Harper College will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.
Career options 
Prepare for a rewarding career in the legal field with this Associate's in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree program in Legal Studies. Approved by the American Bar Association, this program will help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to conduct many significant tasks that assist lawyers with their day-to-day work, work in law related occupations, or prepare you to advance your education on a pathway to becoming a lawyer.
Paralegals and legal assistants conduct legal research and investigations, detail work related to probate matters, prepare tax forms and returns, search public and court records, assist with office management, prepare legal forms, draft contracts, help prepare for real estate closings, and more.
Take courses in paralegal studies, technical and report writing, legal research and writing, litigation, family law, real property law, contract law, contract and securities law and more. All courses are taught by experienced instructors who are experts in the field of paralegal studies.
The 60 credit-hour program is designed to prepare men and women as technically qualified assistants to a lawyer. Under the supervision of a lawyer, the paralegal/legal assistant may perform such functions as legal research, investigation, detail work with regard to probate matters, preparation of tax forms and returns, searching public and court records, office management, library service, bookkeeping, serving and filing legal documents and preparing legal forms.
Students pursuing this degree 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.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
First Semester | ||
| ENG 101 | Composition I | 3 |
| LGS 101 | Introduction to Legal Studies | 3 |
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology+ | 3 |
| Mathematics 1 | 3 | |
| AAS General Education elective(s) 2 | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
Second Semester | ||
| ENG 103 | Technical and Report Writing | 3 |
| LGS 103 | Litigation | 3 |
| LGS 115 | Legal Research and Writing | 3 |
| LGS 123 | Real Property Law | 3 |
| LGS 201 | Tort Law | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
Third Semester | ||
| LGS 105 | Family Law | 3 |
| LGS 205 | Contract Law | 3 |
| LGS 215 | Today's Law Office | |
| LGS 210 | The Law of Business Organizations | 3 |
| PSC 101 | American Politics and Government | 3 |
| SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
Fourth Semester | ||
| LEJ or LGS electives | 6 | |
| LGS 110 | Law Office Technology | 3 |
| LGS 205 | Contract Law | 3 |
| LGS 208 | Internship in Legal Studies | |
| LGS 216 | Ethics, Legal Writing and the Law Office | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 60 | |
This course meets the World Cultures and Diversity graduation requirement.
The mathematics requirement for this degree can be met with MGT 150 (Business Math) or Math Competency. See Math Competency options for information. Students who use Math Competency to meet the mathematics requirement must complete an additional three credit-hour AAS General Education elective. See full list of AAS General Education Electives.
One 3-credit hour AAS General Education elective is required. See full list of AAS General Education Electives.
LGS 205 is required to be taken in either the third or fourth semester. LGS 215 or LGS 208 is required for individuals without any legal experience. Individuals with legal experience may substitute another LGS course with Coordinator approval.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LEJ 201 | Criminal Law1 | 3 |
| LEJ 202 | Criminal Procedures | |
| LGS 206 | Environmental Law | 3 |
| LGS 208 | Internship in Legal Studies | 3 |
| LGS 212 | Law Office Management | 3 |
| LGS 215 | Today's Law Office | 3 |
| LGS 221 | Bankruptcy Law | 3 |
| LGS 222 | Intellectual Property | 3 |
| LGS 224 | Commercial Real Estate Law | 3 |
| LGS 225 | Immigration Law | 3 |
| LGS 230 | Topics in Legal Studies | 1-6 |
Prerequisite of LEJ 101 will be waived for Legal Studies degree students.
Students who successfully complete the Legal Studies Program will be able to:
For more information about paralegal training at Harper College, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.