
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| A: |
Yes. Most of our students
enroll on a part-time basis. |
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| Q: |
How long will it take me to finish the
full-time course of studies? |
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| 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. See each of the programs for a more
detailed discussion of the COURSE REQUIREMENTS. |
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| Q: |
What are my employment prospects and
anticipated salary? |
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| 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 |
