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Angelina College’s Paralegal (Legal Assistant) program trains students to become the indispensable right hand of legal teams.
Students will master legal research, document drafting, and courtroom procedures.
Whether switching careers or sharpening workplace skills, the program balances practical hands-on training with core legal theory to confidently support attorneys in civil, criminal, and administrative settings.
About the School
Location
Angelina College is a public community college based in Lufkin, Texas, offering more than 80 degrees, certificates, and workforce credentials.
Mission
The college emphasizes small class sizes and career-focused programs across business, technology, health, and public services.
Its campus resources and advising support help paralegal students transition quickly into legal-support roles.
Program Structure and Curriculum
The Paralegal program (often listed as Legal Assistant / A.A.S. in Paralegal) combines general education requirements with technical paralegal coursework.
Students take classes in legal research and writing, civil litigation, contracts, family law, and practical office technology, such as word processing and legal software.
Course Breakdown
First Year
- First Semester: Student Development, Introduction to Law and the Legal Professions, Wills, Trusts, & Probate Administration, Legal Research, Business Report Writing & Correspondence, Composition I
- Second Semester: Civil Litigation, Advanced Research & Writing, Legal Ethics, Nutrition & Diet Therapy, Theater Appreciation
- Summer Term: Interpersonal Communication, Federal Government
Second Year
- First Semester: Wills, Trusts, & Probate Administration, General Psychology, Legal Writing, Family Law
- Second Semester: Real Property, Criminal Law & Procedure, Advanced Criminal Law, Torts & Personal Injury Law, Practicum for Paralegal
Delivery Modes and Scheduling
Angelina College offers a mix of in-person and technology-enhanced courses depending on the term and enrollment.
Specific paralegal course scheduling may vary each semester.
The School of Business & Technology and the program page list contact information for instructors and success coaches for the most current offerings and evening or hybrid class options.
Prospective students should check the current term schedule or speak with an advisor to confirm delivery mode.
Pros and Cons of the Paralegal Program
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Career-focused curriculum that emphasizes practical skills like (legal writing, research, and document prep. | Course availability can be term-dependent, and some specialized electives may not run every semester. |
| Small class sizes and campus supports, such as advising and career services). | As with many community-college paralegal programs, the degree does not itself confer licensure |
| Multiple award options (A.A.S., certificates) that suit full-time students and working adults. | Job success depends on experience and local employer expectations. |
How to Apply / Next Steps
Angelina College simplifies admission with a general college application.
Typical steps include:
- Submit admissions application
- Complete placement/assessment if required (TSIA2)
- Meet with an advisor or program instructor
- Register for classes.
The program page lists a short “3 Steps to Apply” and encourages prospective students to contact the Business & Technology Success Coach or the lead instructor for guidance.
Contact Information
The Paralegal program page lead contacts are Dawn Shapaka (lead instructor), who students can email at dshapaka@angelina.edu, and Kelli Kirkpatrick (optional instructor meeting), who can be emailed at kkirkpatrick@angelina.edu, 936-633-5447.
Students can also contact general admissions at (936) 633-5210 or admissions@angelina.edu, or reach out to the main campus at 3500 South First Street, Lufkin, TX 75901, with a main phone number of (936) 639-1301.
| Angelina College: Key Details | |
|---|---|
| Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
| Location | 3500 S First St Lufkin, TX, 75904 |
| Website | https://www.angelina.edu/ |
| Phone | +1 936-639-1301 |
| On Campus? | Yes |
| Online? | Yes |
| Program Length | 2 Years |
| Student Rating | 96 / 100 based on 6 student reviews |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Angelina’s paralegal program an A.A.S. degree or only a certificate?
The program offers an Associate of Applied Science (Paralegal/Legal Assistant) as well as related certificate options.
Prospective students should check the catalog for specific credit-hour requirements and sequence.
Can I take paralegal classes online or in the evening?
Delivery modes vary by semester, with some courses offered in hybrid or evening formats.
Contact the Business & Technology Success Coach or lead instructor to see the current schedule.
Will the program prepare me to work in both civil and criminal law firms?
Yes, the core coursework covers civil litigation, legal research, and practical skills useful across many practice areas.
There are additional electives available that can broaden exposure, and practical experience and internships strengthen employability.
I’m currently studying in Angelina and I’m happy with my experience. Definitely happy since I met my boyfriend there and our mentors are very friendly and not intimidating.
I’m looking into enrolling next semester and wanted to pursue paralegal in Angelina. I’ll contact them after the holidays for more information.
My friend recommended Angelina to me yesterday, after I opened up to her about wanting to go to college and possibly pursue a career as a paralegal. Thanks for the info!
My uncle is a lawyer at a local firm and recommended Angelina College. He’s in full support with me rather than my parents. So, I think I’ll go with this one.
I submitted an admissions application last month and it turned out great! They emailed me the results and I chose to study this coming school year.
I liked how the overview explained the structure of the Associate of Applied Science paralegal programs and the types of classes students take, like civil litigations, legal research, family, law and criminal law. The practicum requirements stood out since it gives students real workplace exposure.