Legal Studies

From Classroom to Courtroom-Ready

If you want to help people in your community, promote justice, and get a good paying job, the Paralegal program at Highline College might be for you. A career as a paralegal is a great choice for people who want meaningful, in-demand work in the legal field without spending years in law school.

Paralegals work closely with attorneys and play a vital role in law offices, courts, corporations, government agencies, and legal aid organizations. Paralegals interview clients and witnesses, gather and organize evidence, research the law, prepare legal documents, and support attorneys at trial. The field offers strong job stability, opportunities for specialization, and clear pathways for advancement. It’s also a career that values critical thinking, organization, communication and technology skills—making it a smart option for those who enjoy problem-solving and working in a professional, fast-paced environment.

Paralegals work under the supervision of an attorney and may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.

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As a paralegal, you are the backbone of the legal system. You won’t just be watching from the sidelines; you’ll be an essential partner in delivering justice. Explore our Legal Field Job and Internship Opportunities.

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We offer two Paralegal Programs

Our 2-year, American Bar Association (ABA)-approved, Associate of Applied Science program is our regular program for students wishing to acquire a degree in paralegal studies.
Our 1-year, ABA-approved, Paralegal Plus Certificate is for students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree and wish to acquire a paralegal certificate.

American Bar Association

Approved Program

We are the only ABA-approved paralegal training program in Seattle and King County!

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Mission Statement

The mission of the Highline Legal Studies department is to provide students with a contemporary legal background in each vital area of law and to develop strong skills in legal research and writing. Students’ critical thinking is fostered through coursework in the application of theory combined with a liberal arts core curriculum. Students will graduate with a mastery of legal and communications skills needed to succeed both personally and professionally in the legal community and in our society.

Paralegal AAS

My life so far is great. I work for the Office of Administrative Hearings. I made the switch from King County in December. I handle employment security department cases and try to get people scheduled for hearings. It is a really great job. I feel like I am helping others, which is what I want to do.

Larissa Smith

Paralegal AAS

I was very impressed overall with Highline College’s paralegal program! The instructors are very knowledgeable and always willing to help, and the variety of courses offered is very helpful in giving a broad overview of the many different fields of law that are out there. I found it valuable that this program incorporates the history and workings of the law, to researching and writing and then gives us the tools to implement what we’ve learned through thorough training on a variety of computer programs.

Robyn Wilds