Legal Studies/Paralegal
Legal expertise is valued by lawyers, government, corporations, and more
Lakeshore’s Legal Studies/Paralegal program offers a wide range of career opportunities both in the law office and beyond for individuals who are detail-oriented, organized, strong communicators, and enjoy researching and analyzing facts.
The program is approved by the American Bar Association and complies with the requirements established by the Wisconsin Bar Association to become a Wisconsin Bar Certified Paralegal. In a law office, paralegals work under the supervision of lawyers in a range of tasks including: researching the law; investigating; preparing for hearings, trials, and real estate closings; interviewing clients and witnesses; and preparing legal documents.
A Legal Studies/Paralegal degree also provides wide-ranging opportunities working at insurance companies, bank and bank trust departments, real estate title companies, government offices, the court system, human resources, and corporate legal departments.
Transfer of Credits Policy
Approval
American Bar Association
Per ABA requirements, at least 9 credits of the program's legal specialty courses must be taken in person or in a live online format (i.e., online courses that meet a specific time each week).
- Associate Degree
- 4 Terms
- 61 Credits
- Financial Aid Eligible
- Starts August
Career Outlook
Legal Studies/Paralegal
Median Income: $46,574.00*
POTENTIAL JOB TITLES
(Click a title for job description)
Perform clerical duties for courts of law, municipalities, or governmental licensing agencies and bureaus. May prepare docket of cases to be called; secure information for judges and court; prepare draft agendas or bylaws for town or city council; answer official correspondence; keep fiscal records and accounts; issue licenses or permits; and record data, administer tests, or collect fees.
Perform secretarial duties using legal terminology, procedures, and documents. Prepare legal papers and correspondence, such as summonses, complaints, motions, and subpoenas. May also assist with legal research.
Legal support workers.
Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.
Disclosure:
*Lightcast/EMSI data is a hybrid dataset derived from official government sources such as the US Census Bureau, Bureau of Economic Analysis, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. This salary data is from the Lakeshore District.
ADMISSION AND FIRST SEMESTER ENROLLMENT STEPS
Work with Admissions Advisor to:
- Submit Application
- Complete the Student Success Questionnaire.
- Schedule your First Time Program Counseling/Registration Session with your assigned program counselor to plan your first semester schedule, review your entire plan of study and discuss the results of the Student Success Questionnaire.
*Submit transcripts and test scores (optional, highly recommended): College transcripts, along with high school transcripts and test scores from within the last five years, used for course registration. Official transcripts needed for transferring college credit(s) and for financial aid purposes.
Approximate Costs
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Want more information?
- Submit your questions online
- Contact an Admissions Advisor at 920.693.1162
Many program courses are offered online, in an accelerated format or in a blended delivery which means instructors combine online learning with classroom work to limit your time on campus.
Faculty Bios
Donna Meiselwitz
I choose to teach because I am passionate about helping individuals reach their full human potential. I find great joy in using my legal knowledge to serve others, and I hope to instill that sense of purpose, passion and inspiration to my students.
Learn More About This Instructor