Meet paralegal student, Najmia Khatibi. She talks about why she chose the paralegal program at Highline College and shares her plans for the future.
Legal Studies
Have a passion for justice and a desire to help others? Consider a job in the legal profession by earning a paralegal degree or certificate in Highline’s Legal Studies department. Learn how the legal system works, how to find relevant laws, interpret and apply them. Learn legal writing skills to communicate with attorneys and courts. Learn legal-specific software and gain the soft skills attorneys are looking for in their paralegals. Earn an Associate in Applied Science degree (well-rounded degree with liberal arts classes) or a Paralegal Plus certificate if you have a bachelor’s degree already.
Career
The Paralegal AAS and Paralegal Plus certificate are designed to get you a job as paralegal, or as they are sometimes called, a legal assistant. A paralegal could work for the courts, private law firms, corporate legal departments, or in the nonprofit sector. Many students go on to seek a bachelor’s degree or even law school. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law, as required by the Guidelines (G-501.A.3)
Bachelors Degree
PDF Program Map
- University of Washington – Tacoma/Seattle
- Central Washington University
- Washington Governors University
Department/Program URL:
https://humanservices.highline.edu/degrees/bas-youth-development/
GPA Requirement:
2.0
Number of Credits:
180
Degree or Certificate Learning Outcomes:
n/a
Top Transfer-To institutions
Important Dates or Milestones Specific to Degree/Certificate
Not all internships have the same requirements but human services/behavioral health agencies will require you to complete a criminal history background check prior to offering you an internship or employment. For students without prior direct service experience, it is recommended they do their internship after completing two-thirds of their degree.
Key Advisors
Associates Degrees
Paralegal AAS degree is designed to ready a student to work as part of a legal team and assist with research, interviewing, administration, and preparation.
PDF Program Map
Department/Program URL:
GPA Requirement:
Students must achieve a minimum 2.0 GPA ENGL 101, POLS 200, and each LEGAL course to attain a Paralegal AAS degree.
Number of Credits:
100
Degree or Certificate Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate proficiency in legal research and application of procedural and substantive authorities, including areas of law in which the student may not be familiar.
- Demonstrate writing skills that are consistent with generally accepted standards within the legal profession, including the ability to communicate legal analysis and application through organized and well-written correspondence, memoranda and pleadings.
- Analyze and articulate the different sides to any argument using critical-thinking skills.
- Demonstrate the ability to develop discovery plans, prepare cases for trial and capably assist in all courtroom proceedings.
- Use technology commonly found in the legal environment, including the electronic courtroom. This technology includes Microsoft Office products, electronic databases and other appropriate legal software.
- Communicate effectively with colleagues and clients utilizing good listening skills and through appropriate interactions in small group work.
- Demonstrate professionalism through leadership, cultural awareness, appropriate attire and conduct, and attention to detail.
- Demonstrate the ability to work independently, comply with preset deadlines and utilize well defined problem-solving skills as required by an assignment and/or situation.
- Demonstrate a thorough understanding and application of ethical issues in and out of the legal employment setting.
- Explain the need for civic responsibility in diverse and multifaceted environments and the role that legal professionals play in providing access to justice to those who currently or historically have been denied access.
Top Transfer-To institutions
- CWU
- WGU
- Evergreen
Important Dates or Milestones Specific to Degree/Certificate
Meet with Legal Studies advisor at outset of the program; Financial aid deadline; graduation review deadline