2004-2005 Academic Year
Paralegal
An Overview of the Program
Enroll in Highline Community College’s two-year Paralegal program and
you’ll garner the training and knowledge necessary to become a vital
member of the legal system. Paralegals perform a wide range of tasks—such
as assisting attorneys with litigation, researching the law, and interviewing
witnesses—to provide legal services to clients and the community. This
profession has a bright outlook for growth. If you’ve already earned
a bachelor’s degree, Highline also offers a one-year certificate program
(see the Paralegal Plus curriculum guide for more information).
Approved by the American Bar Association, Highline’s Paralegal program
is designed for students with strong verbal and written skills, individual
initiative and discipline, and high ethical standards.
For more information contact
Buzz Wheeler
206-878-3710, ext. 3910
bwheeler@highline.edu
http://flightline.highline.edu/paralegal
Is the Paralegal Program for You?
You’ll enjoy this program if you
The program prepares you to work in
To accepted into the program you’ll need
Required Credits and Courses
Associate of Applied Science Degree
The A.A.S. degree is rapidly becoming the credential preferred by employers
for entry-level employment. In addition to specific job skills, graduates will
receive education in communication skills, computational skills, applied sciences,
computer literacy, human relations, and social science. An A.A.S. can be earned
in two years.
Total Degree Credits Required 95–100
Total Required Paralegal Credits 33–35
Total Elective Paralegal Credits 20–22
Total Other Department Required Credits 10–15
Total General Education Required Credits 15
Total General Education Elective Credits 15
| Required Paralegal Classes | |
| LEGAL 100 Intro to Law and Legal Systems | 5 |
| LEGAL 101 Intro to Ethics | 3 |
| LEGAL 102 Civil Procedures I | 5 |
| LEGAL 103 Civil Procedures II | 5 |
| LEGAL 139 Pre Co-op Work Experience Seminar | 1 |
LEGAL 139 must be taken a quarter before LEGAL 140/141.
| LEGAL 140 Co-op Work Experience | 3–5
|
| LEGAL 141 Co-op Work Experience Seminar | 1 |
LEGAL 140 and 141 must be taken together.
| LEGAL 199 Legal Research & Writing I | 5
|
| LEGAL 200 Legal Research & Writing II | 5
|
| Elective Paralegal Classes | |
| LEGAL 105 Contracts | 4 |
| LEGAL 106 Torts | 4 |
| LEGAL 107 Property | 4 |
| LEGAL 119 Criminal Law & Procedure | 5 |
| LEGAL 136 Advanced Law Office Technology | 5 |
| LEGAL 160 Legal Issues: Global | 5 |
LEGAL 160 meets Diversity/Globalism requirements.
| LEGAL 201 Estate Planning & Probate | 5
|
| LEGAL 210 Family Law & Dissolution | 4 |
| LEGAL 211 Intellectual Property | 4 |
| LEGAL 212 Alternative Dispute Resolution | 3 |
| LEGAL 240 Co-op Work Experience | 3–5 |
| LEGAL 241 Co-op Work Experience Seminar | 1 |
LEGAL 240 and 241 must be taken together.
| LEGAL 252 Legal Investigation | 4 |
| LEGAL 262 Professional Development Seminar | 2 |
| LEGAL 281–285 Special Topics in Law | 1–5 |
May include the following and others to be determined:
| Other Department Requirements | |
| LEGAL 135 Law Office Technology | 5 |
| BUSN 121 Practical Accounting | |
| or | |
| MATH 100 | 5 |
| BTECH 217 Word for Windows | 5 |
BTECH 217 may be waived if skills are high enough. Contact BTECH faculty at
206-878-3710, ext. 3086.
General Education Required Classes
Credits in the general education area, including required and electives, must
include courses from a minimum of three disciplines.
| WRIT 101 Principles of Writing (Comm.) | 5 |
| SPCH 100 Speech (Communications) | 5 |
| PSYCH 100 Intro to Psychology (Soc. Science) | 5 |
General Education Elective Classes
Choose 100 level or above classes from social sciences, natural sciences, mathematics,
humanities, communication and fine arts.
Suggested Course Sequence
Students enrolling in Paralegal studies might consider the
following course sequence as a guideline, plus any general education courses
for approximately
12–15 credits per quarter. Students who can only attend in the evening
must remember that it is likely to take longer than two years to complete
the program. This is a suggested course sequence which may vary depending
on a student’s schedule or class availability.
1st Quarter
LEGAL 100
LEGAL 102
WRIT 101
2nd Quarter
LEGAL 103
LEGAL 199
Electives
3rd Quarter
LEGAL 101
LEGAL 200
Electives
Important Notes:
Applying to Highline
For information on applying to Highline Community College or to receive an admissions packet, please contact
Admissions/Entry Services
206-878-3710, ext. 3181
TDD: 206-870-4853
Highline Community College
Located at S. 240th Street and Pacific Highway S.
P.O. Box 98000
Des Moines, WA 98198-9800
Tuition Information
Tuition is set by the Washington State Legislature and is
subject to change.
For fall 2003, resident tuition ranged from $66.15 for one credit to $745.50
for 18 credits. Nonresident tuition ranged from $237.85 for one credit to $2,492.90
for 18 credits. Professional-Technical Education students enrolled in approved
programs were not charged in excess of 18 credits.
There are additional costs for books, supplies, and lab fees.
2400 S. 240th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198
Voice: (206) 878-3710 TTY: (206) 870-4853
Page last updated: June 30, 2004
This publication was developed with funds from the Carl D. Perkins
Act. The content of this brochure shall not be construed as a contract between
Highline Community College and prospective or enrolled students. Every effort
has been made to insure its correctness, but college regulations and program
requirements may change during the period in which it is in force. In the event
of change in regulations or program requirements, the current regulations all
govern. Highline Community College provides equal opportunity in education
and employment and does not discriminate against anyone based on race, ethnicity,
creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, age,
religion, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or
status as a disabled person or veteran of war, in accordance with applicable
laws.