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Paralegal Studies

  • Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
  • 60 credits
  • 2 Years
  • Delivery Method: Online

Why Study Paralegal Studies at LSC?

The Paralegal Studies program is a course of study for those interested in becoming non-lawyer legal professionals. A paralegal (sometimes called a legal assistant) is, in the words of the American Bar Association, a person "who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible." Paralegal employers prefer applicants who have completed a formal paralegal training program. Students learn to use the technology and software commonly found in a modern law office and receive practical instruction in legal terminology, state and federal court systems, legal document preparation, substantive and procedural law, legal research, and client interaction.

The Paralegal Studies Associate in Applied Science degree is recommended for those students intending to go directly into the workforce on graduation.

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Career Information

Below you will find the Career Field and Career Cluster that this program is related to. Learn more about if this career area fits your interests!

Human Services Human Services

Is Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security right for you?

Law, public safety, corrections, and security workers are found in a variety of settings. For example, you might guard the public and enforce the law as a police officer or security guard. Or, you might provide fire protection as a firefighter.

$67K

$32/hr

Median annual salary/wage for
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
in Minnesota

Details

4%

Projected job growth
in the next decade

Details

376K

Paralegals and Legal Assistants are currently employed

Details

This data is delivered by an API from CareerOneStop, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. www.careeronestop.org Find more information including data update schedules at CareerOneStop's Data Sources (https://www.careeronestop.org/Help/data-sources.aspx). Full list of datasources.

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Median Annual Salary/Wage Earnings for Paralegals and Legal Assistants

the United States

$61K
$29/hr

$40K - $99K

$19/hr - $47/hr

Minnesota

$67K
$32/hr

$45K - $98K

$21/hr - $47/hr

Duluth, MN Area

$59K
$28/hr

$38K - $79K

$18/hr - $38/hr

The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas; national occupational estimates for specific industries are also available.

Salary data are from U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program (www.bls.gov/oes/). Current as of May 2024.

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Projected 10-Year Job Growth for Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Outlook: Below Average

the United States

0%

Projected Annual Job Openings: 39,300

2024 to 2034

Minnesota

4%

Projected Annual Job Openings: 620

2022 to 2032

My Next Move provides career outlook designations that include Bright, Average, or Below Average. Bright Outlook occupations are expected to grow rapidly in the next several years, will have large numbers of job openings, or are new and emerging occupations.

Occupation outlook data come from O*NET Bright Outlook occupations (www.onetonline.org/find/bright) and My Next Move career outlook designations (www.onetcenter.org/bright/current/mnm_outlook.html). Note this information is only available at a national level, so even if you selected a state, you’ll see this information for the whole country. Current as of November 2024.

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Employment Numbers for Paralegals and Legal Assistants

the United States

Estimated Employment:

376,200

Minnesota

Estimated Employment:

5,860

My Next Move provides career outlook designations that include Bright, Average, or Below Average. Bright Outlook occupations are expected to grow rapidly in the next several years, will have large numbers of job openings, or are new and emerging occupations.

Occupation outlook data come from O*NET Bright Outlook occupations (www.onetonline.org/find/bright) and My Next Move career outlook designations (www.onetcenter.org/bright/current/mnm_outlook.html). Note this information is only available at a national level, so even if you selected a state, you’ll see this information for the whole country. Current as of November 2024.

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Alternative Job Titles for Paralegals and Legal Assistants

  • Immigration Paralegal
  • Law Associate
  • Legal Analyst
  • Legal Assistant
  • Legal Clerk
  • Legal Processing Assistant
  • Litigation Paralegal
  • Paralegal
  • Paralegal Specialist
  • Real Estate Paralegal

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database (www.onetcenter.org/database.html) by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Job Tasks and Activities for Paralegals and Legal Assistants

