From Our Faculty
Lori Ronan-Khessali, Ph.D.
Criminal Justice
"South University offers me the sense of community of a small school and stimulation of a growing and innovative university.I love teaching, writing and researching. I always tell my students you must have a passion for what you do, or you never will feel fulfilled. I believe that we can do anything we set out to accomplish if we are dedicated and motivated."
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Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies

Overview

While lawyers assume ultimate responsibility for legal work, they often delegate many of their tasks to paralegals. In fact, paralegals— also called legal assistants— ;are continuing to assume a growing range of tasks in the Nation's legal offices and perform many of the same tasks as lawyers. Our Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies online program provides an excellent foundation for those who are seeking entry-level employment in the growing profession of paralegals and legal assistants.

South University is one of the few schools approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) to offer legal studies in an online format. Here's why this makes South University's legal studies online programs worth considering. According to the ABA:

Upon final review, the ABA gave its approval to offer seven legal specialty courses from its Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies program in an online 51/2-week delivery format. The remainder of the courses must be taken on campus at South University — or at an institution approved by South University that's convenient for you.

Extensive practical training prepares graduates, under the supervision of an attorney, to perform many of the functions in a legal office, including but not limited to, assisting attorneys with interviewing clients and preparing legal documents and cases for trial. Paralegals cannot give legal advice, set fees, or represent clients in court.

About Paralegals
Quick Facts*

  • About 7 out of 10 work for law firms; others work for corporate legal departments and government agencies.
  • Most entrants have an associate's degree in paralegal studies, or a bachelor's degree coupled with a certificate in paralegal studies.
  • Employment is projected to grow much faster than average, as employers try to reduce costs by hiring paralegals to perform tasks formerly carried out by lawyers.
  • Competition for jobs should continue; experienced, formally trained paralegals should have the best employment opportunities.

*Provided by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Employment Outlook for Criminal Justice
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, "Employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 22 percent between 2006 and 2016, much faster than the average for all occupations. " "Despite projected rapid employment growth, competition for jobs is expected to continue as many people seek to go into this profession; experienced, formally trained paralegals should have the best employment opportunities. " "Although many employers do not require such approval, graduation from an ABA-approved program can enhance employment opportunities. "
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Paralegals and Legal Assistants, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos114.htm.