For 45 years, °µÍø½ûÇøÆƽâ°æ’s established program has helped students like you make an immediate impact in a law firm, company or social justice organization.
Add a paralegal certificate to your undergraduate degree to change careers, prepare for law school or expand your job opportunities.
°µÍø½ûÇøÆƽâ°æ's certificate in paralegal studies is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). The ABA has an intensive review process, which means that your courses will be relevant, high quality and well-rounded.
Study with practicing attorneys, experienced paralegals and a Cook County Circuit Court Judge.
The goal of the program is to provide education and training that prepares students for the paralegal profession. The following objectives support this goal.
Whether you’re landing your first job or changing careers, you’ll have help finding a role in a growing job market. Take advantage of our online job site, one-on-one career advising, workshops and career manual. Gain experience while in the program as an intern with law firms and organizations throughout Chicago. Some recent internship sponsors include:
For the first time in program history, you can earn your certificate fully online. You must take at least nine semester hours of courses with live instruction over Zoom.
Employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 14% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. The average Illinois salary is $60,920.
Choose a program that works for your budget. The °µÍø½ûÇøÆƽâ°æ certificate is an affordable option for aspiring paralegals.
The program can be completed fully online in 9 – 16 months. We have both full-time and part-time online schedules allowing students who work full-time the option to take 1 to 2 courses at a time. Full-time students can take more classes per semester and complete their certificate in 9 months.
If you prefer in-person classes, we offer daytime classes at our Chicago Campus. Full-time students can complete the program in Chicago in 9 months. The Chicago classes can also be completed on a part-time basis. Certain classes are offered on Saturdays at our Schaumburg Campus.
We can help you choose a schedule that works best for you!
Allison Wolcott, Paralegal Studies Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program
Paralegal, The Prinz Law Firm
Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
According to ABA Guidelines, students must take at least nine semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction.