Associate of Applied Science Degree in Legal Support and Services
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Associate’s in Legal Support and Services Overview
Employment of legal support occupations is growing fast. Come back stronger, ready to meet the demand, with an online associate’s degree from Purdue Global, the largest online university provider of legal support services programs in the U.S.
- Prepare to provide legal services and support not only in law firms, but also in corporations, health care institutions, and a wide range of fields and settings.
- Build foundational knowledge of the law and study legal administrative topics such as legal research and writing, civil litigation, legal ethics, torts, and various legal disciplines.
- Gain real-world experience through an internship option that complements your classroom studies.
- Prepare to sit for professional paralegal certifications.
Gain Skills You Can Use Right Away
- Analyze data necessary to assist clients.
- Identify and gather information.
- Communicate with diverse stakeholders.
- Draft and organize information for litigation.
- Prepare documents used in legal proceedings.
- Prepare materials for submission to regulatory agencies.
Faculty With Industry Experience
Learn from faculty who offer real-world expertise in legal services, law, and policy. They know what it takes to advance your career in this field and ensure your studies cover the latest developments in the field.
Purdue Global Is Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
The HLC (HLCommission.org) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
See Notes and Conditions below for important information.
Calculate Your Time and Cost
Estimate how much your prior learning credits can reduce your tuition and time to graduation.
What Courses Will I Take?
The core curriculum builds fundamental knowledge of the law and prepares you with the professional competencies to assist during legal proceedings or investigations.
In your first course, you’ll develop your degree plan with a faculty member to align your degree path with your career outcomes. Your program will culminate with a capstone course that builds upon all the courses taken in the program.
Sample Courses
- Legal Research and Writing
- Civil Litigation
- Legal Ethics
- Introduction to Torts
- Family Law
Program Requirements
1 semester credit hour = 1.5 quarter credit hours
3-Week Trial
Not sure if Purdue Global is right for you? Try an undergraduate program for an introductory 3-week trial period.
There’s no financial obligation and no cost to apply. That’s the Purdue Global Commitment.
Students who choose to continue at Purdue Global will be billed for the full first term's tuition, including the 3-week trial. See Notes and Conditions below.
Admissions Requirements
You must be a high school graduate or possess a General Educational Development (GED) certificate or other equivalency diploma. You must also complete orientation before you start classes.
Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.
Upcoming Start Dates
We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.
Take the Next Step in Your Education and Career
Prepare for the Certified Paralegal Examination
The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) recognizes the Associate of Applied Science in Legal Support and Services as meeting the coursework criteria for eligibility to sit for the Certified Paralegal Examination.
Get a Head Start on Your Next Degree
By completing the associate’s degree in legal support and services, you’ll not only earn a valuable credential to make an immediate impact on your career, but you’ll also lay the groundwork for your next degree. Transfer your associate’s degree into a Purdue Global bachelor's degree in legal support and services, covering half of the program’s requirements.
Engage With Fellow Students
When you earn your degree from Purdue Global, you join an active and diverse alumni community.
Students enrolled in the associate’s degree program are invited to join organizations such as the Purdue Global Law Society for further networking and educational opportunities.
See Notes and Conditions below for important information.
Ways to Save on Time and Tuition
Purdue Global works with students to find ways to reduce costs and make education more accessible. Contact us to learn about opportunities to save on your educational costs.
Transfer Credits
Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.
Prior Work Experience Reduction
You could earn undergraduate credit for your life and professional career experiences.
Financial Aid
Learn about federal financial aid programs available for many of our degree programs.
Grants and Loans
Learn about federal and state grants and loan programs that may be available.
Corporate Partner Benefits
Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions.
Military Tuition Reduction
Undergraduate tuition savings for military include a 55% reduction per credit for current servicemembers and 38% per credit for veterans.
Prior Military Experience
Earn credit for your military training. The average Purdue Global military graduate was awarded 62% of the credits needed for an associate and 45% of the credits needed for a bachelor's.
View the total cost of attendance for your program.
Possible Behavioral Interview Questions for This Field of Study
- Can you describe a time when a colleague or team member was not meeting their responsibilities on a shared project? How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?
- How do you prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities in a demanding role? Can you give an example of how you stayed organized and met a critical deadline?
- Describe a time when you had to draft a legal document (e.g., a brief, memorandum, or contract clause). How did you make sure your writing was clear, concise, and legally sound?
- Can you share a time when you had to explain a legal concept or process to someone without a legal background? How did you ensure they understood, and how did they respond?
- Give an example of a situation where you had access to sensitive or confidential information. How did you handle it, and what steps did you take to uphold ethical and legal standards?
Sample Skills Developed and Used in This Field
- Administrative Support
- Docketing (Court)
- Workflow Management
- Legal Support
- Communication
- Detail Oriented
- Filing
- Writing
- Law Practice Management Software
- Ethical Standards and Conduct
- Verbal Communication Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Legal Research
- Problem Solving
Download the Program Brochure
Download our brochure to learn more about the Online Associate of Applied Science in Legal Support and Services and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global. Prepare yourself for success with an associate’s degree in legal support and services.
Get to Know Our Faculty
Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.
Faculty members who have advanced degrees
Faculty members who have terminal degrees
Faculty publications in 2024–2025
Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2024–2025
Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school- or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, August 2025. 2024–2025 academic year.