Apr 29, 2024  
College Catalog 2024 - 2025 
  
College Catalog 2024 - 2025

Paralegal Studies, A.S.


This program prepares students for legal employment by training them to assist lawyers in gathering and analyzing factual data, drafting correspondence, researching legal questions, and preparing legal documents. Paralegal employment provides flexibility (full-time, part-time, per diem, temporary or freelance) and the opportunity to enter the legal field without first obtaining a law degree. Graduates of the program may directly enter the workforce or opt to continue their education and pursue a four year degree.

* Milestone Courses should be taken in the order shown. This will help you stay on track and graduate on time.

Semester 1


Total Credits: 15-16


Semester 1 Advising Note

  • New degree-seeking students enrolled in 9 credits or more must take a Learning Community Seminar or a Learning Community Cluster within their first year

Semester 2


Total Credits: 19


Semester 3


Total Credits: 16


Semester 4


Total Credits: 15


Semester 4 Advising Note

  • Apply for graduation

Upon Completion of This Concentration Graduates Will Be Able To:


  • Understand the legal process and the nature of law practice.
  • Construct and evaluate logical arguments in support of specific positions.
  • Conduct effective legal research and oversee legal projects.
  • Understand, identify and resolve legal and ethical issues associated with the paralegal profession.

Career Outlook


Paralegals typically find jobs with law firms, corporations, government offices, non-profit entities, banks, health care organizations, bio-tech companies and financial institutions. Areas of specialization include litigation, corporate law, criminal law, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, bankruptcy, labor law, immigration, family law, and real estate. The number of jobs in the paralegal field is expected to grow much faster than average through 2016, and the position of paralegal is consistently ranked among the best jobs in America. Boston is home to one of the top legal markets in the United States and BHCC’s main campus is minutes away from many courthouses, law schools, law firms, and government offices.

Explore Career Options

Unauthorized Practice Of Law Statement


A Legal Studies graduate may work as a paralegal only under the supervision of an attorney and is not authorized to engage in the practice of law. The ABA (American Bar Association) defines a paralegal or legal assistant as “a person, qualified by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible.

Transfer Options


Transfer Advising Guides

MassTransfer A2B Link

  • University of Massachusetts Lowell