Harper College

Legal Studies

Begin your career in the legal field

Our American Bar Association–approved Legal Studies program prepares you for a fulfilling career in the legal field. While lawyers assume the ultimate responsibility for legal work, and paralegals and legal assistants may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law, paralegals/legal assistants conduct many significant tasks that help lawyers prepare for real estate closings, trials, and client meetings.

The Legal Studies Program at Harper College combines courses like psychology, litigation, family law, commercial real estate law, and covers a range of law topics paralegals need to know. These include understanding the legal and ethical requirements associated with the practice of law, understanding the litigation process and demonstrating effective critical analysis skills in order to effectively communicate resolutions to legal problems.

Job prospects include: paralegal, legal assistant, administrative assistant, contract law specialist, title abstractor, or law office manager.

Earn a career-ready degree

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree is designed to prepare you for immediate entry into this career field. Coursework in the AAS may also prepare you to transfer to a four-year college or university. To learn more, visit our Transfer Information page or see your advisor.

Earn a workforce credential

Those who have already completed an associate's or bachelor's degree in paralegal studies are eligible to earn a certificate

Resources

Next steps

For more information about starting your college education at Harper, please contact Admissions Outreach at 847.925.6700 or fill out our request information form.

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Legal Studies Program News

Get the latest news and updates from the Harper Legal Studies department.

Paralegal Studies alumna shares her path from Harper to health care

Divya Jaiswal Paralegal Studies Alum

Divya Jaiswal says her Harper College experience was ‘like pieces of a puzzle fitting together.’...

Harper graduate’s immigration story inspires immigration law career

Maria Vargas Paralegal Studies

Maria Vargas received her law degree in Mexico. After becoming a U.S. citizen, she earned her paralegal certification at Harper College to work in immigration law....

7 Questions with Harper College Paralegal Alumna Judaea Bradford

Judaea Bradford portrait

Judaea Bradford earned her associate degree in paralegal studies in May 2020. She shares her experiences at Harper and in her new paralegal career. ...

Adult learner at career crossroads finds fresh start with Harper’s paralegal studies program

Paralegal Janet Tan

After two decades of teaching, Janet Tan wanted a change. She found her experience and interests were a fit with the Paralegal Studies program. But she had a perception that she might be too old to return to college....

A start in paralegal studies launches career in public justice for Alumna

Anne Harrigan

For attorney Anne Harrigan, A.A.S. ’96 and A.A. ’97, Harper served as the launching pad to a successful career in public service law. ...

Last Updated: 9/6/24