The verdict is in: our legal studies program is the perfect first step in your legal
career! Approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), this program will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful.
Your Future in Law Starts Here
Why you should choose our paralegal program.
Industry-Approved Paralegal Training
San Jac’s Paralegal program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), meaning
it meets national standards for quality legal studies education and prepares you with
the competencies attorneys look for in entry-level paralegals.
Strong Career Outlook and Success Rate
The paralegal profession is projected to grow by 15% through 2026, faster than the
average for many occupations, as organizations continue to expand their legal services.
Combined with a program success rate exceeding 90%, San Jac provides the support and
preparation students need to confidently pursue a professional legal career.
Practical Legal Skills You’ll Use Every Day
With more than 10 possible areas of career specialization, you’ll learn how to conduct
legal research, analyze sources of law, draft documents, apply civil and criminal
procedure rules, and assist with client interviews and investigations. All of these
are essential skills that employers in litigation, corporate law, immigration, family
law, and other areas value.
Career Versatility Across Legal Settings
Paralegals are essential across the legal system and work in settings such as private
law firms, corporate legal departments, courts, government agencies, banks, insurance
departments, and nonprofit organizations. This versatility allows you to explore different
areas of law while building a stable, respected career.
With the Associate of Applied Science degree, you'll graduate with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to support attorneys in diverse legal environments. You'll learn legal procedures, research, and professional communication, becoming equipped to contribute effectively in law firms, corporations, government agencies, and other legal departments.
2 Years
If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 60 credits for this program in four terms.
Ready to take the first step toward an exciting future? It’s time to apply to San
Jac. We’ll guide you through the process and help you start building your future,
today.
Find quick answers about the legal profession and what to expect from the legal studies
program.
You will develop the practical skills attorneys depend on every day. Training includes
legal research, analyzing primary and secondary sources of law, drafting correspondence
and legal documents, applying civil and criminal procedures, and using proper legal
terminology in professional work. You will also build strong oral and written communication
skills while learning to conduct client and witness interviews and support factual
investigations.
Yes. You'll gain experience with commonly used legal technology such as Westlaw, ProDoc,
and electronic filing systems. Entering the workforce with these technical skills
helps you contribute quickly in a professional legal environment.
Paralegals perform essential work that keeps legal cases moving forward. Responsibilities
often include conducting legal research, drafting documents, tracking deadlines, supporting
litigation, assisting at hearings and trials, interviewing clients and witnesses,
and using technology to manage case materials.
Paralegals work under the supervision of an attorney and play a critical role in supporting
legal services. While they do not provide legal advice or represent clients, their
contributions help attorneys prepare cases efficiently and effectively.
see yourself in the legal profession?
Take this quick quiz to discover how your strengths align with the real work paralegals
perform every day.
Due to the guidelines established by the American Bar Association, legal studies students
are required to complete a minimum of 9 semester credit hours of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction which includes face-to-face,
hands on hybrid, or online on a schedule course options.
Students seeking to transfer into the San Jacinto College legal studies program must
engage in a transcript review meeting with the legal studies program director. Credits
from other legal studies or paralegal programs will be reviewed in order to 1) ensure
that the credit can be classified as legal specialty, 2) meets the course objectives
and practical skills to be developed for the course for which credit is being awarded,
3) meets the needs of the legal community the program serves, and 4) is comparable
to course work offered within the program.
Have Questions?
Our faculty are experts in legal studies and are here to help you learn. Don’t hesitate
to reach out with any questions at 281-998-6150.
