Legal Studies

Associate in Applied Science
Career Degree
Cost
$13,584*

Start your career in the legal field

Use your curiosity, thirst for facts and eye for detail to pursue a rewarding career in the legal profession.

An Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree takes 4-5 semesters if you study full-time and a bit longer if you go part-time. Learn to perform substantive and procedural legal work as a paralegal under the supervision of an attorney. Assist attorneys with efficient and cost-effective legal services in different areas of public and private law.

At CLC, you enjoy quick job placement, in some cases even before you graduate. Gain “real-world” experience from fieldwork and prepare for your job search. You learn:

  • entry-level paralegal knowledge, skills and professional ethics
  • standard technical procedures used by entry-level paralegals working in a variety of legal practice settings
  • legal and ethical issues that determine appropriate actions in a variety of situations
  • legal research: plan and report findings in a format appropriate to the practice setting

Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.

American Bar Association Approved Paralegal Program logo

ABA-Approved

We are an American Bar Association (ABA) Approved Paralegal Education Program. This is a national credential that only 25% of paralegal education programs nationwide hold. This gives you access to an elite, nationally recognized program.

What can you do with an A.A.S. in Legal Studies?

Start your career as an entry-level paralegal in local law offices, government agencies and corporations. Entry-level paralegals advance in their careers after the first two years, and over time, many end up as law office managers and legal staff supervisors.

With an A.A.S., you may take advantage of our transfer agreements with schools such as Loyola University, Roosevelt University and Dominican University. Complete a bachelor’s degree to expand your career options or prepare for law school. About 20% of our graduates complete law school to become lawyers.

Legal Studies program stated goals and objectives

  1. Graduating students will have the knowledge, skills and professional ethics expected of an entry-level paralegal.
  2. Graduates will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the legal process and the ability to follow the standard technical procedures utilized by entry-level paralegals working in a variety of legal practice settings.
  3. Graduates will be able to identify the legal and ethical issues that guide paralegal conduct and determine appropriate actions in a variety of situations.
  4. Graduates will be able to carry out a legal research plan.

Highlights

Accreditation - Legal Studies American Bar Association

Oct 9, 2023, 13:21 PM
Title : Accreditation - Legal Studies American Bar Association
Heading : American Bar Association-Approved Paralegal Program
The only ABA-approved paralegal education program in Lake County.

Career Outlook

Need help?

Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) helps you

  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options and degree requirements, see the college catalog.

Icon Key

  • Credit for prior learning available
  • Dual credit options available
  • Global citizenship
  • Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CLC 120

    CLC 120 College Success Seminar

    Class Description

    This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
         		2
    LGL 110

    LGL 110 Introduction to Legal Studies

    Class Description

    This course provides an introduction to the legal system and the paralegal profession. It includes the roles and professional responsibilities of the paralegal and other professionals in the legal system and outlines the fields and specializations within the practice of law. It provides an overview of the functions of the legal system and an introduction to legal research, writing, ethics, and the law library.
         		3
    ENG 121

    ENG 121 English Composition I

    Class Description

    This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
         		3
    PHI 122

    PHI 122 Logic

    Class Description

    This course develops formal reasoning, including categorical and symbolic modes of analysis. It covers Venn diagrams, predicate logic, rules of inference and replacement. It introduces the inductive method and the problem of induction.
         		3
    MTH 142

    MTH 142 General Education Statistics

    Class Description

    This course focuses on statistical reasoning and the solving of problems using real-world data rather than on computational skills. Emphasis is on interpretation and evaluation of statistical results that arise from simulation and technology-based computations using technology more advanced than a basic scientific calculator, such as graphing calculators with a statistical package, spreadsheets, or statistical computing software. Topics will include data collection processes (observational studies, experimental design, sampling techniques, bias), descriptive methods using quantitative and qualitative data, bivariate data, correlation, and least ?squares regression, basic probability theory, probability distributions (normal distributions and normal curve, binomial distribution), confidence intervals and hypothesis tests using p-values. Note: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS Division office for details. Credit will not be given in MTH 142 to those with prior credit in MTH 222. This course does not meet the math requirement in the Associate of Engineering Science, but may be used as elective credits. Prerequisite(s): MTH 105 or MTH 108 or higher level math course (C or better) -or- two years of approved high school algebra (C or better) and Basic Algebra Readiness -or- an appropriate score on the CLC Math Placement Test, Math ACT, or Math SAT.
         		3
    • Course Code CLC 120
      Course Title

