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Paralegal Technology
The Paralegal Technology program at Houston City College prepares students to support attorneys, courts, and legal organizations through research, document drafting, investigation, and administrative case management. Coursework covers legal research, pleadings, law office procedures, courthouse processes, and specialized areas of law, equipping graduates with the skills needed for entry-level paralegal roles.
- Career Path
- Business
Programs
Legal Assistant, A.A.S.
The Legal Assistant A.A.S. degree plan may be viewed by scrolling past the employment information below. Students may also earn a Legal Assistant Level 1 Certificate by completing the requirements. Click on the following link to see the course sequence.
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.
Students will be able to:
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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.
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Formulate answer day in Texas for a Civil Lawsuit after service of citation.
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Interpret a Legal issue dealing with Texas State Court Law and prepare/reach a Legal Conclusion.
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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.
Have Questions?
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Dr. Juan Crawford
- Duration
- 2 years (full time)
- Program Format
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- In-Person
- Online
- Campus Location
- Total Minimum Credits: 60
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View the Legal Assistant, A.A.S. Program degree plan to see the total credit hours required.
- Cost
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Enter the semester credit hours into the Tuition & Cost Calculator to estimate tuition.
Law Office Clerk, C1
The Law Office Clerk certificate is a stepping-stone to the Paralegal Technology degree. This certificate allows students who are interested in working in a law office to gain entry to the legal world while working on courses which will advance them to a Paralegal position.
Have Questions?
We are here to help.
Juan Crawford
- Duration
- 2 semesters (full time)
- Program Format
-
- In-Person
- Online
- Campus Location
- Total Minimum Credits: 18
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View the Law Office Clerk, C1 degree plan to see the total credit hours required.
- Cost
-
Enter the semester credit hours into the Tuition & Cost Calculator to estimate tuition.
Legal Assistant - General, C1
The Legal Assistant certificate allows a student to work in a law office or corporation as an assistant to an attorney or a trained paralegal. It consists of 30 semester hours which provides adequate training in the skills necessary to be a trained Legal Assistant.
Have Questions?
We are here to help.
Juan Crawford
- Duration
- 2 semesters (full time)
- Program Format
-
- In-Person
- Online
- Campus Location
- Total Minimum Credits: 30
-
View the Legal Assistant - General, C1 degree plan to see the total credit hours required.
- Cost
-
Enter the semester credit hours into the Tuition & Cost Calculator to estimate tuition.
Career Outlook
This overview highlights key labor market indicators for University Transfer and Workforce Training careers in this field in the Houston area, including the number of currently employed, the median annual salary for the occupation, and the job growth.
Average salary
50th percentile (median) salary range in the Houston area.
Currently Employed
8,218 currently employed in the Greater Houston area.
Projected Growth
6.1% projected growth for 2026-2030.