Program Overview

University of Alaska Fairbanks Paralegal Studies Program

The paralegal studies program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks trains students for employment as paralegals to assist in the delivery of legal services under the supervision of a practicing lawyer. The program provides continuing education and upgrading of skills for paralegals already employed and offers practical law-related topics for UAF students whose main focus is in other areas of study, such as political science and justice.

Program Description

Paralegals and legal assistants are not authorized to provide direct legal services to the public. However, they are qualified to perform rudimentary legal research and produce drafts of letters, office memoranda, pleadings, contracts, wills, and similar documents. Paralegals conduct client and witness interviews, engage in basic fact-finding and investigation, and assist in trial preparation and discovery. At all times, they remain cognizant of the ethical responsibilities owed by the supervising lawyer to clients, other lawyers, and the court system.

Major - A.A.S. Degree

To complete the A.A.S. degree in paralegal studies, students must:

• Complete ENGL 111X with a grade of C or better prior to admission to the program.
• Complete the general university requirements.
• Complete the A.A.S. degree requirements.
• Complete the following courses:
  • CIOS 150--Computer Applications (3)
  • or CIOS course appropriate for the skill level of the student (3)
  • PLS 101--Introduction to Paralegal Studies (3)
  • PLS 210--Civil Procedure (3)
  • PLS 260--Computers in the Law Office (3)
  • PLS 280--Legal Research and Writing for Paralegals (3)
  • PLS 299--Paralegal Studies Internship (3)
  • PS 101--Introduction to American Government (3)
  • PS 303--Politics and the Judicial Process (3)
  • PS 435W--Constitutional Law I: Institutions and Governmental Powers (3)
  • or PS 436--Constitutional Law II: Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (3)
• Complete five of the following courses:
  • PLS 203--Torts (3)
  • PLS 213--Criminal Law for Paralegals (3)
  • PLS 215--Contracts/Real Property (3)
  • PLS 240--Family Law (3)
  • PLS 242--Employment and Administrative Law for Paralegals (3)
  • PLS 250--Probate Law (3)
  • PLS 275--Business Organizations (3)
  • PLS 293--(special topics course) (3)
• Complete law-related electives (3 credits)
• Minimum credits required: 60

Minor

To complete a minor in paralegal studies, students must:

• Complete the following courses:
  • PLS 101--Introduction to Paralegal Studies (3)
  • PLS electives (15 credits)
• Minimum credits required: 18

Accreditation

The University of Alaska Fairbanks is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. The paralegal studies program's curriculum is approved by the American Bar Association.