Collin College’s Paralegal Program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).
If you are interested in a legal career in law, Collin College’s Paralegal/Legal Assistant program is an excellent starting point and is approved by the American Bar Association.
Law firms, corporations and governmental agencies hire paralegals/legal assistants to perform a wide variety of legal tasks under the direction and supervision of a licensed attorney. For example, paralegals investigate cases, interview witnesses and draft documents such as wills, contracts and court papers. As a result, paralegals must be proficient in computer skills, legal terminology and legal procedures. Collin College’s Associate of Applied Science degree in Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies provides excellent training in these areas and offers opportunities for specialization.
Not only is this career path interesting; it is growing at a fast pace. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 12 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.
This program trains students to become paralegals and legal assistants and helps them prepare for a national certification examination. The program does not qualify a graduate to take a state bar exam, represent clients in court, or give legal advice. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law. Admission to the Paralegal/Legal Assistant program is open to all students. Students with a prior degree may be eligible for admission to the Level II Paralegal General Certificate program. For more information about eligibility, please see the certificate pre-entrance requirements.
Paralegal Program Goals
Consistent with the core values of the district, the mission of the paralegal studies program is to further the paralegal profession by providing specialized training and education in law and legal procedure that will produce graduates who are prepared to enter the legal workforce with sufficient technology skills and a firm understanding of the ethical responsibilities of the attorney and paralegal.
The goals of the paralegal program are:
- The program will reflect a diverse student body.
- The program will produce graduates who possess the legal knowledge and technology skills necessary to qualify them for employment in a legal work environment.
- The program will produce graduates who demonstrate an understanding of their ethical responsibility in the legal profession.
- The program will emphasize written communication skills.
- The program will promote opportunities to service the needs of the local community and encourage pro bono and public interest causes.
Texas Woman’s University (TWU) and Collin College Paralegal/Legal Assistant programs entered an articulation agreement effective Fall 1999, which establishes a plan for students to obtain an AAS degree from Collin College and a Bachelor of Science in Government - Legal Studies Emphasis degree from TWU. Collin College established a similar articulation agreement with Texas A&M University-Commerce, effective Fall 2004, for the Bachelor of Arts/Science in Political Science with Emphasis in Paralegal Studies degree.
Admission to the Paralegal/Legal Assistant Associate of Applied Science Program is open to all students. Students with a prior degree may be eligible for admission to the Level II Paralegal General Certificate program. See certificate pre-entrance requirements.
Students planning to transfer to a college or university should check with Collin College academic advisors. Also check the degree requirement of the intended transfer college prior to beginning this program to verify course degree applicability.
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