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Associate Degree

Paralegal/Legal Studies
Associate Degree Program Options

Calendar

CLASSES START
May 6th

20 Mo.

Program Length

62-65

Credits

Online

or On-Campus

$464

Cost Per Credit

Associate Degree

Paralegal/Legal Studies
Associate Degree Program Options

Begin your new career as a paralegal / legal assistant

AccreditationAccredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Transfer creditUp to 48 approved credits1
FormatChoose online classes or on-campus program in Atlanta, GA
CertificationPrep for the Certified Paralegal Examination (NALA)
PathwaysIf you choose, continue your study in advanced legal topics/pre-law (BS in Legal Studies program)
QuickPathsTransfer credit, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology build a faster pathway to a higher education with Herzing University
Paralegal Working on Laptop at Home

Over 90%

Satisfaction rate

Our overall student satisfaction rate, according to the 2022 Herzing Graduate Survey.

Over 90%

Satisfaction rate

Our overall student satisfaction rate, according to the 2022 Herzing Graduate Survey.

Legal Assisting/Paralegal

Overview: Legal Assisting/Paralegal Associate Degree Options

The paralegal and legal studies degree options are associate-level undergraduate programs which prepare you to start your legal career as a paralegal.

The degree programs, available online or at our Atlanta campus,2 provide students with fundamental knowledge and skills in legal assisting, legal research, contract law, legal writing, and much more.

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Career-focused curriculum

Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.

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Flexible schedule

We work hard to help you maintain school-life balance, striving to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.

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Experienced faculty

Get face-to-face instruction from experienced and credentialed faculty with real-world success in the field.

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Lifelong support

We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.

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Rolling admissions

No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.

Classes Start May 6th

Learn More Today

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Locations
Online Paralegal Degree Program
  • Program length: 20 months
  • Classes:View the curriculum
  • Degree: Associate or Associate of Applied Science in Legal Studies
Atlanta Georgia Paralegal Degree Program
  • Program length: 20 months
  • Classes:View the curriculum
  • Degree: Associate of Science in Legal Assisting/Paralegal
Careers

Opportunities for paralegal work exist in all areas of law, including family law, bankruptcy, employee benefits, personal injury, litigation, copyrighting, criminal law, labor law, immigration, and real estate. While seven out of ten paralegals work for law firms, many others are employed by the government or corporate legal departments. 

All paralegals assist lawyers with the creation of legal documents and conduct research on laws, court cases and contracts, but some duties will vary depending on the employer. Those entering this field with little or no prior experience will typically perform routine tasks, taking on the additional responsibility of more varied tasks after gaining the appropriate experience. 

  • Private sector paralegals - Legal assistants working for law firms or corporations often assists on such topics as employee benefits plans, shareholder agreements, financial reporting, and government labor regulations.
  • Public sector paralegals - Duties for legal assistants working for government agencies depend on the specific focus of that agency. Those employed at the community level may assist with projects that help people who otherwise could not afford legal services. If working in litigation, the paralegal may assist with file maintenance, policy research, the preparation of explanatory documents about regulations and policy relating to that agency, and compiling data for agency hearings. 
  • Freelance paralegals - In some states, paralegals are able to freelance for lawyers, law firms or legal departments. They may work in a specialty area of the law or provide general assistance on exceptionally large or short-deadline projects. 

Discover the average paralegal salary by state and find out what you may be able to earn as an experienced legal assistant.

Where do they work?

Legal assistants are typically employed in an office setting and spend their time on the computer or in a legal library. Legal assistants may work part or full-time depending on the employer’s needs. Full-time employees typically receive a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare and retirement savings plan(s). A 40-hour work week is standard for most full-time paralegals however those employed by law firms may be required to work additional hours to meet court deadlines. Legal assistants may need to take precautions against eyestrain and carpal tunnel, symptoms which occur more often for workers spending many hours at a computer. 

What are potential job titles?

This program specifically prepares students to become Paralegals and Legal Assistants. 

How do I advance in this career?

Professionals in the paralegal field advance by taking on greater responsibility; this includes a greater diversification of duties, tasks that prove critical to case work or deadlines, and supervising other department personnel. Upon completing an associate degree in paralegal/legal assisting, experience is the largest factor in advancement; however, obtaining a bachelor degree will help most paralegals advance at a faster pace and earn a higher income. Certifications are also available for paralegals who wish to maximize promotional and employment opportunities.

Classes Start May 6th

Waived Enrollment Fee
Locations

Program Finder

Legal Assisting/Paralegal Degree Programs

Showing 1 program for the Online campus

On Campus| Online

The program prepares students with the skills and academic knowledge necessary for a career as a legal assistant/paralegal working under the supervision of a licensed attorney. The American Bar Association defines a paralegal as "a person qualified by education, training, or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, government agency, or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible." These career opportunities may be in small or large firms working as a legal assistant/paralegal. The duties of a legal assistant/paralegal include assisting the lawyer with research, brief preparation, and other legal office administration. Duties do not include practicing law, advising clients, or setting fees since paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.

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By selecting this button you agree to receive updates and alerts from Herzing University. Text HELP to 85109 for help, Text STOP to 85109 to end. Msg & Data Rates May Apply. By opting in, I authorize Herzing University to deliver SMS messages and I understand that I am not required to opt in as a condition of enrollment. By leaving this box unchecked you will not be opted in for SMS messages. Click to read Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Accreditation

Accreditation & Disclosures

1. Atlanta Only -  Associate of Science in Legal Assisting/Paralegal – A minimum of 15 semester credit hours in legal specialty credits (PL) must be taken in residence. Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies – A minimum of 27 semester credit hours in legal specialty credits (PL) must be taken in residence.

2. The Associate of Science in Legal Assisting/Paralegal and the Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies programs at Herzing University - Atlanta is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA, 321 North Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60654-7598, 800-285-2221, www.americanbar.org).

Only the Herzing University paralegal/legal studies programs at Atlanta are approved by the American Bar Association.

3. The Herzing University Legal Studies programs offered online are not approved by the ABA.

Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

I’m planning to work in legal investigations and am so excited to get started!

Leon Lewis

Leon Lewis

Legal Studies Program

Birmingham Campus

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Opt-In to Receive SMS Messages

By selecting this button you agree to receive updates and alerts from Herzing University. Text HELP to 85109 for help, Text STOP to 85109 to end. Msg & Data Rates May Apply. By opting in, I authorize Herzing University to deliver SMS messages and I understand that I am not required to opt in as a condition of enrollment. By leaving this box unchecked you will not be opted in for SMS messages. Click to read Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.