  • Appraise and inventory real and personal property for estate planning.
  • Appraise property values.
  • Arbitrate disputes between parties and assist in the real estate closing process, such as by reviewing title searches.
  • Arbitrate disputes between parties to resolve legal conflicts.
  • Call upon witnesses to testify at hearings.
  • Confer with court staff to clarify information.
  • Coordinate legal schedules or activities.
  • Direct and coordinate law office activity, including delivery of subpoenas.
  • Evaluate condition of properties.
  • Evaluate information related to legal matters in public or personal records.
  • File pleadings with court clerks.
  • Gather and analyze research data, such as statutes, decisions, and legal articles, codes, and documents.
  • Identify implications for cases from legal precedents or other legal information.
  • Inventory materials or equipment.
  • Investigate facts and law of cases and search pertinent sources, such as public records and internet sources, to determine causes of action and to prepare cases.
  • Keep and monitor legal volumes to ensure that the law library is up-to-date.
  • Maintain the order of legal documents.
  • Meet with clients and other professionals to discuss details of cases.
  • Meet with individuals involved in legal processes to provide information and clarify issues.
  • Perform administrative or clerical tasks.
  • Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system.
  • Prepare for trial by performing tasks such as organizing exhibits.
  • Prepare information or documentation related to legal or regulatory matters.
  • Prepare legal documents.
  • Prepare, edit, or review legal documents, including legislation, briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements.
  • Represent the interests of clients in legal proceedings.
  • Research relevant legal materials to aid decision making.
  • Serve court ordered documents.

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database (www.onetcenter.org/database.html) by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Interests for Paralegals and Legal Assistants

  • Conventional
    Following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting.
  • Investigative
    Studying and researching scientific subjects and human behavior.
  • Enterprising
    Managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations.

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database (www.onetcenter.org/database.html) by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Skills for Paralegals and Legal Assistants

In order of importance

  • Writing
    Writing things for co-workers or customers.
    Importance: 75/100
  • Active Listening
    Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
    Importance: 72/100
  • Reading Comprehension
    Reading work-related information.
    Importance: 72/100
  • Speaking
    Talking to others.
    Importance: 66/100
  • Critical Thinking
    Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
    Importance: 56/100
  • Time Management
    Managing your time and the time of other people.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Judgment and Decision Making
    Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Complex Problem Solving
    Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Service Orientation
    Looking for ways to help people.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Active Learning
    Figuring out how to use new ideas or things.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Social Perceptiveness
    Understanding people's reactions.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Monitoring
    Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Coordination
    Changing what is done based on other people's actions.
    Importance: 47/100
  • Negotiation
    Bringing people together to solve differences.
    Importance: 44/100
  • Persuasion
    Talking people into changing their minds or their behavior.
    Importance: 44/100
  • Learning Strategies
    Using the best training or teaching strategies for learning new things.
    Importance: 31/100
  • Instructing
    Teaching people how to do something.
    Importance: 31/100
  • Systems Analysis
    Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it.
    Importance: 28/100
  • Systems Evaluation
    Measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it.
    Importance: 25/100
  • Mathematics
    Using math to solve problems.
    Importance: 25/100
  • Management of Personnel Resources
    Selecting and managing the best workers for a job.
    Importance: 25/100
  • Programming
    Writing computer programs.
    Importance: 19/100
  • Operations Monitoring
    Watching gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working.
    Importance: 19/100
  • Technology Design
    Making equipment and technology useful for customers.
    Importance: 16/100
  • Operations Analysis
    Figuring out what a product or service needs to be able to do.
    Importance: 13/100
  • Science
    Using scientific rules and strategies to solve problems.
    Importance: 10/100

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database (www.onetcenter.org/database.html) by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Knowledge for Paralegals and Legal Assistants

