Law and Order, Opinion and Evidence
Our Paralegal Studies program, which is approved by the American Bar Association, will teach you how to navigate the field of law from the ground level up. You will learn how to conduct legal research and writing, draft legal documents, analyze legal problems and develop effective client relationships. During your first course in Paralegal Studies, a professional within the local legal community will mentor you on the realities of a career in law. If you already have a college degree, you may choose our program’s accelerated option, which enables you to earn a paralegal degree in as few as eight months. Our program also offers a range of optional activities, such as internships, guest lectures and field trips, guidance in developing job interview skills and résumés, job placement assistance, and student clubs and newsletters. Community College of Philadelphia trains paralegals who must operate under the supervision of a licensed attorney and are prohibited from practicing law.
Careers
Find your path.
Legal Secretary – est. salary $52,169
Title Examiner – est. salary $46,651
Paralegal and Legal Assistant – est. salary $56,845*
**EMSI Data, 2019; Philadelphia County, PA; a percentage of people in these jobs may have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Transfer Opportunities
Courses and Completion Sequence
Semester 1
| Course Number and Name | Credits | Advisory Notes | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL 101 - English Composition I | 3 credits | ENGL 101 | |
|
In consultation with advisor, select one of the following: |
3 credits | Must be FNMT 118 ready | Mathematics |
| PLS 101 - Introduction to Paralegal Studies | 3 credits | PLS 101, along with PLS 121 and DF 101 (select as a general elective) will enable students to also earn the Proficiency Certificate in E-discovery. | Major Course |
| CIS 103 - Applied Computer Technology | 3 credits | Tech Comp | |
| ANTH 112 - Cultural Anthropology or HIST 103 - History: the 20th Century |
3 credits | Social Sciences, Writing Intensive, Interpretive Studies, American/Global Diversity |
Students earn a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all courses and minimum GPA of 2.5 in major courses.
Student interested in transfer options should meet with Paralegal faculty.
Participation in the Criminal Justice, Paralegal and Social Science Career Fair is encouraged.
Participation in networking and service learning opportunities offered by the Fox Rothschild Center for Law and Society is encouraged.
- This program is designed to provide students with the option of entering the workforce or transferring to a bachelor's degree program after earning their associate's degree
- Follow this course schedule each semester and you’ll earn your associate’s degree in two years
- Make sure you discuss your first semester schedule and your educational plan with an advisor or counselor when you register.
Semester 2
| Course Number and Name | Credits | Advisory Notes | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL 102 - The Research Paper | 3 credits | ENGL 102, Info Lit | |
| PLS 111 - Legal Research and Writing I | 3 credits | Major Course | |
| PLS 115 - Legal Technology | 3 credits | Major Course | |
| EASC 111 - Environmental Conservation or BIOL 106 - General Biology I or BIOL 104 - Forensic Biology |
3 or 4 credits | Natural Sciences | |
| PLS 121 - Civil Litigation I | 3 credits | Note that PLS 101, along with PLS 121 and DF 101 (select as a general elective) will enable students to also earn the proficiency certificate in E-discovery also. | Major Course |
Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA overall, which will enable them to take an internship their last semester.
Students connect with the program’s career assistance services and develop their first Paralegal resume.
Service learning and networking opportunities are provided through the Fox Rothschild Center for Law and Society. Students have the opportunity to hear from and meet legal professionals each spring during Law and Society Week.
- Don’t forget to meet with an advisor and review this schedule when registering for your classes
- Start planning for transfer:
- Did you know our dual admissions partnerships include scholarship opportunities?
