The Paralegal Studies: Career Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to prepare students for a dynamic and rewarding career in the legal field. This comprehensive program combines foundational legal knowledge with practical skills essential for supporting attorneys and legal organizations. Students will gain a thorough understanding of legal research, writing, and analysis, as well as learn about various areas of law, including criminal, civil, family, and administrative law. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, ethical considerations, and effective communication, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to handle complex legal tasks and client interactions.
Throughout the program, students will engage in hands-on training through simulated court proceedings, case management exercises, and real-world internship opportunities. The coursework covers essential topics such as legal terminology, document preparation, litigation procedures, and the use of legal technology. Additionally, students will develop proficiency in legal research tools, including Westlaw and LexisNexis, to efficiently locate and interpret legal information. The program aims to foster strong organizational skills and attention to detail, which are crucial traits for success in the paralegal profession.
Harrisburg Area Community College's program also emphasizes the importance of professional ethics and confidentiality, preparing students to navigate the responsibilities and expectations of a legal support role. Graduates will be prepared for employment in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. The Career Associate degree provides a solid foundation for starting a career as a paralegal or legal assistant, with many students choosing to advance their education further in related legal fields.
The college’s experienced faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and strong links to local legal employers ensure that students receive a high-quality education tailored to the needs of today's legal industry. With a focus on both academic excellence and practical readiness, the Paralegal Studies: Career Associate program enables students to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to thrive in a competitive job market. Whether students are looking to start their career immediately or pursue further specialization, this program offers a pathway to a fulfilling and impactful role in the legal sector.
General Education
ENGL 101 English Composition I 3
ENGL 102 English Composition II 3
COMM 101 Effective Speaking 3
Core A Elective 3
Core B Elective 3
*Core C Elective 3
Free Elective 3
Physical Education & Wellness 1
Major Requirements
PLGL 101 Introduction to Paralegal Studies 3
PLGL 102 Legal Research and Writing I 3
PLGL 104 Legal Research and Writing II 3
PLGL 201 Civil Litigation I 3
PLGL 202 Civil Litigation II 3
PLGL 210 Paralegal Ethics and Professionalism 3
Other Required Courses
BUSI 201 Business Law I 3
CIS 105 Intro to Software for Business 3
**Program Specific Electives 15
This curriculum is designed to prepare students to:
Conduct research and prepare legal memoranda and briefs
Conduct computer-assisted legal research
Prepare and draft litigation documents (complaints, answers, motions, discovery documents)
Perform administrative tasks in a legal office
Prepare and draft legal documents related to estates (wills, trusts), bankruptcy (petitions, schedules), domestic relations (support/property settlement agreements), real estate law (deeds, settlement sheets)
Write and speak effectively
Appreciate accomplishments in the arts and sciences
Want to improve your English level for admission?
Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.
- ✔️ Flexible study schedule
- ✔️ Experienced teachers
- ✔️ Certificate upon completion
📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.
Apply for a Full-Ride Scholarship
Are you a future student and ready to apply to HACC?
By applying to HACC, you have the opportunity to apply for a full-ride scholarship! HACC will fund two years of your education – enough to complete your associate degree.
Thanks to the support of the HACC Foundation, the College is able to offer FREE money to support future students, like you, in reaching your educational goals. Six full-ride scholarships are available – one from each of the five campuses and one through HACC’s Virtual Learning Program.
Please note that current students are not eligible for the full-ride scholarships. However, there are more than 250 scholarships available for current students.
What should you know about the full-ride scholarship?
The scholarship covers tuition, books and fees for a full academic year.
The scholarship will automatically renew each term for up to six consecutive terms if you maintain your eligibility.
Once you apply to the College and receive a HACC ID and email address, you may apply for the full-ride scholarship. You do not have to register for classes before applying for the scholarship.
Are you eligible?
To be eligible, you must:
Apply to HACC
Take 12-15 credits each term for no more than six consecutive terms (two years)
Live in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill or York county
Have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0
Provide a 480 SAT reading score, 21 ACT or comparable scores on the College’s placement test
Maintain a GPA of 3.0 while enrolled at HACC
Participate in at least two HACC student organizations
The Paralegal Studies: Career Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to prepare students for a professional career supporting attorneys and legal teams in various settings, including law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. This program provides a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills essential for success in the legal field. Students will learn about legal research, document preparation, case management, and ethical considerations relevant to the paralegal profession. The coursework typically includes classes in civil and criminal law, legal writing, contract law, legal research methods, and procedures related to litigation and administrative law.
The program emphasizes hands-on training, often incorporating internships or cooperative education opportunities that allow students to gain real-world experience. This practical aspect ensures graduates are well-prepared to handle the administrative and substantive tasks faced by legal professionals. The curriculum is designed to develop critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills, which are vital attributes for successful paralegals. The program may also cover the use of legal technology and software, including document management systems and legal research databases like Westlaw and LexisNexis.
Graduates of the Paralegal Studies: Career Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College are equipped to seek entry-level positions such as legal assistant, document review specialist, and judicial clerk. Many students also find employment in corporate compliance departments, government legal offices, or with private law firms. The program aligns with the requirements of the American Bar Association (ABA) for paralegal education, ensuring that the training meets industry standards and enhances employability.
Harrisburg Area Community College provides a supportive learning environment with dedicated faculty members who have extensive experience in the legal field. The college also offers resources such as career counseling, resume workshops, and job placement assistance to help graduates transition smoothly into the workforce. The program duration typically spans two years for full-time students, though part-time options may be available to accommodate working professionals. By completing this associate degree program, students gain the foundational legal knowledge and practical skills needed to thrive as paralegals, opening doors to rewarding careers within the legal domain.
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