In order of importance

  • Law and Government
    Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
    Importance: 95/100
  • English Language
    Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
    Importance: 86/100
  • Administrative
    Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
    Importance: 79/100
  • Computers and Electronics
    Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
    Importance: 73/100
  • Customer and Personal Service
    Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
    Importance: 66/100
  • Administration and Management
    Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
    Importance: 58/100
  • Mathematics
    Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
    Importance: 40/100
  • Personnel and Human Resources
    Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
    Importance: 39/100
  • Education and Training
    Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
    Importance: 39/100
  • Economics and Accounting
    Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
    Importance: 39/100
  • Public Safety and Security
    Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
    Importance: 32/100
  • Telecommunications
    Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
    Importance: 32/100
  • Communications and Media
    Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
    Importance: 29/100
  • Medicine and Dentistry
    Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
    Importance: 29/100
  • Psychology
    Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
    Importance: 26/100
  • Sales and Marketing
    Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
    Importance: 25/100
  • Biology
    Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
    Importance: 21/100
  • Transportation
    Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
    Importance: 18/100
  • Geography
    Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
    Importance: 18/100
  • Production and Processing
    Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
    Importance: 17/100
  • Sociology and Anthropology
    Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
    Importance: 17/100
  • Engineering and Technology
    Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
    Importance: 15/100
  • History and Archeology
    Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
    Importance: 14/100
  • Therapy and Counseling
    Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
    Importance: 13/100
  • Foreign Language
    Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
    Importance: 11/100
  • Philosophy and Theology
    Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
    Importance: 7/100
  • Chemistry
    Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
    Importance: 5/100
  • Physics
    Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
    Importance: 5/100
  • Design
    Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
    Importance: 5/100
  • Mechanical
    Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
    Importance: 4/100
  • Building and Construction
    Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
    Importance: 3/100
  • Fine Arts
    Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
    Importance: 3/100
  • Food Production
    Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
    Importance: 3/100

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database (www.onetcenter.org/database.html) by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Physical Abilities for Paralegals and Legal Assistants

In order of importance

  • Written Comprehension
    Reading and understanding what is written.
    Importance: 75/100
  • Oral Comprehension
    Listening and understanding what people say.
    Importance: 72/100
  • Oral Expression
    Communicating by speaking.
    Importance: 72/100
  • Written Expression
    Communicating by writing.
    Importance: 72/100
  • Speech Recognition
    Recognizing spoken words.
    Importance: 69/100
  • Speech Clarity
    Speaking clearly.
    Importance: 69/100
  • Near Vision
    Seeing details up close.
    Importance: 69/100
  • Problem Sensitivity
    Noticing when problems happen.
    Importance: 63/100
  • Deductive Reasoning
    Using rules to solve problems.
    Importance: 56/100
  • Inductive Reasoning
    Making general rules or coming up with answers from lots of detailed information.
    Importance: 56/100
  • Information Ordering
    Ordering or arranging things.
    Importance: 53/100
  • Category Flexibility
    Grouping things in different ways.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Perceptual Speed
    Quickly comparing groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
    Importance: 47/100
  • Flexibility of Closure
    Seeing hidden patterns.
    Importance: 47/100
  • Selective Attention
    Paying attention to something without being distracted.
    Importance: 47/100
  • Far Vision
    Seeing details that are far away.
    Importance: 44/100
  • Fluency of Ideas
    Coming up with lots of ideas.
    Importance: 44/100
  • Memorization
    Remembering words, numbers, pictures, or steps.
    Importance: 41/100
  • Originality
    Creating new and original ideas.
    Importance: 41/100
  • Time Sharing
    Doing two or more things at the same time.
    Importance: 28/100
  • Auditory Attention
    Paying attention to one sound while there are other distracting sounds.
    Importance: 25/100
  • Mathematical Reasoning
    Choosing the right type of math to solve a problem.
    Importance: 25/100
  • Number Facility
    Adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing.
    Importance: 25/100
  • Speed of Closure
    Quickly knowing what you are looking at.
    Importance: 25/100
  • Finger Dexterity
    Putting together small parts with your fingers.
    Importance: 25/100
  • Visual Color Discrimination
    Noticing the difference between colors, including shades and brightness.
    Importance: 25/100
  • Visualization
    Imagining how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
    Importance: 25/100
  • Manual Dexterity
    Holding or moving items with your hands.
    Importance: 22/100
  • Trunk Strength
    Using your lower back and stomach.
    Importance: 22/100
  • Wrist-Finger Speed
    Making fast, simple, repeated movements of your fingers, hands, and wrists.
    Importance: 22/100
  • Hearing Sensitivity
    Telling the difference between sounds.
    Importance: 22/100
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness
    Keeping your arm or hand steady.
    Importance: 13/100
  • Control Precision
    Quickly changing the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
    Importance: 10/100
  • Dynamic Strength
    Exercising for a long time without your muscles getting tired.
    Importance: 3/100

