Legal Studies, A.A.

After successfully completing this program, you will have the ability to:

• Recognize the various sources of substantive and procedural law.
• Identify federal, state, and local judicial and quasi-judicial functions.
• Apply the ethical standards adopted by State and Federal Courts, as well as professional organizations, to a variety of factual circumstances.
• Research the law with text and electronic resources.
• Identify the facts, issues, rules, analysis and conclusions (known as the FIRAC method) in reported case law.
• Apply the FIRAC method to hypothetical legal problems.
• Communicate legal conclusions to legal professionals.
• Describe the basic operation principles of software used in the legal profession
• Demonstrate the time and resource management required to meet multiple deadlines in several, simultaneous projects.
• Prepare pleadings, documents, and demonstrative exhibits used in the practice of law. 

View the Degree Requirements to find out which courses and credits you'll need to earn your degree.

Explore the Program Map to see how you can complete your degree. If you're considering transferring to a four-year university, check out the Transfer Map to plan your next steps.

For any questions about Admission to the Program and/or a copy of the Legal Specialty Course Transfer Policy please contact the Program Coordinator, Michael Speck michael.speck@tulsacc.edu. 

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This Legal Studies Program prepares graduates to work as professional assistants under the supervision of attorneys. All Legal Studies students receive training in civil procedure, contracts, real property, legal research and writing, drafting of documents, litigation support, law office systems and management, and use of computers in the legal environment. Program students will take at least 10 semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through traditional classroom instruction.

Associate in Arts degree candidates will also take courses in subjects such as:

• Family Law
• Criminal Law
• Employment and Labor Law
• Torts
• Native American Law

The paralegal may be asked to accomplish a variety of duties as part of his or her job. In addition to routine office duties, paralegals:

• Conduct research and draft documents
• Interview clients
• Locate and interview witnesses
• Perform investigations
• Compile statistical documentary research
• Draft correspondence and pleadings
• Summarize depositions, interrogatories and testimonies
• Assist attorneys in preparing for trial
• Collect and analyze evidence

However, paralegals are prohibited from offering legal advice and arguing cases in court and paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law. Paralegals either work with attorneys who assume professional responsibility for the final work product or in areas where lay individuals are explicitly authorized by statute or regulation to assume certain law related responsibilities.

Graduates of TCC's Legal Studies Program are qualified to find employment in a variety of private and public businesses including:

• Corporate legal departments
• Law firms
• Hospitals
• Title insurance companies
• Real estate offices
• Various areas of the criminal justice and court system
• State and federal government offices
• Legal ­service projects

According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the paralegal occupation is expected to grow faster than average as paralegals take on more responsibilities under a lawyer’s supervision. Starting salaries vary depending on the employer and region. However, TCC counselors or the Legal Studies Program director can provide more information on current salary trends.

The paralegal may be asked to accomplish a variety of duties as part of his or her job. However, paralegals are prohibited from offering legal advice and arguing cases in court; and Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law. Paralegals either work with attorneys who assume professional responsibility for the final work product or in areas where ‘lay’ individuals are explicitly authorized by statute or regulation to assume certain law-related responsibilities.

All classes are taught by practicing lawyers and certified paralegals who bring years of relevant experience to the classroom.

Connect with real-time learning in our Online Live courses. Attend scheduled virtual classes, engage with peers and professors, and enjoy interactive lectures. Elevate your education with Online Live.

After a student satisfactorily completes the Legal Studies Program, they are eligible to take the examination given by the National Association of Legal Assistants to become a Certified Paralegal (CP) or that given by the National Association of Legal Professionals to become a certified Professional Paralegal (PP).

This program is approved by the ABA.