Legal Studies Program

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.

Associate in Applied Science—Legal Studies

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

Legal Studies Certificate

Explore legal studies careers

Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants

* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants career profile for most current data.

$60,622
Median Salary

-13.8%
Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)

38
Job Postings

Description:

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.

Core tasks:

Organize and maintain law libraries, documents, and case files.
Prepare and distribute invoices to bill clients or pay account expenses.
Mail, fax, or arrange for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials.
Prepare, proofread, or process legal documents, such as summonses, subpoenas, complaints, appeals, motions, or pretrial agreements.

Quick facts:

Paralegals and Legal Assistants

* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Paralegals and Legal Assistants career profile for most current data.

$57,851
Median Salary

0.3%
Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)

879
Job Postings

Description:

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.

Core tasks:

Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system.
Prepare, edit, or review legal documents, including legislation, briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements.
Investigate facts and law of cases and search pertinent sources, such as public records and internet sources, to determine causes of action and to prepare cases.
Prepare for trial by performing tasks such as organizing exhibits.

Quick facts:

Resources

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.