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Get a comprehensive overview of the legal field with this 24-credit-hour certificate program. This post-degree program is designed for individuals currently employed or employable in the legal field, or those with legal experience who could benefit from this specialty option.
Take courses in legal studies, legal research and writing, litigation, today’s law office, real property law, tort law, immigration law, and ethics/legal writing/law office. All courses are taught by experienced instructors who are experts in their respective fields. You’ll also complete a legal studies internship before finishing the program.
This 24 credit-hour certificate program is designed for those individuals who are currently employed or employable in the legal field or those who, because of legal experience, could benefit from these specialty options. The various choices available allow the student to develop special interests and skills.
To receive a certificate in Legal Studies, students must have earned an Associate in Applied Science degree, an Associate in Arts or Science degree, or a bachelor’s degree which includes general education courses equivalent to those required in Harper College’s Associate in Applied Science degree in Legal Studies. Students who have earned an AGS degree do not qualify to receive a certificate in Legal Studies. Verification of the degree must be submitted before the certificate will be awarded. Contact evaluation@harpercollege.edu prior to submitting the application for graduation for the Legal Studies certificate to confirm eligibility.
Students who complete the 24 credit-hour certificate are eligible to use our computerized placement service and otherwise work as paralegals/legal assistants/or another supporting role for a practicing attorney. Students should be aware that there are legal restrictions on the practice of law by laymen.
Students pursuing this certificate program should be aware that the American Bar Association requires that a minimum nine (9) credit hours must be completed face-to-face or in a synchronous/live online modality.
Students electing to earn a certificate in Legal Studies are eligible to apply credits earned toward completion of the Associate in Applied Science degree.
F = Fall only course S = Spring only course U = Summer only course
Number | Course Title | Credits |
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LGS 101 | Introduction to Legal Studies | 3 |
Description: Surveys the functions of law; courts and lawyers in modern society; analysis of the origin, training and role of the paralegal; professional responsibilities of the lawyer; outline of the fields and specializations within the practice of law; and an introduction to legal research and writing upon a review of the sources (primary and secondary) and legal resources (print and online) available at Harper College. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 |
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LGS 103 | Litigation | 3 |
Description: Emphasizes the role of the paralegal in litigation. Analyzes civil procedure and instruction in preparation of documents used in lawsuits, covering pre- and post-trial matters, evidentiary problems and assistance during trials. Prerequisite: LGS 101 with a grade of C or better or consent of program coordinator. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 |
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LGS 115 | Legal Research and Writing | 3 |
Description: Instructs in the basic techniques and skills necessary to conduct legal research and to summarize the results of that research in appropriate written form. Teaches students to use legal research tools (both online/Westlaw and print) and develop legal reasoning skills to craft written documents such as legal correspondence, legal memoranda, a 50-state survey, and case briefs. Develops practical skills through sequential written assignments which build analytical, research, and writing skills throughout the semester. Prerequisite: LGS 101 with a grade of C or better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 |
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LGS 208 | Internship in Legal Studies or | |
Description: Provides supervised experience in a legal setting to enhance students' technical paralegal skills or the skills necessary to be effective in that legal setting. Students must complete a journal documenting their internship work, and a final portfolio of their work suitable to show a prospective employer. Prerequisite: LGS 101, LGS 103, LGS 115, and an LGS elective with grades of C or better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 |
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LGS 215 | Today's Law Office F | 3 |
Description:
This course is only offered in the fall term. Prerequisite: LGS 101, LGS 103, LGS 115 and an LGS elective with grades of C or better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 |
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LGS 216 | Ethics, Legal Writing and the Law Office | 3 |
Description: Covers the rules of legal ethics and the regulation of the legal profession. Students learn about law office management technology (including billing, timekeeping, files and records management). Complete legal writing tasks typically assigned in a law firm setting (focusing on ethics-based writing assignments). Prerequisite: LGS 101 with a grade of C or better, or consent of program coordinator. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 |
Number | Course Title | Credits |
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LEJ 201 | Criminal Law 1or | |
Description: Examines local, state and federal criminal law. Topics include a definition of the crimes, their elements, and attendant circumstances and related defenses. Prerequisite: LEJ 101 with a grade of C or better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 |
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LEJ 202 | Criminal Procedures | 3 |
Description: Examines and analyzes federal and state law relating to arrest, search and seizure, First Amendment activities, interrogation, civil liability of police, and trial procedures. Prerequisite: LEJ 101 with a grade of C or better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 |
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LGS 105 | Family Law F | 3 |
Description: This course is only offered in the fall term. Emphasizes the role of the paralegal in family law. Examines domestic relations law with emphasis on marriage, divorce, annulment, separation agreements, adoption and other legal matters involving the family. Prerequisite: LGS 101 with a grade of C or better, or consent of program coordinator. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 |
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LGS 110 | Law Office Technology | 3 |
Description: Prepares students to apply popular software packages or suites as they relate to law offices. Introduces software applications specific to the legal field. Teaches students to format legal documents, e-file, and use timekeeping, billing, e-discovery, litigation support, and case management software. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 |
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LGS 123 | Real Property Law S | 3 |
Description:
This course is only offered in the spring term. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 |
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LGS 200 | Probate F | 3 |
Description:
This course is only offered in the fall term. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 |
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LGS 201 | Tort Law | 3 |
Description: Emphasizes the role of the paralegal in tort law. Studies basic tort principles; examines pleading forms used in litigation of various tort actions. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 |
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LGS 202 | Estate Planning S | 3 |
Description:
This course is only offered in the spring term. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 |
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LGS 205 | Contract Law | 3 |
Description: Surveys the principles, history, and sources of contract law. Examines the elements of a valid, enforceable contract. Provides instruction regarding the drafting of contracts. Examines Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code regarding the sale of goods. Emphasizes the role of the paralegal in contract law. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 |
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LGS 206 | Environmental Law S | 3 |
Description:
This course is only offered in the spring term. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 |
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LGS 210 | The Law of Business Organizations F | 3 |
Description:
This course is only offered in the fall term. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 |
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LGS 212 | Law Office Management | 3 |
Description: Studies law office management relying on the system analysis approach to examine design, methods and develop processes necessary for integrating the paralegal into the hierarchy of the organization of a law office with emphasis on defining functions of the lawyer, paralegal and legal secretary. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 |
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LGS 221 | Bankruptcy Law F | 3 |
Description:
This course is only offered in the fall term. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 |
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LGS 222 | Intellectual Property S | 3 |
Description:
This course is only offered in the spring term. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 |
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LGS 224 | Commercial Real Estate Law F | 3 |
Description:
This course is only offered in the fall term. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 |
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LGS 225 | Immigration Law S | 3 |
Description:
This course is only offered in the spring term. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 |
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LGS 230 | Topics in Legal Studies | 3 |
Description: Studies selected problems or topics in legal studies. The exact content and instructional methodology will vary semester to semester depending on the material to be studied. A syllabus or course outline containing additional information will be available with pre-registration materials each time that the course is offered. This course may be repeated two times to a maximum of six credit hours. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 |
1 - Students may take LEJ 201 or LEJ 202, but not both. Prerequisite of LEJ 101 will be waived for Legal Studies certificate students.
Students interested in paralegal studies may also be interested in:
For more information about this program, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.