Paralegal Studies (5301)

Legal and Public Safety
Legal and Public Safety

Paralegal Studies - Certificate (5301)

Do you have a bachelor’s degree, but you want to explore the legal field? Do you enjoy researching different legal topics?

This Paralegal Studies curriculum awards a post-baccalaureate certificate that is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).

Find information on transferring prior paralegal coursework to HACC for credit here. (pdf)

It’s important to note that this is a selective program. Your admission to HACC does not guarantee your acceptance into this program. Since this program is a post-baccalaureate certificate, you must have a bachelor’s degree to enroll. When you apply to the program, please include your official transcripts.

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After earning your certificate, you’ll be ready to work in a variety of law-related positions including paralegals in private, corporate practice, government agencies, insurance companies and in federal, state or local courts.

It is important to note that paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by the law. Paralegals support lawyers with a variety of tasks, such as:

  • Conducting legal research
  • Drafting memorandums, briefs and litigation documents
  • Maintaining and organizing files

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This certificate helps you develop professional competence to help you provide paralegal services - under attorney supervision - or other law-related services, in private, corporate and governmental law offices.

It is important to note that paralegals may not provide legal services to the public, except as permitted by law.

This certificate allows you to: 

  • Perform effective legal research and analysis
  • Use current legal technologies consistent with professional standards
  • Respond appropriately to the ethical issues that arise for a paralegal in a legal environment
  • Professionally communicate in writing and speaking as a paralegal in a legal environment
  • Assist in the representation of clients in a culturally responsive manner

This certificate is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). This organization requires that students take at least nine (9) semester credits, or equivalent of legal speciality courses, through synchronous instruction.

  • View summaries of every course at HACC by browsing our class schedules database.
  • Review our program guide (pdf) to view a list of required courses, recommended course sequencing and program competencies.

Our certificate is designed to lead you directly into the workforce. However, if you wish to continue your education, we encourage you to earn an associate degree at HACC!

When you complete your associate degree, you can continue and transfer credits to a four-year school.

PennWest California: AAS in Paralegal Studies to BA in Legal Studies (pdf)
PennWest Clarion: AAS in Paralegal Studies to BA in Legal Studies (pdf)
PennWest Edinboro: AAS in Paralegal Studies to BA in Legal Studies (pdf)

We offer the complete program at our Harrisburg and Lancaster campuses through various modalities (e.g., on-campus/in-person instruction, hybrid, synchronous remote instruction and/or asynchronous instruction).   Due to course sequencing, a minimum of three semesters are required to complete the certificate.

Yes! We offer many scholarships through the HACC Foundation. Each scholarship has specific eligibility requirements. To learn how to apply, please visit hacc.edu/Scholarships.

We offer classes in the spring, summer and fall. You can apply online anytime by visiting our website and submitting your application. You must also submit your official transcripts to show you have a bachelor’s degree. When you apply, please include the program’s unique code 5301. This will ensure you apply to the correct program.
 

 

Future students, we are excited to connect with you and answer your questions. Please choose the option that works best for you to meet with us.

Current HACC students, please contact our Advising Department with any questions.

 

 

View Transcript (pdf)