      CLC 120 College Success Seminar

      Class Description

      This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code LGL 110
      Course Title

      LGL 110 Introduction to Legal Studies

      Class Description

      This course provides an introduction to the legal system and the paralegal profession. It includes the roles and professional responsibilities of the paralegal and other professionals in the legal system and outlines the fields and specializations within the practice of law. It provides an overview of the functions of the legal system and an introduction to legal research, writing, ethics, and the law library.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ENG 121
      Course Title

      ENG 121 English Composition I

      Class Description

      This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PHI 122
      Course Title

      PHI 122 Logic

      Class Description

      This course develops formal reasoning, including categorical and symbolic modes of analysis. It covers Venn diagrams, predicate logic, rules of inference and replacement. It introduces the inductive method and the problem of induction.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code MTH 142
      Course Title

      MTH 142 General Education Statistics

      Class Description

      This course focuses on statistical reasoning and the solving of problems using real-world data rather than on computational skills. Emphasis is on interpretation and evaluation of statistical results that arise from simulation and technology-based computations using technology more advanced than a basic scientific calculator, such as graphing calculators with a statistical package, spreadsheets, or statistical computing software. Topics will include data collection processes (observational studies, experimental design, sampling techniques, bias), descriptive methods using quantitative and qualitative data, bivariate data, correlation, and least ?squares regression, basic probability theory, probability distributions (normal distributions and normal curve, binomial distribution), confidence intervals and hypothesis tests using p-values. Note: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS Division office for details. Credit will not be given in MTH 142 to those with prior credit in MTH 222. This course does not meet the math requirement in the Associate of Engineering Science, but may be used as elective credits. Prerequisite(s): MTH 105 or MTH 108 or higher level math course (C or better) -or- two years of approved high school algebra (C or better) and Basic Algebra Readiness -or- an appropriate score on the CLC Math Placement Test, Math ACT, or Math SAT.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Students can choose HUM 127 instead of PHI 112. Students also can choose a math elective higher than MTH 142.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    LGL 112

    LGL 112 Legal Research and Writing I

    Class Description

    This course provides an integrated introduction to legal research and writing. Students will learn to use a law library, perform legal research, analyze legal problems, and communicate research findings in the proper written format. Students will learn to locate and use both primary and secondary legal research sources, including federal and state cases, digests, statutes, regulations, treatises, encyclopedias, law reviews, citators, and practice works. Students will be introduced to computer-based legal research tools.
         		3
    LGL 210

    LGL 210 Tort Law

    Class Description

    This course provides an introduction to the broad area of civil wrongs and their appropriate remedies as well as tort law principles in the traditional areas of intentional torts, negligence, absolute liability, product liability, nuisance and commonly employed defenses. Students will acquire the knowledge and skills to define and evaluate tort law for application to specific situations.
         		3
    PSC 121

    PSC 121 American National Politics

    Class Description

    This course is an introductory survey of American politics designed to help students better understand the U.S. political system. The focus of the course is on the system’s key political actors, behaviors, processes and institutions. Empirically based explanations are offered to help students understand why these political factors are important to the system’s operation, and what effect they have on both the electoral and policy making processes and their outcomes.
         		3
    CRJ 121

    CRJ 121 Introduction to Criminal Justice

    Class Description

    This course examines the legal process and the administration of justice in American society. Students will be exposed to the criminal process from the police function through adjudication, sentencing, and corrections, as well as the social, moral, and political issues involved in the administration of justice in a free society.
         		3
    • Course Code LGL 112
      Course Title

