Program Overview

Paralegal, AAS

Overview

Have a passion for justice and a desire to help others? Consider a job in the legal profession by earning a paralegal degree or certificate in Highline's Legal Studies department. Learn how the legal system works, how to find relevant laws, interpret and apply them. Learn legal writing skills to communicate with attorneys and courts. Learn legal-specific software and gain the soft skills attorneys are looking for in their paralegals. The Paralegal AAS degree is designed to ready a student to work as part of a legal team and assist with research, interviewing, administration, and preparation.

Requirements

Prerequisites

• Some or all of the following are required. Talk to a faculty adviser.
• Some classes have entry requirements not listed here.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Professional-Technical Core Courses

• LEGAL 101 - Legal Ethics and Professionalism
• LEGAL 102 - Civil Procedures I
• LEGAL 103 - Civil Procedures II
• LEGAL 135 - Law Office Technology
• LEGAL 139 - Getting Started: Paralegal Orientation
• LEGAL 140 - Internship (3 credits minimum for Legal 140)
• LEGAL 141 - Internship Seminar
• LEGAL 199 - Legal Research and Writing I
• LEGAL 200 - Legal Research and Writing II
• LEGAL 216 - Introduction to Law

Total Core Credits: 40 credits

Supporting Courses

• Must take four legal course electives. One of these must be a Diversity & Globalism course. Talk to a faculty adviser
• Select 20 credits from courses listed below.
  • LEGAL 106 - Torts
  • LEGAL 119 - Criminal Law and Procedure
  • LEGAL 120 - Forming and Maintaining a Nonprofit Organization
  • LEGAL 136 - Advanced Law Office Technology
  • LEGAL 162 - Constitutional Law and Issues
  • LEGAL 164 - Sports Law and Issues of Diversity
  • LEGAL 166 - Immigration Law and the Rights of Non-Citizens
  • LEGAL 168 - Legal Issues of Civil Rights Theory and Law
  • LEGAL 201 - Estate Planning and Probate
  • LEGAL 202 - Contracts & Negotiations
  • LEGAL 210 - Family Law
  • LEGAL 211 - Intellectual Property
  • LEGAL 218 - Business Law
  • LEGAL 220 - Computer Search and Seizure
  • LEGAL 240 - Internship II
  • LEGAL 235 - Employment Law
  • LEGAL 241 - Cooperative Work Experience Seminar
  • LEGAL 252 - Legal Investigation
  • LEGAL 262 - Professional Development Seminar
  • LEGAL 281 - Special Topics in Law
  • LEGAL 285 - Special Topics in Law 1 - 5

Total Supporting Course Credits: 20

General Education Electives

• Students must select 3 courses (15 credits) of General Education electives of coursework 100 or above from Communications, Social Sciences, Fine Arts, Natural Sciences, Humanities or Math

Total General Education Electives Credits: 15

Related Instruction Courses

• Communications Requirement
  • ENGL& 101 - English Composition I
  • Select 1 course from the list below
    • CMST& 101 - Introduction to Communication
    • CMST& 220 - Public Speaking
• Computation Requirement
  • Select 1 course from the list below
    • ACCTG 121 - Practical Financial Accounting
    • BUSN 135 - Business Mathematics
    • Math- 100 level or above
• Human Relations Requirement
  • Select 1 course from the list below
    • BUSN 160 - Human/Labor Relations
    • PSYC& 100 - General Psychology

Total Related Instruction Credits: 20

Total Program Credits: 95 credits

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate proficiency in legal research and application of procedural and substantive authorities, including areas of law in which the student may not be familiar.
• Demonstrate writing skills that are consistent with generally accepted standards within the legal profession, including the ability to communicate legal analysis and application through organized and well-written correspondence, memoranda and pleadings.
• Analyze and articulate the different sides to any argument using critical-thinking skills.
• Demonstrate the ability to develop discovery plans, prepare cases for trial and capably assist in all courtroom proceedings.
• Use technology commonly found in the legal environment, including the electronic courtroom. This technology includes Microsoft Office products, electronic databases and other appropriate legal software.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and clients utilizing good listening skills and through appropriate interactions in small group work.
• Demonstrate professionalism through leadership, cultural awareness, appropriate attire and conduct, and attention to detail.
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently, comply with preset deadlines and utilize well defined problem-solving skills as required by an assignment and/or situation.
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding and application of ethical issues in and out of the legal employment setting.
• Explain the need for civic responsibility in diverse and multifaceted environments and the role that legal professionals play in providing access to justice to those who currently or historically have been denied access.

Important Notes

• This information does not substitute for meeting with a faculty adviser.
• The paralegal program is approved by the American Bar Association. See statement in the college catalog.
• The program can be completed remotely, without coming to campus.
• Students must achieve a minimum 2.0 GPA ENGL& 101, and each LEGAL course to attain a Paralegal AAS degree.
• AAS degree programs emphasize preparation in specific job skills required for entry-level employment.
• Not all classes are offered every quarter.
• Coursework is highly interactive and includes field-based internships.
• Highline’s Paralegal and Paralegal Plus certificate programs are designed for students with strong verbal and written skills, individual initiative and discipline, and high ethical standards.
• A conference (telephone, zoom or in person) with a faculty advisor is recommended prior to enrolling. Visit or email, or
• All Paralegal students are required to complete a course satisfying the Diversity & Globalism requirement.
• Students are required to take at least 13 quarter hours of legal specialty courses through EITHER virtual (Zoom) OR traditional classroom instruction. This can be determined through advising and at your graduation evaluation meeting.