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database (www.onetcenter.org/database.html) by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Tools and Technology used by Paralegals and Legal Assistants

  • Scanners
  • Optical character recognition systems
  • Laser fax machine
  • Photocopiers
  • Notebook computers
  • Desktop computers
  • Personal computers
  • Document management software
    • AbacusNext HotDocs
    • Adobe Acrobat
    • Appligent Citation FDFMerge
    • CaseSoft DepPrep
    • CaseSoft TextMap
    • Document management system software
    • Electronic transcription management software
    • Inmagic DB/TextWorks
    • IntelliPDF CURVES
    • Iron Mountain Accutrac records management software
    • LexisNexis File and Serve
    • LexisNexis Total Search
    • Microsoft SharePoint
    • Microsoft SharePoint Server
    • NetDocuments
    • Nuance Power PDF
    • OmniRIM Records Management Suite
    • PDF Snake Easy Bates
    • Records management software
    • Summation Blaze
    • iManage document management software
  • Word processing software
    • Google Docs
    • Legal document software
    • LexisNexis CheckCite
    • Microsoft Word
    • The Sackett Group MacPac for Legal
    • Word processing software
  • Information retrieval or search software
    • American LegalNet USCourtForms
    • Fastcase legal software
    • FindForms
    • FindLaw Code of Federal Regulations CFR
    • LawManager
    • LexisNexis
    • LexisNexis Company Analyzer
    • LexisNexis SmartLinx
    • Online database search and retrieval software
    • Online public records search software
    • Online title search and property report software
    • Ovid SilverPlatter WebSPIRS
    • THOMAS Global Register
    • Thomson CompuMark SAEGIS
    • Thomson Reuters Westlaw
    • Thomson Reuters Westlaw Edge
    • Thomson West FindLaw
    • dtSearch
  • Data base user interface and query software
    • Bridgeway eCounsel
    • Corporate Focus Solium Shareworks
    • Database software
    • Fund Software ATIDS
    • LexisNexis CaseMap
    • LexisNexis CodeMaster
    • LexisNexis Time Matters
    • Microsoft Access
    • Orion Law Management Systems Orion
    • Practice management software PMS
    • Relational database software
    • Relativity e-Discovery
    • Saga Practice Manager
    • TrialWorks
  • Analytical or scientific software
    • Case analysis software
    • Electronic discovery software
    • LexisNexis Applied Discovery
    • LexisNexis Concordance
    • LexisNexis CourtLink Strategic Profiles
    • Litigation support software
    • Uniscribe
    • Wilson's Computer Applications RealEasy Appraisals
    • a la mode WinTOTAL
  • Desktop publishing software
    • Blumbeg Drafting Libraries
    • Dataflight Opticon
    • Digital contract software
    • Microsoft Publisher
    • ProForce Paralegal Pro-Pack
    • Sure Will Writer
  • Office suite software
    • Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
    • Google Workspace software
    • Microsoft Office software
  • Electronic mail software
    • IBM Notes
    • Microsoft Outlook
  • Accounting software
    • Intuit QuickBooks
    • Tax software
  • Customer relationship management CRM software
    • Software Technology PracticeMaster
    • Thomson West ProLaw
  • Cloud-based data access and sharing software
    • Dropbox
    • Google Drive
  • Spreadsheet software
    • Microsoft Excel
    • Spreadsheet software
  • Pattern design software
    • CaseSoft TimeMap
  • Categorization or classification software
    • Bowne JFS Litigator's Notebook
  • Optical character reader OCR or scanning software
    • Optical character recognition OCR software
  • Video conferencing software
    • Zoom
  • Video creation and editing software
    • Thomson Reuters LiveNote Stream
  • File versioning software
    • Zylab ZyImage
  • Transaction server software
    • Tumbleweed SecureTransport
  • Business intelligence and data analysis software
    • MicroStrategy
  • Internet browser software
    • Web browser software
  • Presentation software
    • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Project management software
    • Microsoft Project
  • Library software
    • Computer access catalog software

