Paralegal Studies

Paralegal

Become an integral member of the legal team as a paralegal! The WCJC Paralegal Studies Program is 1 of only 13 Texas based Paralegal Studies Programs that is approved by the American Bar Association. Kickstart your legal career in just two years with hands-on training and practical experience at WCJC.

Program Details

Paralegals work under the supervision of a licensed attorney and help prepare legal documents, interviews, and other trial needs. As a paralegal, you can work in law offices, governmental agencies, and other corporate legal departments. Paralegal courses also give you a glimpse into the profession if you’re preparing for law school. Learn more about our paralegal program and find course descriptions in the WCJC Catalog.

Academic Map

The WCJC Paralegal Studies Program is an American Bar Association (ABA) approved program. Offered on the Richmond Campus, most students earn their paralegal degree in two years. By graduation, you will:

  • Possess effective oral and written communication skills
  • Exhibit professionalism
  • Exhibit proficiency in basic legal skills
  • Exhibit proficiency in general education

Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.

Career Opportunities

With an Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies, you can find a career in law firms or government offices as a:

  • Paralegal
  • Legal Assistant 
  • Legal Secretary 
  • Administrative Assistant

Find more information on Career Coach!

Be Prepared for a Career in Law

Paralegal Studies

Hear from the Program Director of Paralegal Studies about her experiences and what makes the program stand out. 

Meet the Faculty

In addition to our full-time faculty members, WCJC also has practicing attorneys as adjunct professors. Adjunct professors teach with a practical approach to legal practices. They are able to emphasize the latest techniques in their respective fields of specialization. Most of these attorneys have taught in the program for years and are highly praised by students. We are proud to have such a strong team.

Erma Hart, J.D.

Attorney at Law, Program Director, Instructor of Paralegal Studies
Dr. Erma Hart has been a WCJC faculty member for over 10 years. Dr. Hart received her Texas Law License in 1996 and has practiced law in Fort Bend, Harris, and Matagorda counties. Dr. Hart earned a B.B.A. from Prairie View A&M University and a J.D. from Texas Southern University.

Office:  Richmond Campus
Phone:  (281) 239-1555
Email:  harte@wcjc.edu 

TaQuita Hogan Claiborne, J.D.

Attorney at Law, Instructor of Paralegal Studies, Part-Time
Dr. TaQuita Hogan Claiborne has been a WCJC faculty for over 10 years. Dr. Claiborne received her Texas Law License in 2002 and has practiced in Fort Bend County, Harris County, and Rusk County. She has also practiced Federal US Immigration Law in the US and throughout the world. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas and the Fort Bend Bar Association. Dr. Claiborne earned a B.A. in Political Science/Pre-Law from University of Houston and a J.D. from Texas Southern University.

Email: Claibornet@wcjc.edu 

Additional Program Information

Archived Administrative Master Syllabi

SCANS Matrix

You can transfer up to nine hours of credit to WCJC’s Paralegal Studies Program. These can be from ABA or non-ABA-approved programs. However, you must complete at least nine legal specialty credit hours in person or in a synchronous format.

The WCJC Paralegal Studies Program is 1 of only 13 Texas based Paralegal Studies Programs that is approved by the American Bar Association.

  • Eric Ashford Attorney at Law, Houston, TX
  • Rudy Cuellar Paralegal, Traditions Bank, Houston, TX 
  • Janet Donovan HR Professional, Katy, TX
  •  Matilde Falcon Paralegal, Harris County, TX 
  • Tariq Gladney Attorney, Fort Bend County, 
  • TX Fred Guess, JD Lamar Consolidated ISD, Richmond, TX 
  • De Henderson Paralegal, Hermann Memorial Hospital, Katy, TX 
  • Rita Pattni Attorney at Law, Houston, TX 
  • James L. Perez Attorney at Law, Wharton, TX 
  • Monica Rawlins Attorney at Law, Fort Bend County, TX
  • Larry Hook Senior Vice President, First Community Credit Union, Houston, TX
  • In-District Tuition / Fees: $11,279
  • Out-of-District Tuition / Fees: $14,939
  • Out-of-State Tuition / Fees: $18,059
  • Books: $3185 (approximately)
Paralegal student

Paralegal Honor Society

LAMDA EPSILON CHI – National Honor Society in Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies – The purpose of LEX is to recognize persons who have demonstrated superior academic performance in an established program of paralegal/legal assistant studies offered at an Institutional Associate or Affiliate Member of the American Association for Paralegal Education.

Organizations
Connect with other paralegal students.
Connect with other paralegal students.
Network with practicing lawyers.
Network with practicing lawyers.
Get your professional and academic questions answered.
Get your professional and academic questions answered.
Make friends and create a community.
Make friends and create a community.

All career and technical education opportunities at Wharton County Junior College follow policies of nondiscrimination offered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or disability including those with limited English proficiency. For information, see the Public Notice Regarding Career and Technical Education Programs. 
*In addition to Wharton County Junior College Admission criteria, students must comply with additional program specific admission criteria, where applicable. 

Todas las oportunidades de formación profesional y técnica en Wharton County Junior College se rigen por políticas de no discriminación y se ofrecen sin distinción de raza, color, religión, origen nacional, sexo, edad o discapacidad, incluyendo a personas con dominio limitado del inglés. Para más información, consulte el Aviso Público sobre Programas de Formación Profesional y Técnica.
*Además de los criterios de admisión de Wharton County Junior College, los estudiantes deben cumplir con criterios de admisión adicionales específicos del programa, cuando corresponda.

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