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A promising and challenging career awaits you in a career field that continues to expand. Becoming a paralegal will immerse you in all facets of the law while working under the direction of a licensed attorney. To excel in this role, a paralegal must possess strong communication skills, enjoy collaborating with diverse individuals, demonstrate attention to detail, excel in problem-solving, and uphold ethical standards. Western's program is proudly approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). According to the ABA, a Legal Assistant/Paralegal is defined as "a person, qualified by education, training, or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency, or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible." Our program covers all aspects of legal domains, including criminal, family, real estate, civil, business, and estate/probate law. Graduates find careers in various sectors, including private practice, corporate legal departments, and government entities. This program offers articulation agreements that facilitate transfer toward a bachelor's degree and, for some students, serve as a route to law school. This program is offered in a blended format that combines face-to-face and online instruction.
*Students must take at least nine semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction.