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database (www.onetcenter.org/database.html) by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Employment Industries for Paralegals and Legal Assistants

  • Legal services
    280,200 employed
  • Federal government, excluding postal service
    18,800 employed
  • Local government, excluding education and hospitals
    18,900 employed
  • State government, excluding education and hospitals
    12,400 employed

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database (www.onetcenter.org/database.html) by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Career Information Datasources for Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Plan Your Education

The Paralegal Studies Program Guide is a tool to help you map out how to successfully get your degree at Lake Superior College.

View approximate total tuition and fees for MN residents to complete this degree.

This program may be completed in 2 years if prerequisites are complete.

Paying for College

Lake Superior College$5,931LSC IceHawks Logo 
Minnesota State Colleges$6,444 
Minnesota State Universities$10,643 
University of Minnesota$14,928 
Minnesota Private Colleges and Universities$44,928
*Based on average 2025-26 tuition and fees. For the exact costs, contact the institution that interests you. Does not include room and board.

Program Participation Requirements

Pre-program Requirements

Successful entry into this program requires a specific level of skill in the areas of English and reading. Program entry will depend, in part, on meeting the prerequisites listed below:

English/Reading:

  • Eligible for ENGL 1106 - College Composition I, or
  • Completion of ENGL/READ 0950/0955 (or equivalent or higher). ENGL/READ 0950/0955 may not be taken concurrently with Semester I coursework.

There are other ways to qualify. Visit Course Placement to find out more.

Course Title Credits
Semester 1
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LGST 1400 Legal Studies I: Terminology and Procedures

This course introduces the student to the specific terminology and procedures used by paralegal professionals and to the proper documentation of legal information. It also covers legal ethics, legal analysis, legal evidence, and investigation. (Prerequi

LGST 1400*
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LGST 1400 Legal Studies I: Terminology and Procedures

This course introduces the student to the specific terminology and procedures used by paralegal professionals and to the proper documentation of legal information. It also covers legal ethics, legal analysis, legal evidence, and investigation. (Prerequi

Legal Studies I: Terminology and Procedures		 3
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LGST 1420 Business Law - An Introduction

This course is an introductory course in the principles of business law as they apply to individuals and businesses. This course focuses on the ethical, social, and political perspectives underlying the United States legal system. Topics include the ope

LGST 1420*
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LGST 1420 Business Law - An Introduction

This course is an introductory course in the principles of business law as they apply to individuals and businesses. This course focuses on the ethical, social, and political perspectives underlying the United States legal system. Topics include the ope

Business Law - An Introduction		 3
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ADSC 1420 Business Communications

This course covers the development and application of business writing skills in creating business documents such as letters, memos, and informal reports, and electronic communications. (Prerequisites: keyboarding/word processing ability or concurrent en

ADSC 1420*
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ADSC 1420 Business Communications

This course covers the development and application of business writing skills in creating business documents such as letters, memos, and informal reports, and electronic communications. (Prerequisites: keyboarding/word processing ability or concurrent en

Business Communications		 3
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LGST 1515 Law Office Applications

This course covers legal procedures, documents, and terminology relating to estate planning and estate administration proceedings, real estate law, and corporate law in Minnesota. Documents are prepared using word processing and/or transcription. (Prerequ

LGST 1515
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LGST 1515 Law Office Applications

