Legal Studies/Paralegal
- Associate Degree
Program Number:
Program Credits:
Estimated Total Cost:
Typical Start:
A promising and challenging career awaits you in a career field that continues to grow. 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 follows:
"A legal assistant or paralegal is 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, and probate law. Graduates find careers in various sectors, including private practice, corporate legal departments, and government entities.
*Students must take at least nine semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction.
Legal Studies/Paralegal 2021, 2022, & 2023 Graduation Employment Stats
| Graduates | 19 |
| Graduates Responding | 9 |
| Employed in Related Occupation | 5 |
| Employed in Non-related Occupations | 3 |
| Seeking Employment | 0 |
| Continuing Education | 0 |
| Not in Labor Market | 1 |
Salary Data - Related Employment
| Part Time | Full Time | |
|---|---|---|
| Responding | 1 | 3 |
| Average Hours Per Week | 20 | 40 |
| Average Hourly Wage | $20.00 | $20.06 |
| Hourly Wage Range | $20.00 | $18.00-$22.13 |
| Average Annual Salary | $35,360 |
Respondents in Related Occupations
- Paralegal, Admin Assistant Confidential, Paralegal & Office Manager
Program Outcomes
- Apply ethical principles in a legal environment
- Process legal documents
- Perform legal research
- Synthesize various sources into a supportable legal conclusion
- Demonstrate professionalism as a member of a legal team
Admission Requirements:
College Requirements
Application:
Application Fee:
Software and Technology
This program requires specific software and technology to complete classwork. Click here to see the list of items you will need for your courses [1].
If you do not have access to the items listed for your program, or if the items you have do not meet the requirements, resources may be available. Submit a Student Resource Request using our online form [2].
Internet access is required to access student accounts from off campus. The Learning Commons can provide information on free, off-campus Wi-Fi spots. Contact them at LearningCommons@westerntc.edu [3] or call 608-785-9198.
For additional specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes [4] on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.
Accreditation
The Paralegal Program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) and is also a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE).
American Bar Association
541 North Fairbanks Ct.
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: 312-988-5617
Additional Information
Transfer Policy for the Legal Studies/Paralegal Program
Legal Studies Paralegal Program(s) will not accept legal specialty credits by examination. Credit for prior learning portfolios must be approved by the Program Director.
The program will accept legal specialty credits by transfer as authorized by the program director, or a qualified faculty member approved by the program director. The program director will review each proposed transfer legal specialty course to ensure it meets the following criteria:
- The course can appropriately be classified as a legal specialty course.
- The course meets the course objectives for an existing paralegal program legal specialty course in our program.
- The course is comparable to an existing paralegal program legal specialty course in our program.
- The course requires a similar set of practical skills for an existing paralegal program legal specialty course in our program.
Note: Courses that focus on the laws of states other than Wisconsin will not meet these requirements.
A student may transfer no more than 50% of the legal specialty courses taken within the past seven years. If courses are accepted for transfer, the student must still meet the minimum nine credit traditional instruction requirement as required by the American Bar Association.
Career Pathways:
Legal Studies/Paralegal
Prior Learning:
Previous education and work experience could qualify for Credit for Prior Learning, saving you time and money. Find out more [5] about what may apply to this program.
Technical Diploma:
Associate Degree:
Courses
Western offers most courses in a 7-week format, but course length can vary. There are two 7-week sessions in each term, so courses listed below may not be taken at the same time. See www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks [6] for more information.
This course list gives you an idea of what coursework will be required but is not the official list. Current students should use the MyWestern [7] self-service portal for academic planning.