Kentucky Paralegal Schools

If you have a desire to work in the legal field, but do not want to commit the time and resources to years of law school, there are several Kentucky paralegal schools in that can prepare you for a paralegal career in a relatively short time-frame. These campus-based and online paralegal degree programs are conveniently located in several areas of the state, and will have you ready to take on the job of a paralegal through one of a number of degree options.

Profiles of Well Known Schools

University of Louisville: The College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Louisville gives students the opportunity to pursue an Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies. This program is approved by the American Bar Association and the credits can be applied towards a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in a different, but related field. The AA is a total of 63 credit hours with 28 to 31 of those hours going towards Paralegal Studies courses. The seven professors that teach for the Paralegal Studies programs are expert legal professionals, the majority of which posses a Juris Doctor.

How to Become a Paralegal in Kentucky

A recent survey completed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) revealed that there were approximately 3,200 paralegals working in the state of Kentucky. The west central portion of the state has the second highest concentration of paralegals in a nonmetropolitan area. Kentucky was the first state that created a definition and a function for paralegals. In 1979, the Kentucky Supreme Court issued a rule that stated that all paralegals must work under the supervision of an attorney. The rule also states that paralegals need to divulge to clients that they are not actually attorneys.

The median salary for a paralegal in the state of Kentucky is $39,970.00.

Paralegal Schools in Kentucky

A number of colleges in Kentucky have been approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), which is a quality that many employers consider when they are searching for a paralegal. Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond offers a Bachelor’s and Associate’s of Arts Degree in paralegal studies. Morehead State University also offers a Bachelor’s degree in legal studies. Sullivan University has two locations – one in Lexington and one in Louisville. The Lexington program offers an Associate’s degree and the Louisville location has a Bachelor’s and Associate’s degree program, as well as offering a post-baccalaureate certificate. The University of Louisville has an Associate’s degree offering in paralegal studies, as does Western Kentucky University through Bowling Green Community College. In the past, Daymar College in Owensboro was ABA-approved, but recently, they have a probationary status by that organization.

Many individuals prefer the flexibility and convenience of online paralegal degree programs. These programs include the Associate of Science – Paralegal Studies from Virginia College and the Paralegal Certificate at Boston University.

Kentucky Paralegal Certification

The Kentucky Paralegal Association (KPA) works in tandem with the Kentucky Bar Association and the American Bar Association to promote higher standards in the state’s paralegal career field through its Certified Paralegal Program. Applicants must pass an examination and provide proof of a combination of education and experience that includes completion of an ABA-approved paralegal program or equivalent schooling, a bachelor’s degree or higher with one year of paralegal work or five (5) years of substantive paralegal work, all of which must be properly attested to and documented. Applicants must also submit a $100 application fee for the exam. Becoming a Kentucky Certified Paralegal (KCP) does not include admittance to the KPA (although membership is not necessary to be a KCP), and requires a separate application and additional terms.

Kentucky Paralegal Education Requirements

Like most states, the state of Kentucky does not have specific educational requirements for paralegals. That may change in the near future, however. The Kentucky Paralegal Association is currently developing a certification exam. This would not be a requirement for paralegals, but would be voluntary. Passage of that exam would give a paralegal certification through the Kentucky Paralegal Association. Other Kentucky paralegal associations include the Greater Lexington Paralegal Association, Inc. (NFPA) and the Western Kentucky Paralegals (NALA) which provides information for prospective and employed paralegals.

Top Law Firms for Paralegal Graduates in Kentucky

Stites & Harbison PLLC is a national law firm with a strong regional presence in the Southeastern United States. As one of the oldest law firms in the US, Stites & Harbison is also well respected, and continues to push the bar on quality legal representation. To maintain its leading position, the firm seeks out the most highly qualified candidates for its paralegal and other opportunities. Phillips Parker Orberson & Arnett PLC is a civil defense litigation firm with multiple industry recognitions. In a little over ten years, PPOA has become one of the largest law firms in Louisville overall and one of the largest law firms in Kentucky specializing in trial practice. As it is still growing, PPOA is always accepting inquiries for positions with the firm. Dressman Benzinger LaVelle PSC is a full service firm with many practice areas to keep new paralegal hires busy. Attorneys at its headquarters in Crestview Hills and offices in Ohio are admitted to practice at all levels of the US court system, offering learning opportunities for support staff.