This course covers legal procedures, documents, and terminology relating to estate planning and estate administration proceedings, real estate law, and corporate law in Minnesota. Documents are prepared using word processing and/or transcription. (Prerequ

Law Office Applications		 3
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ENGL 1106 College Composition I

First semester college-level composition course focusing on writing expository prose using word processing as a tool for composing. Emphasis is on writing as a process, critical reading, developing a voice, and grammar review. Presupposes competency in

ENGL 1106*
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ENGL 1106 College Composition I

First semester college-level composition course focusing on writing expository prose using word processing as a tool for composing. Emphasis is on writing as a process, critical reading, developing a voice, and grammar review. Presupposes competency in

College Composition I		 3
Semester 2
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LGST 1410 Legal Studies II: Introduction to Research

This course covers methods of research and document preparation used by the legal profession, including citation forms, appellate procedure within the specific areas of the law. The administration of a law office and formal advocacy are included, as well

LGST 1410*
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LGST 1410 Legal Studies II: Introduction to Research

This course covers methods of research and document preparation used by the legal profession, including citation forms, appellate procedure within the specific areas of the law. The administration of a law office and formal advocacy are included, as well

Legal Studies II: Introduction to Research		 3
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LGST 1425 Business Law: Commercial Topics

This course is a continuation of the study of the principles of business law as they apply to individuals and businesses. Special attention is given to the law governing the performance and enforcement of commercial contracts. Topics include agency and

LGST 1425*
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LGST 1425 Business Law: Commercial Topics

This course is a continuation of the study of the principles of business law as they apply to individuals and businesses. Special attention is given to the law governing the performance and enforcement of commercial contracts. Topics include agency and

Business Law: Commercial Topics		 2
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LGST 1517 Law Office Technology

In this course, students will work with software and electronic applications used by support staff in law offices, legal departments, and legal service organizations. A variety of programs will be covered that make legal support staff more efficient, prod

LGST 1517*
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LGST 1517 Law Office Technology

In this course, students will work with software and electronic applications used by support staff in law offices, legal departments, and legal service organizations. A variety of programs will be covered that make legal support staff more efficient, prod

Law Office Technology		 3
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ENGL 1109 College Composition II

Second semester college-level composition course focusing on academic writing using primary and secondary sources, including basic research using print and electronic sources. Emphasis is on writing as a process, critical analysis, summarizing, research,

ENGL 1109*
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ENGL 1109 College Composition II

Second semester college-level composition course focusing on academic writing using primary and secondary sources, including basic research using print and electronic sources. Emphasis is on writing as a process, critical analysis, summarizing, research,

College Composition II		 3
Semester 3
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LGST 1429 Legal Writing

This course will develop the writing skills of the paralegal student. Students will become familiar with the writing techniques used to create legal documents through the use of sample forms and practical drafting exercises. Strong emphasis is placed on

LGST 1429*
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LGST 1429 Legal Writing

This course will develop the writing skills of the paralegal student. Students will become familiar with the writing techniques used to create legal documents through the use of sample forms and practical drafting exercises. Strong emphasis is placed on

Legal Writing		 3
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LGST 1455 Civil Litigation

This course provides an introduction to civil litigation procedure and practice in state and federal courts. Specific attention is given to the paralegal's role in civil litigation, with emphasis on applicable rules of civil procedure that govern the com

LGST 1455*
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LGST 1455 Civil Litigation

This course provides an introduction to civil litigation procedure and practice in state and federal courts. Specific attention is given to the paralegal's role in civil litigation, with emphasis on applicable rules of civil procedure that govern the com

Civil Litigation		 3
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LGST 1525 Legal Transcription/Word Processing Applications

This course covers transcription of dictated and rough-draft legal material into a variety of usable legal documents using word processing software. Emphasis will be on authentic forms and material, editing and proofreading, and correcting errors. (Prereq

LGST 1525*
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LGST 1525 Legal Transcription/Word Processing Applications