- Learn more about our transfer agreements and use our interactive search tool for your program’s transfer options
- Make sure you are using Starfish Connect to track and improve your grades
- Stay on the path to success: take advantage of academic support services offered by Counseling the Learning Labs, Academic Advising and more
- Now is a good time to start financial planning for next semester:
- Manage your financial aid
- Take advantage of our payment plans and know the payment deadlines
- Apply for a scholarship— You only have to complete one application to be considered for all available scholarships
Semester 3
| Course Number and Name | Credits | Advisory Notes | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Choose two PLS electives: PLS 215 - eDiscovery PLS 221 - Civil Litigation II PLS 231 - Family Law PLS 241 - Tort Law JUS 241 - Criminal Law PLS 251 - Real Estate Law PLS 255 - Business Organizations PLS 261 - Wills, Trusts & Estates PLS 275 - Employment Law PLS 285 - Immigration Law PLS 295 - Legal Internship |
6 credits | Directed Elective | |
| ENGL 116 - Interpersonal Communication or ENGL 117 - Group and Team Communication |
3 credits | Humanities | |
| PLS 211 - Legal Research and Writing II | 3 credits | Major Course | |
| JUS 171 - Juvenile Justice or POLS 111 - American Government |
3 credits | Directed Elective |
Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA overall, which will enable them to take an internship their last semester.
Students connect with the program’s career assistance services and develop their first Paralegal resume. Students receive weekly job listings and other program notices.
Participation in networking and service learning opportunities offered by the Fox Rothschild Center for Law and Society is encouraged.
- Meet with an advisor and review this schedule when registering for your classes
- Make sure you are using Starfish Connect to track and improve your grades
- Stay on the path to success: take advantage of academic support services offered by Counseling the Learning Labs, Academic Advising and more
- Start financial planning for next semester:
- Manage your financial aid
- Take advantage of our payment plans and know the payment deadlines
- Apply for a scholarship—You only have to complete one application to be considered for all available scholarships
Semester 4
| Course Number and Name | Credits | Advisory Notes | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| In consultation with advisor, select two: DF 101 - Introduction to Digital Forensics (for students interested in e-discovery proficiency certificate) or PSYC 101 - Introduction to Psychology or SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology or ENGL 190 - Introduction to Literature or ENGL 205 - Introduction to Creative Writing |
6 credits | Directed Elective | |
| Choose three PLS electives: PLS 215 - eDiscovery PLS 221 - Civil Litigation II PLS 231 - Family Law PLS 241 - Tort Law JUS 241 - Criminal Law PLS 251 - Real Estate Law PLS 255 - Business Organizations PLS 261 - Wills, Trusts & Estates PLS 275 - Employment Law PLS 285 - Immigration Law PLS 295 - Legal Internship |
9 Credits |
|
Directed Elective |
Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA overall.
Students complete a professional resume, either in the PLS 295, Legal Internship or with the assistance of the Paralegal faculty and Career Staff.
Service learning and networking opportunities provided through the Fox Rothschild Center for Law and Society.
Students have the opportunity to hear from and meet legal professionals each spring during Law and Society Week.
- Congratulations, this is your final semester! Don’t forget to complete your graduation application.
- Meet with an advisor when registering for your classes
- Finalize your transfer plans:
- Meet with a counselor at your selected dual admissions transfer college
- Meet with one of our College’s counselors or an advisor to review transfer requirements
- Take advantage of our scholarship opportunities for transferring students and apply for a scholarship
- Visit Career Connections to learn about internships and your future career possibilities
General Education Requirements:
All general education requirements necessary for graduation are met through the courses in the program as indicated above. Students who wish to take courses that differ from the general education courses indicated above must complete a course substitution request form. To access the form, login to the MyCCP portal, and in the Student tab, under Electronic Forms, click on the Records and Registration Forms link, then choose Request For Course Substitution Of Graduation Requirement link. A more detailed explanation of the College’s general education requirements is also available.
Featured Career
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.
$56,845
4,495
in the region
+4.4%
in the region
Typical 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 legal documents, including briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements.
- Meet with clients and other professionals to discuss details of case.
- File pleadings with court clerk.
How well does it pay?
New workers generally start around $35,037. Normal pay for Paralegals and Legal Assistants is $56,845 per year, while highly experienced workers can earn as much as $89,280.
“It’s been invigorating and exciting. I’m happy to be on a new path that will lead me to a great job. . . It’s been such an amazing learning experience.”
Amanda Hull Green
program graduate, 2014
Program Information
Paralegal Studies
Degree Type:
Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.)Credits Needed to Graduate:
60