Legal Studies/Paralegal

Why Consider a Legal Studies/Paralegal Degree?

  • You are interested in a career in law and/or government.
  • Getting involved in investigations, preparing for trials, interviewing clients and witnesses, and preparing legal documents appeals to you.
  • Researching and analyzing information is enjoyable for you.
  • You possess excellent communication skills.

Why Learn at Lakeshore?

  • Courses are offered in a flexible mix of online and in-person formats.
  • Learn from an instructor with extensive paralegal and training experience.
  • Program is approved by the American Bar Association.
  • Smoothly transfer your degree to your choice of several university partners to complete a bachelor’s degree.
  • Because of our low student-to-faculty ratio, you’ll get to know instructors and fellow students.

What It Takes

  • Interest in law and/or government
  • Attention to detail
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to work well with others and independently
  • Honesty and strong moral principles
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).

Career Area
Law, Public Safety and Security
Type
Associate Degree
Program Number
10-110-1
Availability
In-Person
  • 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.

Transfer Options

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.

Program Cost

  • Tuition Cost: $9,776.67
  • Book Cost: $1,242.00
  • Supply Cost: $0.00
  • Program Total: $11,018.67

Want more information?

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

Instructor Bios Books

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