      LGL 112 Legal Research and Writing I

      Class Description

      This course provides an integrated introduction to legal research and writing. Students will learn to use a law library, perform legal research, analyze legal problems, and communicate research findings in the proper written format. Students will learn to locate and use both primary and secondary legal research sources, including federal and state cases, digests, statutes, regulations, treatises, encyclopedias, law reviews, citators, and practice works. Students will be introduced to computer-based legal research tools.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code LGL 210
      Course Title

      LGL 210 Tort Law

      Class Description

      This course provides an introduction to the broad area of civil wrongs and their appropriate remedies as well as tort law principles in the traditional areas of intentional torts, negligence, absolute liability, product liability, nuisance and commonly employed defenses. Students will acquire the knowledge and skills to define and evaluate tort law for application to specific situations.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PSC 121
      Course Title

      PSC 121 American National Politics

      Class Description

      This course is an introductory survey of American politics designed to help students better understand the U.S. political system. The focus of the course is on the system’s key political actors, behaviors, processes and institutions. Empirically based explanations are offered to help students understand why these political factors are important to the system’s operation, and what effect they have on both the electoral and policy making processes and their outcomes.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code CRJ 121
      Course Title

      CRJ 121 Introduction to Criminal Justice

      Class Description

      This course examines the legal process and the administration of justice in American society. Students will be exposed to the criminal process from the police function through adjudication, sentencing, and corrections, as well as the social, moral, and political issues involved in the administration of justice in a free society.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Students can choose legal studies electives other than CRJ 121.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    LGL 114

    LGL 114 Litigation

    Class Description

    This course provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively and ethically assist an attorney in litigation practice and procedure. Students will learn the principles of civil litigation in federal and state courts and will be introduced to the rules of procedure and discovery. The course addresses pre-trial practice, pretrial motions, trial preparations, basics of a civil trial, post-trial motions and appeals. The role of the paralegal during trials will also be addressed.
         		3
    LGL 115

    LGL 115 Law Office Technology and E-Discovery

    Class Description

    This course is designed to instruct students in the use of common office software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe, sample computer software applications used within the law office and requires students to produce routine law office documents such as pleadings and correspondence. Students will gain practical experience with legal timekeeping and billing software, case management and docket control software, and litigation support software that includes electronic filing and electronic discovery.
         		4
    LGL 118

    LGL 118 Real Property Law

    Class Description

    This course provides an introduction to Real Estate law and practice. Topics include property rights, types of land ownership, purchases and sales of real property, land use regulations, and issues in the landlord-tenant relationship. The course examines the role of the paralegal in relation to the supervising attorney and prepares the student to draft deeds, contracts, and leases.
         		3
    PSY 121

    PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

    Class Description

    This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
         		3
    • Course Code LGL 114
      Course Title

      LGL 114 Litigation

      Class Description

      This course provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively and ethically assist an attorney in litigation practice and procedure. Students will learn the principles of civil litigation in federal and state courts and will be introduced to the rules of procedure and discovery. The course addresses pre-trial practice, pretrial motions, trial preparations, basics of a civil trial, post-trial motions and appeals. The role of the paralegal during trials will also be addressed.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code LGL 115
      Course Title

      LGL 115 Law Office Technology and E-Discovery

      Class Description

      This course is designed to instruct students in the use of common office software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe, sample computer software applications used within the law office and requires students to produce routine law office documents such as pleadings and correspondence. Students will gain practical experience with legal timekeeping and billing software, case management and docket control software, and litigation support software that includes electronic filing and electronic discovery.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code LGL 118
      Course Title

      LGL 118 Real Property Law

      Class Description

      This course provides an introduction to Real Estate law and practice. Topics include property rights, types of land ownership, purchases and sales of real property, land use regulations, and issues in the landlord-tenant relationship. The course examines the role of the paralegal in relation to the supervising attorney and prepares the student to draft deeds, contracts, and leases.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PSY 121
      Course Title

      PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

      Class Description

      This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Students can choose SOC 121 instead of PSY 121.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CMM 128

    CMM 128 Interviewing Practices

    Class Description

    Techniques and skills to improve fluency, accuracy, and persuasiveness in one-to-one communication. Covers all types of interviewing and process of dyadic communication.
         		3
    LGL 116

    LGL 116 Contract Law

    Class Description

    This course provides students with the knowledge and skills to define and evaluate contract law for application to specific situations. It includes an analysis of the law pertaining to contract formation, resolution of contract disputes and the impact of the Uniform Commercial Code on traditional contract theory. The course examines the types of contracts and discusses offer, acceptance and consideration. Guidelines for drafting a contract will be presented, and students will draft contracts.
         		3
    LGL 211

    LGL 211 Drafting Legal Documents

    Class Description

    This course provides an in-depth, hands on training in practical legal writing with a special focus on document preparation, transactional documents, use of form books and everyday law office writing, including the preparation, research, and drafting of pleadings, forms, and motions. This course will draw from many areas of law.
         		3
    LGL 214

    LGL 214 Administrative Agency Law

    Class Description

    This course presents basic concepts of administrative law and procedure in federal and state agencies, with emphasis on the paralegal role in the administrative process. Students will learn both formal and informal advocacy techniques, including representing clients before administrative bodies. Substantive topics will include administrative delegation of power, rule making, agency discretionary powers, remedies, and judicial review. Procedural topics include agency operation, adjudication, preparation for hearings, and administrative and judicial review.
         		3
    • Course Code CMM 128
      Course Title

      CMM 128 Interviewing Practices

      Class Description

      Techniques and skills to improve fluency, accuracy, and persuasiveness in one-to-one communication. Covers all types of interviewing and process of dyadic communication.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code LGL 116
      Course Title

      LGL 116 Contract Law

      Class Description

      This course provides students with the knowledge and skills to define and evaluate contract law for application to specific situations. It includes an analysis of the law pertaining to contract formation, resolution of contract disputes and the impact of the Uniform Commercial Code on traditional contract theory. The course examines the types of contracts and discusses offer, acceptance and consideration. Guidelines for drafting a contract will be presented, and students will draft contracts.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code LGL 211
      Course Title

      LGL 211 Drafting Legal Documents

      Class Description

      This course provides an in-depth, hands on training in practical legal writing with a special focus on document preparation, transactional documents, use of form books and everyday law office writing, including the preparation, research, and drafting of pleadings, forms, and motions. This course will draw from many areas of law.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code LGL 214
      Course Title

      LGL 214 Administrative Agency Law

      Class Description

      This course presents basic concepts of administrative law and procedure in federal and state agencies, with emphasis on the paralegal role in the administrative process. Students will learn both formal and informal advocacy techniques, including representing clients before administrative bodies. Substantive topics will include administrative delegation of power, rule making, agency discretionary powers, remedies, and judicial review. Procedural topics include agency operation, adjudication, preparation for hearings, and administrative and judicial review.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Students can choose CMM 121 instead of CMM 128. Students also can choose legal studies electives other than LGL 214.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    LGL 251

    LGL 251 Legal Studies Capstone

    Class Description

    This capstone course provides students with the opportunity to integrate the theoretical knowledge and practical skills they have acquired through the program and apply them in a real-world setting. Students will complete activities and projects in preparation for seeking professional employment such as a job market presentation, informational interview of a paralegal, mock interviews, cover letters, resumes and using social media for professional networking. Students will complete a minimum of 24 hours of service learning activities in an instructor-approved setting relating to the practice of law or complete a project consistent with the goals of the course.
         		3
    LGL 270

