Program Overview
The Gannon University Legal Studies Program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). The ABA definition of a legal assistant is: "A legal assistant is a person, qualified by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, government agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible."
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 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 ABA approved 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.
Program Options
- Bachelor of Arts
- Associate of Arts
- Certificate
Liberal Studies Core
The Liberal Studies Core Curriculum is one reflection of Gannon University's commitment to
its Catholic identity. The Core's design offers students a defined, integrated, shared
experience as the foundation for their undergraduate program.