Kentucky Paralegal Salary and Job Outlook

The average salary for paralegals in Kentucky is about $54,000, which is slightly above the national average. The outlook for this profession is positive, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected that there will be a 28% increase in the decade from 2008 – 2018.

Online and Kentucky Paralegal Schools

Kaplan University
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• Pathway to Paralegal Postbaccalaureate Certificate
• BS in Paralegal Studies
• AAS in Paralegal Studies

Kaplan Career Institute
Campuses: 1Nashville
Popular Degrees:

• Certificate: General Practice Paralegal
• Associate of Applied Science: Paralegal

Penn Foster Schools
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• Paralegal
• Legal Secretary

Stratford Career Institute
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• Legal Assistant/Paralegal

Beckfield College
Campuses: 1Cincinnati
Popular Degrees:

• Paralegal-Associate
• Paralegal Studies-Certificate

Concord Law School
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• Executive J.D. SM Program
• Juris Doctor Program

Keiser University
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• Legal Studies, BA (Online)
• Paralegal Studies, AA (Online)

Walden University
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• B.S. in Political Science & Public Administration - Law and Legal Studies

Post University
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• B.S. in Legal Studies - Law and Technology
• A.S. in Legal Studies
• B.S. in Legal Studies - Law Office Administration

California University of Pennsylvania
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• Master of Science in Legal Studies: Law and Public Policy
• Bachelor of Arts in Jurisprudence: Legal Studies

Paralegal Schools in Kentucky

Brown Mackie College (Fort Mitchell, KY; Hopkinsville, KY; Louisville, KY)
Paralegal Degrees Offered:
Associate of Applied Business | Paralegal
Diploma | Paralegal Assistant

Daymar College (Bellevue, KY; Louisville, KY; Newport, KY; Owensboro, KY; Paducah, KY; Scottsville, KY)
Paralegal Degrees Offered:
Certificate | Paralegal
Certificate | Paralegal (online program)
Diploma | Paralegal
Diploma | Paralegal (online program)

Eastern Kentucky University (Richmond, KY)
Paralegal Degrees Offered:
Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal Studies
Bachelor of Arts | Paralegal Science
Certificate | Paralegal Science

Morehead State University (Morehead, KY)
Paralegal Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Arts | Paralegal Studies

Sullivan University (Louisville, KY)
Paralegal Degrees Offered:
Associate of Science | Paralegal Studies
Bachelor of Science | Paralegal Studies
Certificate | Paralegal Studies
Diploma | Legal Administrative Assistant
Post Baccalaureate Certificate | Paralegal Studies

University of Louisville (Louisville, KY)
Paralegal Degrees Offered:
Associate of Arts | Paralegal Studies

Western Kentucky University (Bowling Green, KY)
Paralegal Degrees Offered:
Associate of Arts | Legal Studies

Student Review: “My experience while enrolled in paralegal studies at WKU were nothing but positive. The class schedules were flexible which helped me work full-time even while I was in school. Additionally, the community of Bowling Green is full of opportunities for students to enrich their overall experience. One of my favorite classes was family law. My professor was so funny and energetic, and I could tell that she had a passion for teaching. This made me excited about my future and at ease with my decision to pursue this type of certification. All programs, regardless of a university’s reputation, have negatives sides to them, though. One thing that I disliked about the paralegal program was the admission requirements. I had studied at another college prior to my enrollment at WKU; some of the classes from that institution did not transfer.” -Will H., student at Western Kentucky University

Page Edited by Charles Sipe.