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Paralegal

Paralegal

Degree Type: Associate of Applied Science Degree, AAS, Certificate, CER

Pathway: Business, Technology and Public Service

More Options: Classroom Based, Remote Real-Time, Hyflex, Online, Hybrid

Program Length: 4 Semester

Location: Centennial

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Fall/Summer registration opens in March

Secure your spot in the classes you need for spring 2024 at Pikes Peak State College today, and take the next step towards achieving your academic and career goals!

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Why Choose Paralegal at PPSC?

PPSC's Paralegal Program will train you to support licensed professionals in preparing for trial - drafting documents and conducting legal research. Jobs as paralegals, legal technicians and legal assistants are high paying and in-demand as legal professions continue to grow. With more advanced degrees beyond PPSC, you could pursue careers as a lawyer, judge, or  arbitrator, among others.

Graduates are not authorized to practice law. The Paralegal program provides training perform substantive legal work under the supervision of a licensed attorney.

American Bar Association (ABA) Approved Program

The Paralegal Program at Pikes Peak State College is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). This approval ensures that the program complies with the high academic standards of the ABA for education and entry into the legal profession.

What do PPSC Paralegal students study?

Students in the Paralegal program learn about the varied aspects of the legal profession, preparing for an entry-level position in the legal field. As a student you will:

  • Develop an understanding of the various types of law, including family law, bankruptcy, and criminal law.

  • Learn to conduct legal research

  • Draft initial legal documents and pleadings

  • Assist in preparing trial notebooks.

Student reading a book

Paralegal Classes You Might Take

Graduates from PPSC's paralegal program will be qualified to perform basic legal research, draft various legal documents, conduct client and witness interviews, participate in basic fact-finding and investigation, and assist in trial preparation. They will also be knowledgeable about the rules of professional and ethical conduct.
class 1

Provides an understanding of the role of paralegals, issues facing paralegals, the working of the legal system, and ethical questions. Legal terminology and an overview of the substantive areas of law will be discussed.

class 2

This course covers domestic law, common property, dissolutions, adoptions, legal separation, and other family law issues.

class 3

Explores the parameters of professional responsibilities and value systems for paralegals and related occupations.

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Voices of PPSC

Ty Upshaw

Voices of PPSC

Pikes Peak State College really honed my skills, and it taught me many essential things about running a commercial kitchen.

Ty Upshaw
Former Student Government President | Army Veteran | UCCS transfer

Deana Basta

Paralegal Program Information

  1. Paralegal/ Legal Assistance Associate of Applied Science (AAS) - 64 total credit hours
  2. Legal Technician Certificate (CERT) - 30 total credit hours

Upon completion of the Paralegal/Legal Assistant degree program, you should be able to:

  • Recall key concepts and issues set forth by the American Bar Association in core legal study areas
  • Prepare legal documents that comply with industry standards, Court rules and procedures
  • Properly handle, analyze, and disseminate legal documents in relation to the Work Product Doctrine, the Attorney Client Privilege, and the Colorado Rules Professional Conduct
  • Recall key concepts and terminology relating to the American legal system, Courts and legal precedence
  • Use critical thinking skills and legal research skills to solve legal problems and make well-reasoned legal and ethical decisions

The Paralegal program accepts transfer credits from students with coursework in legal specialty courses per institutional and state guidelines regarding articulation of college credits. Credit may be granted through transcript reviews. The following are general criteria for transfer institutions and credit being considered for transfer:

  • Regional Accreditation

  • Similar course content

  • Grade of "C" or better

  • Must meet Paralegal program requirements

  • Earned within the past 15 years

  • Only accept credits from other A.B.A. Certified institutions

The paralegal club is our student community, providing support to students in the paralegal program and an important element in creating momentum for the paralegal program. Through recruitment of paralegal students we can establish a strong voice within the PPSC administration, resulting in opportunities for the aspiring paralegals including the opportunity to volunteer within the legal community.