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The mission statement for Pima Community College is that the school will empower every learner, every day, for every goal.
The school has a commitment to meeting the diverse needs of every learner.
Pima Community College first opened its doors as a junior college in 1971.
The original campus is now the West Campus.
The Downtown Campus opened in 1974.
Today, the school serves students across various locations.
One program that students can enroll in is the Paralegal, Legal Assistant AAS degree.
The program prepares students to work as paralegals or legal assistants.
Students learn the duties and responsibilities of paralegals and legal assistants.
They also learn to prepare legal correspondence and court documents.
Students learn how to use both print and electronic sources to search for and analyze things like statutes, rules of evidence, and case law, and how to apply them to a set of facts.
Students also learn about the role of paralegals during litigation and their boundaries.
About Pima Community College
Location and Flexibility
Pima Community College in Tucson, AZ, serves students at more than 100 locations.
Students may take classes across various campus locations.
The school makes it easy for students to access classes and learning resources.
It offers both in-person classes and online courses.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Degree Type: Associate of Applied Science (AASLEGALASST/LAS1) in Paralegal/ Legal Assistant
Total Credits: 62–63 credit hours
Course Breakdown
- Year 1, Semester 1: Communication, Social and Behavioral Science, Computer Fundamentals, Introduction to Paralegal Careers, Civil Litigation Procedures I, College Success and Career Planning.
- Year 1, Semester 2: English Composition II, Paralegal Arts and Humanities, Paralegal Math or Science, Legal Research, Paralegal Specialty Elective
- Year 2, Semester 1: Survey of Accounting, or Financial Accounting, Public Speaking and Presentations, or Teamwork and Leadership in Small Groups, Paralegal Ethics, Civil and Criminal Evidence, Civil Litigation Procedures II.
- Year 2, Semester 2: Legal Writing, 12 credits of Paralegal Electives. Some options include Legal Research, Tort Law Procedures, Domestic Relations and Family Law, Law Office Computerization, and Criminal Law and Procedures I.
Delivery Modes and Scheduling
The Paralegal, Legal Assistant Associate of Applied Science program is offered at the Downtown Campus.
It is offered in an in-person format.
Pros and Cons of the Paralegal Program
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It is a two-year program, not four years | Not all paralegal specialty electives are offered every semester |
| Hands-on, real-world training | An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree may not be enough education for some legal careers |
| Opportunity to transfer to further education | Internships may depend on availability |
| Offered at the convenient Downtown Campus location | No online option |
How to Apply/Next Steps
Plan your schedule: Decide if you will start in the fall term, the spring term, or the summer term.
Explore financial aid: Apply for FAFSA, scholarships, U.S. Veteran benefits, and state financial aid.
If you are interested in transferring, review the transfer pathway for partner schools.
If transferring credits to Pima Community College, review the Legal Specialty Course Credit Transfer Policy. Courses must be approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).
Contact Information
Contact the school at 520-206-5000 to learn more about the paralegal program.
You may also visit the website at https://www.pima.edu/academics-programs/degrees-certificates/business/paralegal/aas/index.html
| Pima Community College: Key Details | |
|---|---|
| Accreditation | The Higher Learning Commission |
| Location | 1255 North Stone Ave. Tucson, AZ, 85709 |
| Website | https://www.pima.edu/academics-programs/degrees-certificates/business/paralegal/aas/index.html |
| Phone | 520-206-5000 |
| On Campus? | Yes |
| Online? | No |
| Program Length | 2 Years |
| Student Rating | 80 / 100 based on 1 student reviews |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete the Paralegal, Legal Assistant, AAS program at Pima Community College?
The program consists of four semesters of full-time study. Some students may prefer part-time study.
Can I give legal advice after completing this program?
No.
Paralegals cannot give legal advice.
They can assist lawyers but cannot act as attorneys.
Who approves and accredits the Paralegal, Legal Assistant, and AAS program at Pima Community College?
The American Bar Association (ABA) approves the program.
The Higher Learning Commission accredits Pima Community College.
They don’t just offer diversity but equal chances to those who want to be a paralegal or legal assistant. I just hope that they could offer online classes soon to cater to those who are very far or unable to go to school every day. I think this college needs more recognition.