Bachelor of Science - Legal Studies

The University of La Verne’s Legal Studies program, approved by the American Bar Association, prepares individuals for careers as paralegals or for positions where organizational and analytical skills as well as knowledge of the law and legal procedures are necessary. Paralegals, or legal assistants, work under the supervision of an attorney or perform work for which an attorney is responsible. This program does not prepare students to practice law or work directly for the public except as permitted by statute.

The paralegal profession is one of the fastest growing fields in America and provides an exciting environment for people interested in a challenging, progressive career. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that from 2008 to 2018, paralegal jobs will grow about 28 per cent. Paralegals work alongside attorneys and are responsible for much of the work performed in law offices, legal departments of businesses, and governmental agencies.

A sampling of the many tasks paralegals perform include: planning, developing, and managing cases; researching the law; interviewing clients; gathering facts; drafting and analyzing legal documents; collecting, compiling, and using technical information to make independent decisions and recommendations to the supervising attorneys; and representing clients before state or federal administrative agencies if that representation is permitted by law.

Studying to become a paralegal, or legal assistant, is ideal for someone interested in learning about the law or for someone looking for a second career. Some students who decide to go to law school have also found their paralegal education and experience helpful in their studies.

Students should complete RCS 110 College Writing A and six additional semester hours of general education prior to taking LS courses. At least 18 semester hours of general education must meet the Legal Studies Program’s approval. Transfer courses are accepted into this program if approved by the Legal Studies Department. Civil procedure, litigation, on-line research or internship courses, or courses over seven years old are not transferrable. Courses transferred must be legal specialty courses as defined by the American Bar Association. Majors must take a minimum of 24 semester hours of upper division LS courses from La Verne. The major requires a minimum of 46 semester hours.