    LGL 270 Legal Studies Assessment Seminar

    Class Description

    This course is an exit requirement for all students completing the Legal Studies (LGL) Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree and certificate program. Students will be assessed as to the knowledge and entry level skills they have attained in the legal studies program. Basic skills, thinking skills and personal qualities will be evaluated as they relate to a legal professional career by way of portfolio and quizzes. This course will further prepare students to successfully complete national competency exams for special certifications and designations while providing an opportunity for consistent assessment of program goals. A comprehensive final exam is required.
         		3
    LGL 215

    LGL 215 Immigration Law

    Class Description

    This course provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to function as effective and ethical immigration paralegals. Students will learn about the immigration system - who can come to the United States, who can stay, and who must leave - including a brief history of immigration law. This course also trains paralegals to work with clients to seek specific visas, including how to gather and present information and complete documentation required for the various visas. This course introduces and explores all significant aspects of the immigration and naturalization process.
         		3
    LGL 232

    LGL 232 Wills, Trusts, and Estates

    Class Description

    This course provides an overview of estate administration and the role of the probate paralegal. The course examines the entire process of planning for and administering a decedent's estate, from opening the estate and appointment of a fiduciary to filing of final account and distribution of assets. The differences between the use of a will (testate succession) to ensure the orderly transfer of a decedent's property and the failure to have a will (intestate succession) are highlighted. The student will learn how to gather information and prepare documents for testate and intestate estates along with aspects of elder law.
         		3
    • Course Code LGL 251
      Course Title

      LGL 251 Legal Studies Capstone

      Class Description

      This capstone course provides students with the opportunity to integrate the theoretical knowledge and practical skills they have acquired through the program and apply them in a real-world setting. Students will complete activities and projects in preparation for seeking professional employment such as a job market presentation, informational interview of a paralegal, mock interviews, cover letters, resumes and using social media for professional networking. Students will complete a minimum of 24 hours of service learning activities in an instructor-approved setting relating to the practice of law or complete a project consistent with the goals of the course.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code LGL 270
      Course Title

      LGL 270 Legal Studies Assessment Seminar

      Class Description

      This course is an exit requirement for all students completing the Legal Studies (LGL) Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree and certificate program. Students will be assessed as to the knowledge and entry level skills they have attained in the legal studies program. Basic skills, thinking skills and personal qualities will be evaluated as they relate to a legal professional career by way of portfolio and quizzes. This course will further prepare students to successfully complete national competency exams for special certifications and designations while providing an opportunity for consistent assessment of program goals. A comprehensive final exam is required.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code LGL 215
      Course Title

      LGL 215 Immigration Law

      Class Description

      This course provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to function as effective and ethical immigration paralegals. Students will learn about the immigration system - who can come to the United States, who can stay, and who must leave - including a brief history of immigration law. This course also trains paralegals to work with clients to seek specific visas, including how to gather and present information and complete documentation required for the various visas. This course introduces and explores all significant aspects of the immigration and naturalization process.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code LGL 232
      Course Title

      LGL 232 Wills, Trusts, and Estates

      Class Description

      This course provides an overview of estate administration and the role of the probate paralegal. The course examines the entire process of planning for and administering a decedent's estate, from opening the estate and appointment of a fiduciary to filing of final account and distribution of assets. The differences between the use of a will (testate succession) to ensure the orderly transfer of a decedent's property and the failure to have a will (intestate succession) are highlighted. The student will learn how to gather information and prepare documents for testate and intestate estates along with aspects of elder law.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Students can choose legal studies electives other than LGL 215 and LGL 232.

Total Credit Hours

63

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.



Female student taking notes in class

Legal Studies at CLC

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An A.A.S. is just one possible way to study Legal Studies. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

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Frequently asked questions

  • Photo of CLC graduate Elizabeth Cannon

    Elizabeth Cannon

    Graduate

    “At CLC, I didn’t just learn from instructors but from industry professionals. They know what employers are looking for, and they teach with that mindset.”

    Elizabeth was a Legal Studies student at CLC. She then earned a bachelor’s degree from Columbia College of Missouri and a law degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago-Kent College of Law.

    Read Elizabeth's story

    Photo of CLC graduate Elizabeth Cannon

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