Paralegal Studies
A paralegal—also referred to as a legal assistant—is a professional qualified by education, training, or work experience to perform substantive legal work under the supervision of a licensed attorney. While attorneys maintain full responsibility for legal services, they increasingly delegate important tasks to paralegals as part of an efficient legal team.
Paralegals handle a wide range of responsibilities, many of which were once performed exclusively by attorneys. These duties may include conducting client and witness interviews, performing legal research, drafting legal documents, managing case files, assisting during depositions and trials, and organizing materials for court proceedings. All work is done under attorney supervision, and paralegals are prohibited by law from offering legal advice, setting legal fees, or representing clients in court.
Paralegals work in a variety of professional settings. These include private law firms, government agencies, court systems, corporate legal departments, and other industries such as banking, title companies, and insurance. Depending on the workplace, a paralegal may specialize in areas such as litigation, real estate, criminal law, family law, bankruptcy, or environmental law—or work more generally across multiple practice areas.
Although Texas does not currently require paralegals to hold a license or certification, national credentials are available. Graduates of Navarro College’s Paralegal Studies Program are eligible to sit for the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) exam, administered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). This nationally recognized certification, available several times per year in the Dallas area, demonstrates a high level of professional competency in the field. For more information, visit the National Association of Legal Assistants website.
For students interested in becoming lawyers, the Paralegal Studies Program also serves as a strong first step. After earning an Associate’s Degree at Navarro, students can pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in any field, followed by three years of law school. Law school graduates must then pass the Bar Exam and a background check to be licensed to practice law. In total, the process of becoming a lawyer typically involves seven years of education beyond high school.
Navarro’s Paralegal Studies Program provides both practical and academic preparation—whether the goal is immediate employment as a paralegal or a long-term plan to attend law school. Students graduate with the skills, experience, and professional foundation needed to succeed in the legal field.
Learn more about the credential program by visiting the Credly Paralegal Skills Academy Certification website.
CAREER DESTINATION MAP
View the Navarro College Catalog for detailed requirements of each curriculum and classes offered for:
Paralegal Studies (AAS)
Paralegal Studies with Criminal Justice Emphasis (AAS)
Paralegal Studies (Certificate)
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Explore a path to career opportunities in paralegal studies.
MARKETABLE SKILLS
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TRANSFER OPPORTUNITIES
Tarleton State University
East Texas A&M University
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Bachelor’s Degree (various majors and universities) and then to Law School (various universities)
PROGRAM CONTACT INFORMATION
Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Dean’s Office | Navarro College - Corsicana | (903) 875-7573