College of DuPage offers a wide range of academic resources and student activities geared toward Legal Studies students to help you succeed in your studies and get involved on campus.
Academic and Career Pathways
The following is an overview of program requirements and program maps.
Legal Studies Practicum: Real-World Experience
All Legal Studies students are required to complete a 120-hour internship before graduating. This hands-on experience helps you:
- Apply legal knowledge in a real law setting
- Gain supervised paralegal experience
(Approximately eight hours per week during fall or spring semester) - Work directly under the supervision of an attorney
- Make your mark by adding your first legal experience to your resume
- Strengthen your professional profile and develop practical skills through supportive, career-focused course content
It’s more than an internship—it’s your launchpad into the legal field!
Legal Studies Organizations
Join a paralegal club on campus or network through a professional organization.
The following organizations offer opportunities for Legal Studies students to connect and get involved in the student community as well as distinguish themselves academically.
Paralegal Club
All Legal Studies students are welcome to join the Paralegal Club. Contact Linda Jenkins for more information.
Lambda Epsilon Chi (LEX)
LEX is the National Honor Society for paralegal students.
The following professional and educational organizations can provide worthwhile career and employment information for paralegal students:
- American Bar Association
- College Central Network Services for College of DuPage
- Illinois Paralegal Association
- National Association of Legal Assistants
- National Federation of Paralegal Associations
The resource information listed on this page is available in COD's Library College and Career Information Center.