Law & Order: Your Paralegal Path
Help shape the future of justice, one case at a time.
Work behind the scenes as an integral part of the legal system. Owens’ Paralegal Transfer Concentration, AA is an affordable step toward a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies. Paralegals conduct research, draft documents and ensure clients receive fair representation.
Your work assisting attorneys will directly impact lives—from guiding families through custody disputes to supporting businesses in complex transactions. From investigating facts to preparing trial materials, you’ll build the foundation for a career where precision meets purpose and every day brings meaningful challenges.
Qualities of successful paralegals:
- Logical: Analyze complex legal information and present it clearly and professionally.
- Meticulous: Precision in documents, deadlines and case management to keep legal work accurate, organized and on track.
- Tact: Trusted to handle highly sensitive client information with the highest ethical standards.
Small Classes. Expert Guidance.
Our instructors are experts who take pride in your success. Combined with our small class sizes, you’ll get one-on-one mentorship and precise technical feedback tailored to your goals.
Award Type
Associate of Arts (AA)
Department
Department of Business Technologies
Required Credit Hours
61-64
The Path Ahead
86%
OCC alumni employed two years after graduation
2
Years of full-time study
$9,294
Average net price for students, below the national average for 2-year colleges
Legal Principles to Practical Application
Throughout all four semesters, you’ll select arts, humanities, science and social electives tailored to your paralegal career goals and transfer requirements. In your first semester, you’ll sharpen writing and critical thinking skills essential to the legal field while building technical proficiency in standard business applications.
As you progress into your second semester, you’ll gain a fundamental understanding of legal principles, including business law, litigation and contracts. You’ll develop an understanding of legal research, writing and case analysis—skills essential for drafting legal documents, memoranda and correspondence. You’ll also be introduced to the technology used in modern law offices, including legal research databases and document management systems.
During your third semester, you’ll delve into business and law applications, including financial accounting, the legal environment of business and business and professional communication. You’ll begin to understand the inner workings of legal offices through law practice management.
In your fourth semester, you’ll strengthen quantitative reasoning and analysis skills while studying human resource management, rounding out your comprehensive understanding of the business and legal environment.
This robust curriculum will ensure you’re academically prepared and equipped with the objective evaluation and problem-solving skills that law programs demand, while providing a strong foundation for transfer to a four-year institution.
If you prefer to seek employment immediately upon graduation rather than continue for a bachelor’s degree, consider Owens’ Legal Assistant Technology, AAB program, which is designed specifically for career entry.
Career Outcomes
By graduation, you’ll earn a well-rounded associate degree that combines a rigorous academic foundation with practical paralegal skills—preparing you for success in legal offices and beyond.
Through Owens’ partnership with the University of Toledo, the Paralegal Transfer Concentration AA seamlessly transfers into the University of Toledo’s Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies program. As part of this pathway, you’ll co-enroll with the University of Toledo and complete two required courses there, available either on campus or through live online delivery.
Paralegals are in high demand nationwide, with opportunities available in law firms, corporations, government agencies, healthcare organizations and nonprofits. You can specialize in many areas of law—including litigation, family law, corporate law and criminal law—or use your degree as a stepping stone toward law school.
Explore the employment data to understand trends in our area.
In Their Words
“At Owens I formed great relationships with many of my professors. I asked them if I can still communicate with them after I graduate and they said, ‘Oh, of course!’ I felt a sense of community and family here that not many schools have.”
Brittany LeGare, Paralegal, ’24
Getting Started at Owens
Begin your high-quality education at an affordable price today!
Enrollment is easy—just fill out an online admissions application to get started. We’ll ask you to submit your transcripts for course placement and college credit.
Upon acceptance, schedule a meeting with your admissions advisor to register for classes. Next, attend an on-campus orientation and meet with your student financial services advisor to discuss ways to pay for college.