Program Overview

Paralegal Studies

The Paralegal Studies BA program, approved by the American Bar Association, prepares students to step directly into the legal workforce as a paralegalalso known as a legal assistantupon graduation. As a paralegal, students will support attorneys and legal teams by drafting legal documents, assisting during trials, managing case files, conducting legal research, and more. While paralegals do not practice law or offer legal advice, they are essential members of the legal team.

What Will I Learn?

• General Education Foundation: Build strong communication, critical thinking, and analytical skills through core courses in English, Math, and Social Sciences.
• Legal Research & Writing: Learn how to find and interpret case law, draft legal memos, and write professional legal documents.
• Civil Litigation: Understand the stages of a lawsuit and how to prepare materials for hearings, trials, and discovery.
• Property Law & Family Law: Explore the legal principles behind real estate transactions, divorce, custody, and other family matters.
• Commercial Law: Study contracts, business structures, and the legal side of commerce and trade.
• Real-World Legal Skills: Gain experience organizing case files, managing deadlines, and supporting attorneys in fast-paced legal environments.

Internships

• LGL 389: Internship in Paralegal Studies offers students the opportunity to gain real-world experience by working alongside experienced attorneys and legal professionals across Mississippi and beyond. This course allows students to earn academic credit while building valuable skills in a professional legal setting.

Faculty

Our faculty includes practicing lawyers from various fields of practice who are as equally committed to teaching as they are the legal profession. They are dedicated to helping students reach their academic and professional goals, and providing mentorship along the way.

Availability

• Degree Plan: Paralegal Studies BA
• Availability: Hattiesburg

College and School

The Paralegal Studies program is part of the College of Arts and Sciences, specifically the School of Social Science and Global Studies.

Career Options

• Paralegal/Legal Assistant
• Tax Preparer
• Litigation Support Analyst
• Politician/Government Official
• Claims Adjuster/Investigator
• Compliance Officer

Recent Program Alumni

• Belinda Wright, 2018, Document Processing Department, Law Office of Julianne M Holt, Public Defender, Hillsborough County (Florida)
• Madeline Kuluz, 2015, Associate Attorney (pending Bar admission), Cosmich, Simmons & Brown
• Subrina L. Cooper, 1990, Associate General Counsel, The University of Southern Mississippi
• Julie Johnson, 2018, Paralegal, Law Offices of Mager Varnado
• Riane Crosby, 2015, Paralegal, Jackson, Tullos & Rogers PLLC
• Shelley Zabatani, 2017, Paralegal, Law Offices of Haley Martin