Title of Certificate: Paralegal Studies, Certificate 

Award: Certificate 

Code: CRT.PARA-STUDIES 

Total Credit Hours: 31

About the Legal Studies Institute

Purpose: Basic information is presented to prepare students for employment in the paralegal field or to meet the requirements of persons already employed in the paralegal field who wish to obtain college credit and move into more advanced supervisory positions. Students may pursue the certificate program on a full- or part-time basis and courses are offered in day, evening and accelerated formats. 

Range of Occupations 

• Administrative assistant 
• Court administrative assistant 
• Court clerk 
• Law office manager 
• Legal assistant 
• Legislative legal assistant 
• Real estate settlement officer 
• Victim advocate 

Note: Paralegals may not provide legal services to the public except as permitted by law.  

Additional Program Requirements: Verification by the college that the student obtained a bachelor’s degree or associate’s degree prior to enrollment in the paralegal studies certificate program.  

Faculty Contact (webapps.aacc.edu/directory): Erin Gable, Director 

Courses to improve skills and prepare for college-level classes may be needed. It is best to see an advisor as you plan your education. 

All students must demonstrate eligibility for  ENG 101 /ENG 101A . Refer to Academic Regulations on Graduation Requirements , “Certificate Requirements,” for more information.

Course/Advising Notes: _____________________________________________________________________________

Term 1

Course Name	Credits	Term Taken	Grade
LGS 111 - Introduction to Paralegal Studies	3 credit hours
LGS 215 - Criminal Law	3 credit hours
LGS 253 - Business Law 1	3 credit hours

Term 2

Course Name	Credits	Term Taken	Grade
LGS 141 - Electronic Legal Research	1 credit hour
LGS 143 - Legal Research and Writing 1	3 credit hours
LGS 170 - Civil Procedure	3 credit hours
Elective Students must have 6 credits of legal specialty electives, which excludes the following courses: LGS 100, LGS 156, LGS 217, LGS 225, LGS 232, LGS 250, LGS 270 and LGS 271. Refer to the suggested electives below. Suggested electives are based on student interest in a particular area of law. Suggested electives for each practice area: Civil: LGS 160 , LGS 171 , LGS 220 , LGS 230 Criminal: LGS 205, LGS 216 Domestic: LGS 165 , LGS 235 Transactional: LGS 200 , LGS 235 , LGS 236 , LGS 254 , LGS 260	3 credit hours

Term 3

Course Name	Credits	Term Taken	Grade
LGS 112 - Law Office Practice and Technology	3 credit hours
LGS 144 - Legal Research and Writing 2	3 credit hours
LGS 210 - Legal Ethics	3 credit hours
Elective Students must have 6 credits of legal specialty electives, which excludes the following courses: LGS 100, LGS 156, LGS 217, LGS 225, LGS 232, LGS 250, LGS 270 and LGS 271. Refer to the suggested electives below. Suggested electives are based on student interest in a particular area of law. Suggested electives for each practice area: Civil: LGS 160 , LGS 171 , LGS 220 , LGS 230 Criminal: LGS 205, LGS 216 Domestic: LGS 165 , LGS 235 Transactional: LGS 200 , LGS 235 , LGS 236 , LGS 254 , LGS 260	3 credit hours