Paralegal
Become a critical part of the legal world through Austin Community College’s Paralegal Program. Faculty made up of working attorneys help you develop the comprehensive skills needed to be successful through research, draft, and document legal matters. Courses also are offered on nights and weekends to prepare you to function as a working paralegal. This program also offers an advanced technical certificate for those who have a bachelor’s or graduate-level degree.
Pride Points
Licensed local
attorney faculty
Flexible course offerings
Internship opportunities
ACC's Paralegal program is fully approved by the American Bar Association.
Legal Specialty Transfer Policy
The following legal specialty courses must be taken in the traditional classroom setting or by synchronous instruction:
- LGLA 1313-Introduction to Paralegal Studies
- LGLA 1303-Legal Research
- LGLA 1345-Civil Litigation
Only 9 (nine) Legal Specialty course credit hours may be transferred into the ACC Paralegal Studies Program. Those courses must be approved by the Department Chair, not have been taken online, must have been prepared specifically for paralegal students, must be substantially the same as the ACC designated course, must be accredited by a regional accreditation and must have been passed with a grade of “C” or better. Civil Litigation courses taken in another state will have to be repeated at this campus.
UPL Statement: Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.
Program-Level Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will identify relevant legal concepts and apply them to changing fact patterns.
- Students will draft documents used in a broad range of legal environments.
- Students will perform as entry-level paralegals in a broad range of legal environments.
- Students will perform legal research.
*Source: Economic Modeling Specialists International, 2019.
Career & Salary Information
Strong training increases employability for paralegals, in a competitive field. Graduates can find work in a law firm or the law department of a government agency, nonprofit organization, or corporation. Here are some careers you might want to consider.
Click each title to learn more about important career information such as employment rates, and average salary in our region.
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Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.
Hourly Wage: $
Currently Employed:
Projections:
# people are employed as Paralegals and Legal Assistants. This number is expected to # over the next four years.
Choose the Award Path That’s Right for You
ACC offers stackable credentials. Certificates prepare you for a career change or career advancement and often include credits that count toward associate degrees. Associate degrees further increase your employability and help you build a strong foundation for university transfer. Learn more.
Explore awards and follow the program maps below to stay on track.