Paralegal Studies - FAQ
Are you curious about the Paralegal Studies program at EFSC? Here are some frequently asked questions to help you find the answers you need:
When our program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), it means that we meet their rigorous standards and requirements for providing a quality paralegal education. The ABA's approval is highly regarded by legal professionals and employers.
If you have any inquiries about the approval process, you can visit the American Bar Association website to learn more.
A paralegal, as defined by Rule 20-2.1(a) of the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar, is someone who has the necessary qualifications through education, training, or work experience to work under the guidance of a Florida Bar member, handling delegated legal tasks that the Bar member is accountable for.
Paralegals can be found working in various settings including traditional law firms, government agencies — both for criminal prosecution and defense — as well as the legal departments of large corporations involved in areas like banking, insurance, real estate, and technology.
When you successfully finish the Paralegal Studies program, you'll receive an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Paralegal Studies from Eastern Florida State College.
Unfortunately, online classes are not available for the Paralegal Studies program at EFSC. All classes are conducted in person on EFSC's Melbourne Campus.
No, the Paralegal Studies program does not provide credit for legal specialty courses through methods such as course challenge, examination, or portfolio assessment.
No, the EFSC Paralegal Studies program does not allow independent study for legal specialty courses.
Obtaining a paralegal degree is a great way for you to advance your education and career in the legal field. Having a paralegal degree not only provides a solid foundation for a law school program but also offers the potential for you to work your way through law school.
It can be an excellent stepping stone for your future goals in the legal profession!
As part of the application process for the Paralegal Studies program at EFSC, you'll be required to undergo both fingerprinting and a background screening.
When applying for internships or jobs in public service agencies or at certain law firms, it's common for them to also conduct drug screening and criminal background checks. An unsatisfactory drug screen result or a criminal record may impact your eligibility for internship placement or employment opportunities in legal departments.
When you transfer courses to the Paralegal Studies program, Eastern Florida State College has the final say on whether to accept the credits. Different criteria apply for transferring general education courses, legal specialty courses, major courses, and technical elective courses.
To complete the degree, you must earn at least 25% of your total credits at EFSC, including a minimum of 12 credit-hours in Paralegal Studies major courses. For more detailed information, it's important to consult with the Paralegal Studies program manager, program specialist, and the EFSC Registrar.
Legal specialty courses, major courses, and technical elective courses transferred from other institutions must be reviewed and approved by the Paralegal Studies program manager. This is in addition to the regular transfer credit process conducted by the college. Keep in mind that the transfer of legal specialty courses from a program not approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) is limited to a maximum of six credits, and these courses must be taken in a traditional classroom format.
Make sure to send your official transcripts to the EFSC Admissions Office and the Paralegal Studies Department for evaluation. Additional information and materials may be requested, such as course syllabi, descriptions, instructor credentials, or textbooks. It's your responsibility to provide these materials, as EFSC staff cannot contact previous institutions or instructors on your behalf.