At A Glance
Enter the legal profession as a skilled paralegal, ready to work in law firms, corporations, government agencies, and more.
Gain practical experience in legal research, document drafting, legal citations, and case management.
Offered fully online.
Learn about AI and its use in the legal profession.
The program is approved by the American Bar Association.
Welcome to the Paralegal Studies Program:
The legal world depends on meticulous research, precise documentation, and organized case management, and paralegals are the professionals who make it all possible. Lackawanna College’s Associate in Paralegal Studies is taught by experienced attorneys and provides a rigorous introduction to the American legal system and the practical skills that legal employers demand, preparing graduates to contribute meaningfully from their very first day in a legal setting.
Whether you’re starting a new career or building a foundation for further legal education, this program gives you the knowledge and skills to move forward with confidence.
Your Career Starts Here
According to bls.gov, in May 2025, the median average wage for holders of a Paralegal Studies degree is $63,000 per year in Pennsylvania. Paralegals work across every area of law and in a wide variety of settings. Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions at:
- Private Law Firms
- Corporate Legal Departments
- Government & Public Agencies
- Nonprofit Legal Aid Organizations
- Insurance Companies
- Real Estate & Title Companies
- Banks & Financial Institutions
- Healthcare Organizations
- Human Resource Departments
More About the Program
Lackawanna College’s Paralegal Studies curriculum provides a solid grounding in both the theory and practice of legal work. Students begin with foundational courses that introduce the American legal system, the paralegal profession, and legal writing and research before advancing to specialized courses such as civil litigation, criminal law, contract law, legal technology, and tort law.
Graduates are prepared to conduct legal research using professional databases, draft a range of legal documents, manage case files, prepare legal citations, and interact professionally with clients, courts, and counsel. The program also emphasizes the ethical rules governing paralegal practice, ensuring graduates understand the boundaries of their professional role.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Utilize critical and analytical thinking skills in paralegal work assignments.
- Employ professional legal writing skills.
- Develop and utilize legal research and investigative skills.
- Communicate effectively in the legal profession.
- Develop and utilize the management and organizational skills required to be an effective paralegal.
- Identify, explain, and utilize the technology necessary to assist in the delivery of legal services.
- Identify and explain the ethical rules governing paralegals and lawyers, including the limitations on the practice of law by non-lawyers.
- Explain the expanding role of paralegals in various areas of the law.
The Course Work
The Paralegal Studies degree includes courses such as:
- Legal Research
- Legal Writing
- Civil Litigation
- Contract Law
- Tort Law
- Criminal Law for Paralegals
- Legal Technology
- AI and the Legal Profession
Vision Statement
By approaching the study of law from a theoretical, conceptual, and practical perspective, the Lackawanna College Paralegal Studies Program will prepare students for the demands of the paralegal profession. Based on a curriculum that is focused on a full range of legal specialty practice areas and a broad scope of general education perspectives, students will obtain the critical thinking, analytical processing, and legal skill sets necessary to succeed as paralegals. As a means of assuring program quality and staying well targeted to the dynamic demands of the legal profession, the College evaluates the program curriculum and student services on a continual basis and incorporates changes identified through the evaluation process. In collaboration with legal practitioners, employers, and professional associations, the College continues working toward the ultimate goal of improving and increasing the utilization of paralegal services. The primary goal of the Lackawanna College Paralegal Studies Program is to prepare students for rewarding careers in the legal industry as paralegal professionals working under the direct supervision of lawyers. Lackawanna College strives to prepare students with an understanding of the substantive knowledge and practical skills necessary to meet the standards of industry proficiency, professional integrity, and academic excellence that are expected and required to serve the legal community.
Accreditation
This program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). The ABA approves only paralegal programs that meet rigorous standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, student support, and continuous program evaluation. Choosing an ABA-approved program means you are enrolling in a program that has been independently reviewed for quality and is recognized throughout the legal profession. It is important to note that paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.