Are you interested in working side-by-side with attorneys as a paralegal in a law firm, corporation or court setting? Do you dream of becoming an attorney?
If you want to become a paralegal, AACC's Legal Studies Institute offers degree and certificate programs in Paralegal Studies that are approved by the American Bar Association. We are one of only four Maryland colleges to have earned that coveted designation – a designation that can help you land your ideal job.
If you want to be an attorney, the Legal Studies Institute has a pathway for you to achieve that goal. By taking our Law and Jurisprudence Pre-Law degree program, you can transfer to a four-year college or university and then go on to law school.
Our courses are taught by experienced and distinguished legal professionals including attorneys, judges, paralegals and mediators. We provide programming that fits into your busy life by offering classes in traditional, online and hybrid formats at various times and locations. If you enroll as a full-time student in our accelerated Paralegal Studies certificate program, you can graduate in just two terms!
If you are a professional already working as a paralegal, attorney or mediator, the institute can provide noncredit continuing legal education programming to enhance your job skills and knowledge. Contact us today to learn more!
Note: Paralegals may not provide legal services to the public except as permitted by law. Students must take at least nine-term credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction.
The Legal Studies Institute is proud to offer associate degrees and credit certificates in:
The institute also provides continuing legal education seminars for practicing attorneys, mediators, paralegals and other legal professionals who want to enhance their legal and mediation skills or learn more about a particular legal or mediation topic.
Erin Gable, Esq., director
410-777-2839
[email protected]
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Mary Bachkosky, J.D., associate professor
410-777-1391
[email protected]
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Kymberly Jackson, J.D., associate professor
410-777-2295
[email protected]
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Lonni Summers, J.D., assistant professor
410-777-2936
[email protected]
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John Wocjik, J.D., assistant professor
410-777-1158
[email protected]
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Erin Gable, Esq., director and instructional specialist
410-777-2839
[email protected]
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Jennifer Benyock, office manager
410-777-7323
[email protected]
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The following scholarships are available for students in the Legal Studies Institute. For information visit the AACC Scholarships page.
Established in honor of Edwin J. Lasner, this scholarship provides assistance to eligible students who are actively pursuing studies in the Paralegal Studies program.
This scholarship was established in memory of Lynne Wood, who was an assistant professor and founder of the Paralegal Studies program at AACC. She was also a special inspiration to those students who learned to have confidence in themselves as she helped them transform their lives through education.
Monna Gayle Clark, J.D. was a full, tenured professor of law at AACC for 40 years. She was a master teacher of legal ethics and was interested in the subject of ethics in general. She worked with AACC students who were involved with the Ethics Bowl, and she coached many AACC Ethics Bowl teams.
Established in memory of Sen. John A. Cade, this scholarship provides assistance to students who have interest in pursuing studies related to legislation.
The institute also offers a comprehensive internship program providing real-life legal work experience that can lead to full-time employment. As a Legal Studies program student, you have access to an on-site law library, in-depth training on the Maryland Electronic Filing System and an array of legal software including CLIO, WestlawNext and LexisAdvance. All of these resources will add to your knowledge and marketability in the ever-growing legal job market.
AACC's Paralegal Studies students are fortunate to have, on site in Arnold, two areas in which to do legal research: The Lynn Wood Law Library in the Careers Center and the college’s main library, Truxal Library. The Lynn Wood Law Library resources include the Maryland Reporter, Maryland Appellate Reports, Maryland Annotated Code, Maryland Digest, Maryland Law Encyclopedia and Maryland Rules.
Students with 14 credits under their belt who meet the prerequisites can get started in the legal field with paid and unpaid internships arranged by the Legal Studies Institute. Strengthen your internship experience by enrolling in "Paralegal Internship" (LGS-275) and don’t be surprised if your internship with a private law firm, the State’s Attorney’s Office for Anne Arundel County, Maryland’s Office of the Public Defender, the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County or other legal service providers or agencies leads to a salaried position. For information contact the Legal Studies office at 410-777-7323.
Struggling with a legal topic or need help with your legal writing and analysis? Take advantage of the Legal Studies Institute’s online tutoring, available during flexible times. Tutoring is provided by attorneys and instructors.
Following your tutoring session, please be sure to fill out our confidential tutoring evaluation form. Once you've filled out the form, you can email it to your tutor.
Increase your marketability by learning billing and case management software in addition to the Microsoft Office Suite. Become proficient with CLIO, WestlawNext and LexisAdvance, and the Maryland Electronic Filing System (MDEC).
Outside the classroom, your learning experience is enhanced through extracurricular events and activities offered by the Legal Studies Institute. Students take part in the Paralegal Forum, Forum on the Judiciary, mock trials, speaker series and the Legal Studies Student Club.
Gain insight into what it's like to be a working paralegal, or grab some tips on how to get hired from former students. Network with legal professionals beforehand, and maybe even leave a résumé or two behind.
Hear from a variety of distinguished legal professionals such as the members of the Court of Appeals, Department of Justice, the Baltimore Police Commissioner, domestic violence advocates and practicing attorneys on topics like the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DCAC), criminal and social justice in law enforcement, and domestic violence, to name just a few.
Where else can you learn about a single topic from judges from each level of the Maryland Judiciary, a federal judge and a magistrate all in one evening? Join a packed house of legal professionals, students and community members each spring for this event.
Students from the day and evening sections of Civil Procedure (LGS-170) prepare a lawsuit throughout the term and hold a mock trial with a sitting judge in the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County. What a great way to experience being in court and practicing what you've learned all term.
Get free legal advice on topics including family law, landlord/tenant disputes, business, general civil, employment, and estates and trusts. Walk-ins are welcome and appointments are available. Visit the Legal Self-Help Clinic page for more information.
Judah Contreras tried studying German, then Spanish, then on a whim, jumped to law and jurisprudence. He found his calling and an opportunity to serve his community.
Read Judah's Story