Start Your Career as a Paralegal
Become a critical part of the legal world through Austin Community College’s Paralegal Program. Faculty made up of working attorneys help you develop the comprehensive skills needed to be successful through research, draft, and document legal matters. Courses are also offered on nights and weekends to prepare you to function as a working paralegal. This program also offers an advanced technical certificate for those who have a bachelor’s or graduate-level degree.
Accreditation
ACC’s Paralegal Program is fully approved by the American Bar Association.
Career & Salary Information
Strong training increases employability for paralegals, in a competitive field. Graduates can find work in a law firm or the law department of a government agency, nonprofit organization, or corporation. The paralegal certification program at ACC is a great foundation for a career in legal research. Students can take classes on nights and weekends.
Legal Specialty Transfer Policy
The following legal specialty courses must be taken in the traditional classroom setting or by synchronous instruction:
- LGLA 1313-Introduction to Paralegal Studies
- LGLA 1303-Legal Research
- LGLA 1345-Civil Litigation
Only nine Legal Specialty course credit hours may be transferred into the ACC Paralegal Studies Program. Those courses must:
- Be approved by the department chair
- Not have been taken online
- Been prepared specifically for paralegal students
- Be substantially the same as the ACC designated course
- Be accredited by a regional accreditation body
- Have been passed with a grade of “C” or better
Civil Litigation courses taken in another state will have to be repeated at this campus.
Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL) Statement: Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.
Program-level Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will identify relevant legal concepts and apply them to changing fact patterns.
- Students will draft documents used in a broad range of legal environments.
- Students will perform as entry-level paralegals in a broad range of legal environments.
- Students will perform legal research.
Awards & Program Maps
Choose the Award Path That’s Right for You
ACC offers stackable credentials. Certificates prepare you for a career change or career advancement and often include credits that count toward associate degrees. Associate degrees further increase your employability and help you build a strong foundation for university transfer. Learn about credential options.
Explore awards and follow the program maps below to stay on track.
| Program | Award Type | Award Title | Award Plan | Program Map | Optional Mode | Catalog Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paralegal | Associate of Applied Science Degree | Paralegal | Award Plan | Program Map | PCLEA | |
| Paralegal | Advanced Technical Certificate | Paralegal | Award Plan | Program Map | PCLEA |
Academic Department Contacts
| Academic Program | First Name | Last Name | Phone | Department Website | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paralegal | Shawn | Slack | Call | Send Email | Visit Website |
Request Information About Applying to ACC
Note: Bachelor’s Degree, Health Sciences, and other specialty programs may not appear in the Program Of Interest selection area. Use the Request for Information links on those pages to contact those program administrators.