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Junior Legal Assistant Certificate
Program Available at:
- El Centro
Catalog Year 2024-2025 You may use this pathway if you entered Dallas College on or before this date.
Degree Type Level 2 Certificate
GPA Requirement Student must earn a GPA of 2.0 or higher
TSI Must be Complete
For more information, visit the Dallas College Paralegal webpage and your success coach at your campus.
This is an example course sequence for students interested in pursuing Paralegal Studies. It does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. Following this pathway will help you earn a Junior Legal Assistant Level II Certificate. Students must earn at least 25% of the credit hours required for graduation through instruction by Dallas College. See catalog for official certificate requirements.
The Junior Legal Assistant Level II Certificate prepares the student for entry-level employment as a junior level legal administrative assistant in a law firm, legal department of a corporation, or a government office. The student will learn to use key legal software and databases, edit and proof court documents, manage client and attorney files, and to provide clerical support to the attorney and the law office. Courses that complete the certificate are noted below.
SEMESTER-BY-SEMESTER MAP FOR FULL-TIME STUDENTS
All plans can be modified to fit the needs of part-time students. This is not an official degree plan. See catalog for official certificate requirements.
CERTIFICATE MINIMUM: 30 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS
SEMESTER 1
LGLA 1301 – Legal Research and Writing
LGLA 1311 – Introduction to Law
LGLA 1313 – Introduction to Paralegal Studies
LGLA 1317 – Law Office Technology
ENGL 1301 – Composition I This is a Core course. Must earn a grade of "C" or better.
SEMESTER 1 ACTION ITEMS
- Meet with your success coach to confirm academic and career goals before the end of the semester.
- Meet with your success coach to research your career options and opportunities with a Paralegal degree.
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Meet with a faculty advisor or success coach regarding opportunities for job shadowing and the cooperative education course.
Total Hours: 15
SEMESTER 2
LGLA 1345 – Civil Litigation
LGLA 1355 – Family Law
PARALEGAL ELECTIVE (one course)*
CHOOSE ONE:
- SPCH 1311 – Introduction to Speech Communication This is a Core course.
- SPCH 1315 – Public Speaking This is a Core course. OR
- SPCH 1321 – Business and Professional Communication This is a Core course.
LGLA 1380 – Cooperative Education-Legal Assistant/Paralegal Students are required to have a paid legal position prior to the beginning of the semester. The course offers college credit for legal work experience and lectures to aid in career development or advancement. This is the capstone course for this award.
* Paralegal Electives: Selected from the following: LGLA 1323, LGLA 1343, LGLA 1359, LGLA 2313, LGLA 2315, LGLA 2323, LGLA 2335, LGLA 2337. See your success coach for course selection.
SEMESTER 2 ACTION ITEMS
- Meet with your success coach to request an official program of study audit and confirm or update your academic/career path.
- After reviewing your degree plan and program of study, meet with your success coach to apply for the Junior Legal Assistant Level II Certificate.
- Sign up for commencement.
- Join the Alumni Network!
Total Hours: 15
DALLAS COLLEGE PATHWAY TOTAL: 30 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS