Oklahoma Paralegal Schools

Oklahoma paralegal schools offer specialized paralegal degree programs that enable aspiring paralegals to enter the legal field without the seven years required to become an attorney. Job prospects are strong for graduates of Oklahoma paralegal schools, with good income possibilities.

Profiles of Well Known Schools

University of Oklahoma: The Department of Legal Assistant Education within the University of Oklahoma Law Center offers a competitive, American Bar Association certified Legal Assistant Certificate. This program is designed to supplement an existing or in-progress associates or bachelors degree. 40 credit hours of general education courses must be completed in addition to the legal-specialty courses if the student does not already possess a degree. The core courses include Introduction to Law, Legal Analysis, Legal Research, Legal Writing, Professional Ethics, and Computerized Legal Research. The elective courses leave room for students to pursue one or more of many specializations such as Oil and Gas Law, Trusts/ Wills, Workers’ Compensation, and Environmental Law.

University of Tulsa: The Division of Continuing Education at the University of Tulsa has an American Bar Association approved Certificate in Paralegal Studies. This course of study is designed for individuals who have a degree from an accredited institution of higher education under their belts. The program’s professors and instructors are employed by the College of Law and are top-rated professionals in the legal field. Being located just two miles from downtown Tulsa, students enrolled in the internship course have plenty of options regarding which offices or organizations they can build up field experience work hours.

Coursework at Oklahoma Paralegal Schools

Legal research and writing are critical for successful Oklahoma paralegals, so much of the first year at a two-year or four-year program is spent on introductory coursework. reading court cases and developing research and writing skills. Oklahoma paralegal aspirants also learn about civil and criminal procedures before moving onto topics like bankruptcy, wills and trusts and contracts. Additional coursework in torts and witness interviewing are also common. Elective internships are also available, allowing Oklahoma students to learn how to apply their paralegal skills in real world situations.

Paralegal Schools in Oklahoma

Many Oklahoma paralegal schools are community colleges, offering two-year associate’s degree programs in paralegal studies or certificate options for those with some schooling. One benchmark of the quality is certification by the American Bar Association, indicating that Oklahoma paralegal schools have met national standards. Among the ABA-certified Oklahoma schools are East Central University in Ada with a four-year bachelor’s degree option, Rose State College in Midwest City with a two-year paralegal studies associate’s degree and both the University of Oklahoma in Norman and the University of Tulsa, which offer certificate programs. For individuals seeking greater flexibility and convenience online paralegal degree programs include the online Paralegal Certificate program at Boston University and the Bachelor of Science – Paralegal Studies program at Virginia College.

Top Law Firms for Paralegal Graduates in Oklahoma

Crowe & Dunlevy has been a respected name in the Oklahoma legal practice for over 100 years. The firm has been highly ranked by Chambers USA and Best Lawyers, among others, and its attorneys hold various distinguished memberships and positions outside of the firm. Crowe & Dunlevy is interested in hearing from applicants with excellent academic achievement who wish to assist the firm in providing quality service to its clients. Hall, Estill, Hardwick, Gable, Golden & Nelson, P.C. works in litigation and transaction, with two offices in Oklahoma. Hall Estill recognizes the contributions made by paralegals to its practice and regularly recruits new paralegals for its open positions. GableGotwals Counsel has offices in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, from which its attorneys service clients in the full spectrum of legal needs. GableGotwals maintains an open recruiting schedule so that it can hire the best possible paralegals whenever the right candidate becomes available.

Oklahoma Paralegal Salary and Job Outlook

More than three-quarters of Oklahoma paralegals make more than $29,000 per year, including a number of first-year paralegal school graduates. There’s opportunity for advancement for graduates of Oklahoma paralegal schools, with the average wage about $43,000, according to recent Bureau of Labor Statistics. If paralegals are looking for career growth, law firms may be the biggest option but they aren’t the only one. The others are businesses with finance and legal departments, government agencies and non-profits.

Online and Oklahoma Paralegal Schools

Page Edited by Charles Sipe.