BA-Legal Studies

The Legal Studies Program mission, at Gannon University, is to provide consistency with the University mission that includes preparing students to enter the legal field with the knowledge, skills and competency to be valued and respected members of the legal profession. The most important goal of the legal studies program is to prepare students to enter careers in the legal field, in law firms, courts and in public and private settings with the skills important to employers, which includes a strong exposure in what is considered ethical behavior, and with the understanding that without a law degree and bar admission, they will only work under the supervision of an attorney. Other goals include the ability to work on a team and expand their knowledge through continuing legal education.

A paralegal must follow the guidelines regarding the unauthorized practice of law of the state in which he/she is performing legal services.

Legal Assistants/Paralegals provide professional services in a variety of legal, business settings and corporations, usually, but not exclusively under the supervision of a lawyer. These services can include: interviewing, investigation, legal research, preparation of legal documents, review of transcripts and participation in adversary and regulatory proceedings. One of the fastest growing professions nationally, legal assistants/paralegals are employed by individual attorneys, law firms, courts and government legal offices. They are also in growing demand by corporations, government agencies, financial institutions, insurance companies and real estate firms. Program graduates are advised not to confine their search for employment to the Erie market. Employment should be sought throughout the United States and beyond.

Gannon University’s program offers three options: a four-year baccalaureate degree, a two-year associate degree and a certificate option. Students pursuing other majors may double major or complete a certificate while completing their chosen four-year degree program, with the permission of the program director and the Dean of the College where the program lies.

Transfer students may use legal specialty coursework completed at another institution, as a substitute for required legal specialty courses, with Director permission.

The Bachelor Degree Program

The Baccalaureate Degree Program is designed to prepare students for advanced positions in the legal assistant/paralegal profession that increasingly require a four year degree in legal studies or another major with a legal studies/paralegal certificate. Among the 120 credits required for the degree are 39 credits in Liberal Studies, 30-33 credits of Legal Studies courses, 15 credits in supplementary requirements, and 33-36 credits in unspecified cognates and electives. Students are encouraged to take a strong minor or even a double major in a related field.