Program Information

  • Program Level: Certificate
  • Area of Interest: Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • Location: SCF Bradenton, SCF Lakewood Ranch, SCF Venice

Learn more about SCF's Social and Behavioral Sciences

SCF’s Social and Behavioral Sciences and Human Services programs offer a deep dive into the world of humanity and society. They cover a wide range of subjects, exploring society, identity, and social institutions.

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Home Paralegal/Legal Assisting [4004]

Paralegal/Legal Assisting [4004]


The Legal Assisting/Paralegal Advanced Technical Certificate is designed to enable students who already hold any college degree (other than the legal assisting A.S.) to take paralegal training at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) and qualify to take the National Paralegal Certification (CLA) exam. It further prepares those students for work of a legal nature in law offices, corporations or government agencies.

Program Information

  • Program Level: Certificate
  • Area of Interest: Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • Location: SCF Bradenton, SCF Lakewood Ranch, SCF Venice

Paralegal/Legal Assisting [4004]

Advanced Technical Certificate

(31 Credit Hours)

Program Manager

Dr. Suzanne Bechtol
941-752-5359
BechtoS@SCF.edu

Program Goal

The Paralegal/Legal Assisting Program educates with an effective balance of legal knowledge and practical skills. We prepare students for work in the legal profession upon graduation and to attain professional Certification.

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the ethical and professional standards of the paralegal.
  • Demonstrate ability to utilize legal research materials and apply knowledge in legal writing.
  • Demonstrate basic knowledge of substantive law, including: tort law, constitutional law, criminal law, real property law, estate planning and probate, business organizations, contracts, and family law.
  • Demonstrate basic knowledge of procedural law, including: the fundamental steps of civil and criminal litigation and court rules and procedures.
  • Demonstrate basic knowledge of law office procedures and the technology involved in carrying out law firm management activities, case management, and document preparation/management.
  • Demonstrate employability skills, including: communication, employment search strategies, work habits, appearance, and basic computer skills.

Program Requirements

Subtotal Credit Hours: 25

Electives (6 Credit Hours)

Choose two courses from the following list based on area of work interest:

Total Credit Hours: 31

Note(s):

 It is recommended that job-seeking students also complete

 (1 credit).

Gainful employment information about this certificate is available at scf.edu/Academics/CareerTechnicalEducation/GEDT/.

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