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Prepare for a rewarding career in the legal field with this 60-credit-hour 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.
F = Fall only course S = Spring only course U = Summer only course
Number | Course Title | Credits | Category |
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AAS General Education elective1 | 3 | AAS General Education | |
ENG 101 | Composition I | 3 | AAS General Education |
Description: Emphasizes the writing of expository prose. Introduction to the critical reading of nonfiction prose. IAI C1 900 Prerequisite: ENG 096 with a grade of P or other placement options: english-placement-grid.php ESL students need one of the following options: ESL 073 and ESL 074 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 and ESL 086 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 and ESL 099 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 with required writing placement test score; or ESL 074 with required reading placement test score. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 |
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LGS 101 | Introduction to Legal Studies | 3 | Program Requirement |
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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PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology + | 3 | AAS General Education |
Description: Investigates human and animal behavior with emphasis on the scientific nature of contemporary and classic psychological investigation. Emphasizes psychological theories, principles, and research applications. Introduces the divisions of the American Psychological Association. References biological processes, sensation, perception, learning, memory, thinking, emotional life, mental disorders, intelligence, aptitude, personality, development, daily life and everyday problems. IAI S6 900 Class Schedule: Fall 2024 |
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SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology + | 3 | AAS General Education |
Description: Analysis and description of the structure and dynamics of human society. Application of scientific methods to the observation and analysis of social norms, groups, inter-group relations, social change, social stratification and institutions. This course meets the World Culture and Diversity graduation requirement. IAI S7 900 Class Schedule: Fall 2024 |
Number | Course Title | Credits | Category |
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ENG 103 | Technical and Report Writing | 3 | Program Requirement |
Description: Introduces the various types of writing and communication used in business and technology. Includes instructions, procedures, abstracts, proposals, visuals and reports. Prerequisite: ENG 101 with a grade of C or better, or consent of instructor or department chair. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 |
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LGS 103 | Litigation | 3 | Program Requirement |
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 | Program Requirement |
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 123 | Real Property Law S | 3 | Program Requirement |
Description:
This course is only offered in the spring term. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 |
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LGS 201 | Tort Law | 3 | Program Requirement |
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 |
Number | Course Title | Credits | Category |
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Mathematics2 | 3 | AAS General Education | |
LGS 105 | Family Law F | 3 | Program Requirement |
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 205 | Contract Law 3or | ||
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 215 | Today's Law Office 4 F | 3 | Program Requirement |
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 210 | The Law of Business Organizations F | 3 | Program Requirement |
Description:
This course is only offered in the fall term. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 |
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PSC 101 | American Politics and Government | 3 | AAS General Education |
Description: Focuses on political involvement, elections, campaigns, interest groups, Congress, courts, the presidency, and the constitution. Discusses how our government runs, as well as current political controversies. Utilizes political figures as guest speakers and offers opportunities for political participation, especially in election years. IAI S5 900 Class Schedule: Fall 2024 |
Number | Course Title | Credits | Category |
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LEJ or LGS electives5 | 6 | Program Requirement | |
LGS 110 | Law Office Technology | 3 | Program Requirement |
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 205 | Contract Law 3or | ||
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 208 | Internship in Legal Studies 4 | 3 | Program Requirement |
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 216 | Ethics, Legal Writing and the Law Office | 3 | Program Requirement |
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 |
1 - One 3-credit hour AAS General Education elective is required. See full list of AAS General Education Electives.
+ - This course meets the World Cultures and Diversity graduation requirement.
2 - Only 100 level or higher mathematics courses are acceptable for the mathematics requirement.
3 - LGS 205 is required to be taken in either the third or fourth semester.
4 - 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.
5 - LEJ 201 or LEJ 202 (prerequisite of LEJ 101 will be waived for Legal Studies degree students), LGS 200 (F), LGS 202(S), LGS 206(S), LGS 208, LGS 212, LGS 215 (F), LGS 221(F), LGS 222(S), LGS 224 (F), LGS 225 (S), LGS 230.
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.