The applied legal studies (ALS) program at Suffolk offers theoretical and practical education for individuals who wish to work in a law office or law-related setting, or who wish to explore the study of law in preparation for further education. In recent years, non-lawyer professionals such as paralegals have been assuming many responsibilities in a law office environment. We offer an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree, a minor toward the bachelor’s degree and a largely post-baccalaureate certificate in Paralegal Studies.

The courses in this program are intended primarily as a law employment credential, though these classes are beneficial to anyone hoping to attend law school or to those who wish to study law as undergraduates. Paralegals work in law offices, corporations, government agencies, insurance companies, public legal assistance agencies or other facilities under the supervision of an attorney, and are lay persons not licensed to practice law independently.

Suffolk University’s applied legal studies and paralegal certificate programs are approved by the American Bar Association, a guarantee of quality in legal education.

Potential Tracks for ALS Students

Students are invited to use the following lists as aids to selecting courses toward completion of their program, but are not required to choose a track. Students in the applied legal studies program may choose to concentrate in a particular area of law, as preparation for work in a specific field, or because of interest in the area. Below are four potential tracks for ALS students.

Track 1. Public Interest

ALS 362 Civil Litigation (required)
ALS 370 Administrative Law and Worker’s Compensation (elective)
ALS 371 Law of Bankruptcy, Credit, and Debt (elective)
ALS 378 Advanced Litigation and Trial Practice (elective)

Track 2. Litigation

ALS 362 Civil Litigation (required)
ALS 363 Law of Contracts (required)
ALS 374 Torts: Personal Injury Law (elective)
ALS 378 Advanced Litigation and Trial Practice (elective)

Track 3. Corporate/Business

ALS 366 Corporate Law (elective)
ALS 376 Business Entities and Securities Law (elective)
ALS 384 Intellectual Property (elective)
ALS 390 Employment and Labor Law (elective)
ALS 396 International Law (elective)

Track 4. Family Law

ALS 365 Wills and Probate (elective)
ALS 369 Family Law (elective)
ALS 391/751 Domestic Violence, Abuse, and Neglect (elective)
ALS 393 Estate Planning and Elder Law (elective)