The Program
Syracuse University's Legal Studies Program prepares graduates
for employment as paralegals/legal assistants in private law
offices and public agencies, and other private sector positions,
including insurance, real estate, corporate law, banking,
title insurance, and abstracting.
Founded in 1979 by University College in cooperation
with the judiciary and N.Y. State and Onondaga County Bar
Associations, the program has the following accreditations:
American Bar Association (ABA) approval
since 1983.
Institutional member of the American Association
for Paralegal Education (AAfPE).
New York State Education Department approval
for the degree and credit certificate in Legal Studies.
Four Programs of Study are available:
Bachelor's
Degree:
The Bachelor of Professional Studies (B.P.S.) degree in Legal Studies
is a full 120-credit-hour program. The curriculum emphasizes desired
competencies identified by employers. This degree can be completed entirely through evening classes.
Credit
Certificate:
Designed for students who already have at least the equivalent
of an associate degree and want to continue on to a bachelor's
degree or go right to work in the legal profession. Students must
complete 26 credits in legal specialty courses, all of which are
transferable to the bachelor's degree program. These eight courses
can generally be completed in three semesters through evening
classes.
Postbaccalaureate
Certificate:
Recommended for those who already have their bachelor's degree
but want to obtain a credential in a specialized, challenging
and lucrative field.
Legal Studies
Minor:
This NEW 19-credit minor allows students to acquire a broad liberal
arts understanding of law in the curriculum. It is available to
matriculated undergraduate students from SU schools and colleges
with the permission of their home school or college and a cumulative
grade point average of at least 2.5. The minor is not intended
to prepare students to become paralegals and not approved by the
American Bar Association for that purpose. It does, however, promote
a greater understanding of the law as preparation for law school
or in a career related to law.
Program Objectives
To provide a challenging general legal education
that trains paralegals to work in the public and private
sectors or in a position relating to the practice of law.
To provide instruction in the operation
of the legal system, the theory of law, and analysis of
legal problems.
To provide an understanding of the ethical
concepts by which lawyers and paralegals are bound.
The Profession
The legal assistant profession ranks as one of the fastest
growing job categories, both nationally and regionally.
Considered a member of the legal team, a paralegal is capable
of doing substantive independent legal work under the general
supervision of a lawyer. In addition, paralegals are increasingly
entering other law-related fields. Paralegals may also participate
in pro bono activities. The American Bar Association has
recognized the establishment of the position of "Legal
Assistant" as an important component in helping the
profession address the unmet legal needs of the public more
efficiently. In conjunction with an attorney, the paralegal
performs functions that may include:
Substantive and Procedural Legal Research
Drafting or Reviewing Legal Documents
Client Interviewing and Discovery
Investigation of Legal Problems
Recording Statements or Taking Depositions
Procedural Expertise in Specialized Areas of Law
Law Office Administration
The Program Benefits Working as a paralegal/legal assistant can be a stimulating,
fascinating career for those who enjoy the law and like
researching, writing, and working with people. A Legal
Studies degree or certificate from Syracuse University
provides the following benefits:
A degree or certificate approved by the American
Bar Association (ABA), recognized nationwide.
This approval is an industry standard recognized both
locally and nationally, and is awarded to only those
programs that maintain the high standards set forth
by the ABA.
A Syracuse University education recognized by legal
employers across the country.
A full range of career services for those seeking
employment.
Career advancement within the profession.
The credentials to enter the legal profession.
ABA Definition of "Legal Assistant"
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.
American Bar Association Standing Committee
on Legal Assistants August 19, 1997
Note: Both the New York State Bar Association
and the American Bar Association consider the terms Legal
Assistant and Paralegal synonymous.
You will often see the two terms used interchangeably.
Contact Information
Legal Studies Program
University College of Syracuse University
700 University Avenue, 4th Floor
Syracuse, NY 13244-2530
Phone 315-443-3299
Fax: 315-443-4410
E-mail: SULAP@uc.syr.edu
Web Site: http://suce.syr.edu/employers/lap
Phone:
315-443-YeSU (9378) • Toll Free 1-866-498-YeSU (9378)
700
University Avenue • Syracuse, New York • 13244-2530
Syracuse University, University College
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