Picture this: you’re sitting in a law office, surrounded by case files, helping an attorney prep for a big trial. That’s the kind of life the Broward College paralegal program prepares you for. As someone who’s spent years in the legal trenches—reviewing contracts, digging through case law, and keeping attorneys organized—I can tell you this program is a solid stepping stone to a rewarding career. Housed at one of Florida’s top community colleges, this American Bar Association-approved program stands out for its hands-on training, experienced faculty, and affordability. Whether you’re fresh out of high school or switching careers, Broward’s paralegal program equips you with the skills to thrive in a law office without breaking the bank.
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Broward College Paralegal Program Overview
The Broward College paralegal program has been shaping legal professionals since the 1970s, nestled within the college’s Business and Management department. It’s one of the few ABA-approved programs in Florida, a badge that signals quality to employers. Dr. Lynn T. Slossberg, the program director, leads with decades of legal experience, ensuring the curriculum stays relevant to today’s job market. The program’s mission? To train paralegals who can think critically, communicate clearly, and handle the ethical demands of legal work. It’s not just about book smarts—it’s about preparing you to walk into a law firm and hit the ground running.
Broward College Paralegal Program Curriculum Details
The Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies at Broward College is a 64-credit program designed to give you a well-rounded legal education. Core courses include Legal Research and Writing, Civil Litigation, and Contracts, which teach you how to draft documents, analyze case law, and navigate court procedures. What sets this program apart is its focus on practical skills, like using legal software and mastering e-discovery—tools I used daily in my paralegal days.
You’ll also take electives like Family Law or Real Estate Law, letting you tailor your studies to your interests. The program typically takes two years, with a clear course sequence: general education in year one, followed by specialized legal courses. An optional internship caps it off, giving you real-world experience. This isn’t theory for theory’s sake—it’s the stuff you’ll actually do on the job.
Broward College Paralegal Program Admission Requirements
Getting into the Broward College paralegal program is straightforward but requires attention to detail (a paralegal’s best friend). You need a high school diploma or GED, and you’ll submit an application through Broward College’s website. There’s no strict GPA cutoff, but strong grades help, especially in English and critical thinking courses. The application deadline varies by term—fall (August), spring (January), or summer (May)—so check the website for exact dates. You’ll need official transcripts and proof of residency for tuition purposes. The admissions team reviews applications holistically, looking for organized, motivated candidates. If you’re not at college-level math or English, you may need prep courses, but you can still enroll.
Program Formats & Schedule
Flexibility is a hallmark of the Broward College paralegal program. Courses are offered at the North Campus in Coconut Creek and the South Campus in Pembroke Pines, with evening classes to accommodate working adults. You can go full-time and finish in two years or part-time at your own pace.
Some general education courses are available online or in hybrid formats, but per ABA guidelines, at least nine credits of legal specialty courses must be synchronous (in-person or live Zoom). Classes typically run in 16-week semesters, with accelerated 8-week options for some courses. Start dates align with Broward’s academic calendar, giving you three entry points yearly. It’s built for people with busy lives—trust me, I juggled night classes and a day job myself.
Faculty Spotlight
The faculty at Broward’s paralegal program are the real deal—all practicing attorneys and members of the Florida Bar. Dr. Lynn Slossberg, the program director, brings years of litigation experience, while other instructors specialize in areas like criminal law and corporate law. Their real-world insights make classes feel less like lectures and more like war stories from the legal front lines. With a student-to-faculty ratio of about 20:1, you get personalized attention—something I appreciated when I was learning the ropes. Faculty often mentor students through internships and job searches, drawing on their networks to open doors.
Facilities & Resources
Broward College doesn’t skimp on resources. As a paralegal student, you’ll have access to the college’s law library, stocked with legal texts and digital databases like Westlaw—tools I leaned on heavily in my career. The South Campus features a mock courtroom where you can practice trial prep, a rare perk for a community college. Academic advisors and career counselors are on hand to guide you, and the college’s online portal offers 24/7 access to course materials. Need tech support? Broward’s IT team has you covered. These resources make it easier to focus on learning rather than scrambling for tools.
Internship & Field Experience
The Broward College paralegal program offers an optional internship that’s a game-changer. Coordinated by the program manager and faculty, internships place students in law firms, public defender offices, corporate legal departments, and government agencies across Broward County. You’ll work under attorneys, drafting documents, conducting research, or organizing case files—exactly what I did during my internship. The college’s Career Center and faculty connections help secure placements, and many students land jobs from these experiences. One graduate I know went from intern to full-time paralegal at a top Miami firm. It’s your chance to test-drive the career and build your resume.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the Broward College paralegal program are in demand. The program boasts a strong employment rate, with many alumni working in law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies like the Broward County Clerk of Courts. According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, paralegal jobs in Florida are projected to grow 12% through 2030, faster than most professions. Starting salaries typically range from $40,000 to $55,000, depending on the setting—check out this salary guide for details. Broward’s Career Coach service offers resume help, job fairs, and mock interviews tailored to paralegal roles. The job market for paralegals is competitive, but Broward’s ABA approval gives you an edge.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition for the Broward College paralegal program is a steal compared to private institutions. Florida residents pay about $4,826 for the 64-credit program, while out-of-state students pay around $19,315 (based on 2014 data; check Broward’s website for current rates). Books and fees add roughly $1,500. Scholarships, like the Broward County Resident Scholarship (up to $12,000), can cover tuition and supplies for eligible students. Federal grants, loans, and payment plans are available, and the Financial Aid office walks you through the process. I leaned on scholarships to get through—trust me, apply for everything you qualify for.
Student Success Stories
Broward’s paralegal alumni are proof the program works. Take Maria, a 2018 graduate who landed a paralegal role at a Fort Lauderdale law firm and now mentors current students. Or James, who used his internship to pivot into a corporate legal department, doubling his salary. “Broward gave me the confidence to walk into any law office and know my stuff,” Maria told me. Another alum, Sarah, passed NALA’s Certified Paralegal (CP) exam right after graduating, a testament to the program’s rigor. These stories aren’t outliers—Broward grads consistently shine in the legal field.
Broward College Paralegal Program: How to Apply
Applying to the Broward College paralegal program is simple. Start on Broward College’s admissions page, where you’ll create an account and submit your application. Upload your high school transcripts, proof of residency, and any prior college credits. There’s a $35 application fee (waivable for financial hardship). After applying, you’ll meet with an academic advisor to map out your course plan. The process takes about two weeks, and the admissions team is responsive if you have questions. Need help? The college’s application workshops are a lifesaver.
Contact Information
Want to learn more? Reach out to Dr. Lynn T. Slossberg, the program director, at [email protected] or call (954) 201-8930. The Business and Management department is based at the South Campus (7200 Pines Boulevard, Pembroke Pines, FL 33024). You can schedule a campus visit through Broward’s website or fill out the request-for-information form online. If you’re local, I recommend touring the South Campus to see the mock courtroom and library firsthand—it’s inspiring.
FAQs
What makes the Broward College paralegal program unique?
It’s ABA-approved, affordable, and offers hands-on training with real-world internships.
How long does the Broward College paralegal program take to complete?
Full-time students finish in two years; part-time options are flexible.
Is the Broward College paralegal program available online?
Some courses are online or hybrid, but nine credits must be synchronous per ABA rules.