Paralegal Technology
About the Program
The Paralegal Technology program prepares individuals to perform research, drafting, investigation, recordkeeping and related administrative functions under the supervision of an attorney or court or business. The program includes instruction in legal research, document drafting, law office procedures, pleadings, courthouse procedures, and legal specialization.
AWARD TYPES: Certificate Level 1, Associate of Applied Science
AREA OF STUDY: Business
Degrees and Certificates
Learn more about the Degrees and Certificates offered by this program by visiting the HCC Catalog.
View Degrees & Certificates by ProgramProgram Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Analyze the current law on Paralegal Licensing and Certification as it pertains to their individual goals by mapping their personal career paths and comparing it to the state licensing requirements.
Formulate answer day in Texas for a Civil Lawsuit after service of citation.
Interpret a Legal issue dealing with Texas State Court Law and prepare/reach a Legal Conclusion.
Prepare a general denial/answer and a simple legal petition using Texas style of form and illustrate basic courtroom etiquette and court filing procedure in Texas.
Program Information
General Requirements
The Paralegal Technology program prepares individuals to perform research, drafting, investigation, record-keeping and related administrative functions under the supervision of an attorney or court or business. The program includes instruction in legal research, document drafting, law office procedures, pleadings, courthouse procedures, and legal specialization.
The field is growing rapidly, and the need for trained individuals in the area is critical. The program may also be useful for pre-law training.
As an option for the Paralegal Technology elective, students may take LGLA 1370-ProDoc for Paralegals. At the conclusion of this course, students have the opportunity to take the exam offered by ProDoc, Inc., a division of Thompson-Reuters located at 610 Opperman Dr., Eagan, Minnesota 55123. Successful completion of the exam certifies students in ProDoc software.
Paralegals are not authorized by the State Bar of Texas to give legal advice or perform legal work without the supervision of an attorney.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) allows students to earn only one Certificate in Paralegal Technology - Legal Assistant. Students must choose from one of the following two specializations: General or Medical.
TSI testing required prior to first enrollment for all AAS degrees and Level II certificates.
Employment
There are 5,168 Paralegals and Legal Assistants employed in the Greater Houston Area. This number is expected to increase by 10.1% over the next four years.
- The estimated annual job openings is 231 jobs a year.
- Median Wages - $27.33 hourly, $57,000 annually
Marketable Skills
Learn more about the marketable skills—skills valued by employers that can be applied in variety of work settings—so you can communicate these to potential employers. Click on the relevant award title below to see descriptions of marketable skills for that area.
Career Opportunities
Explore real-time labor market data on occupations you may pursue post-graduation, offering insight into career opportunities, potential earnings, and job demand in the Greater Houston region.
For more in-depth information about this career and other career pathways, visit Career Coach.
Resources
Search for a Paralegal Technology Professor or request more information
Get in touch
Juan Crawford
Hours of Operation: Mon.- Fri. 8am - 5pm