AA/AS in Legal Support Services

This Cuyamaca College degree prepares students to assist attorneys by building analytical skills and strong writing. Paralegals are trained technicians who provide legal help, and the program recognizes that the profession has become specialized. The curriculum centers on three areas: researching and writing about law, professional ethics and how legal procedure works, and blending substantive with procedural law. Students can also gain specialized skills in particular areas of law. The wide course selection lets working paralegals take refresher or new-skills classes. The program is not a route into law school, and the catalog encourages incoming students to complete certain preparation first. Students should meet with a counselor to confirm prerequisites, decide the order of classes and see how the units count toward other certificates or degrees at the college. Careful sequencing helps people finish in a reasonable time while balancing work and other commitments.