This course covers transcription of dictated and rough-draft legal material into a variety of usable legal documents using word processing software. Emphasis will be on authentic forms and material, editing and proofreading, and correcting errors. (Prereq

Legal Transcription/Word Processing Applications		 3
Semester 4
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LGST 1430 Advanced Legal Research

This course will familiarize the paralegal student with advanced and specialized approaches to utilizing the legal sources available in the law library and online. In addition, this course will provide the student with experience in the developing the ana

LGST 1430*
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LGST 1430 Advanced Legal Research

This course will familiarize the paralegal student with advanced and specialized approaches to utilizing the legal sources available in the law library and online. In addition, this course will provide the student with experience in the developing the ana

Advanced Legal Research		 3
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LGST 1460 Criminal Law and Procedure

This course introduces the paralegal student to the substantive and procedural aspects of criminal law and the role of the paralegal in the criminal justice system. The course will focus on the prosecution and defense of criminal proceedings, with specia

LGST 1460*
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LGST 1460 Criminal Law and Procedure

This course introduces the paralegal student to the substantive and procedural aspects of criminal law and the role of the paralegal in the criminal justice system. The course will focus on the prosecution and defense of criminal proceedings, with specia

Criminal Law and Procedure		 3
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LGST 2997 Paralegal Capstone

This course is designed to provide the paralegal student who is familiar with law office procedures, legal research, letter writing, document preparation, and client contact an opportunity to integrate classroom concepts into the legal working environment

LGST 2997*
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LGST 2997 Paralegal Capstone

This course is designed to provide the paralegal student who is familiar with law office procedures, legal research, letter writing, document preparation, and client contact an opportunity to integrate classroom concepts into the legal working environment

Paralegal Capstone		 1
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LGST 2520 Legal Document Processing

This course covers advanced legal procedures, use of terminology, and document productions relating to various specialty areas of law in Minnesota, with an emphasis on advanced transcription and word processing skills. (Prerequisites: College level readin

LGST 2520*
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LGST 2520 Legal Document Processing

This course covers advanced legal procedures, use of terminology, and document productions relating to various specialty areas of law in Minnesota, with an emphasis on advanced transcription and word processing skills. (Prerequisites: College level readin

Legal Document Processing		 3
Semester 5
Program Electives Choose any two LGST elective courses 6
General Education Requirement The Paralegal AAS embeds 6 credits from Goal Area 1 of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MTC). Please choose 9 additional credits from the MTC that includes courses from at least two of the MTC Goal Areas 2-10. 9
Total: 60

*Requires a prerequisite or a concurrent course.

Program Outcomes

  • Demonstrate knowledge of legal terminology, the American legal system, and state and federal court structure, rules, and procedures
  • Exhibit understanding of the paralegal's role in the delivery of legal services, including systems for organizing documents, maintaining client relationships, conflict of interest management, calendaring, and billing
  • Exhibit ability to utilize technology and legal-specific software commonly used by paralegals in the delivery of legal services
  • Demonstrate ability to prepare, draft, and properly format client correspondence and other legal documents using principles of writing, rules of English grammar, and proper citation form
  • Exhibit oral communication skills that allow paralegals to interact effectively with clients, attorneys, witnesses, co-workers, court personnel, and the public in a variety of situations
  • Demonstrate knowledge of legal principles and procedures in at least one specialty area, such as family law, bankruptcy law, real property law, torts and personal injury law, or wills and probate
  • Recognize and apply the legal and ethical principles that apply to the conduct of paralegals involved in the delivery of legal services
  • Analyze procedural and substantive legal problems by identifying the key facts and applying the appropriate rule of law to the problem
  • Demonstrate ability to prepare and carry out a legal research plan using print and electronic resources to identify, locate, cite, and verify the reliability of legal authorities
  • Develop job-seeking and job-keeping skills appropriate for employment in the legal field and prepare a professional portfolio documenting acquired paralegal skills and knowledge
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