Oregon Paralegal Schools

There are few well-paying careers that have seen higher than average job growth, but Oregon paralegal schools help students get into one of them by offering the opportunity to earn a paralegal degree. Paralegal positions are expected to increase by roughly 30 percent between 2008 and 2018 nationwide. Oregon paralegals have one of the highest starting salaries for professional positions, and the ability to do a variety of work assisting attorneys.

Profiles of Well Known Schools

Pioneer Pacific College: Pioneer Pacific College offers an American Bar Association approved Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies at the Wilsonville and Clackamas campuses. This program is typically completed within 70 academic weeks and includes a 180 hour internship. The required core major courses include those covering criminal law, legal research, legal writing, civil procedures, and business law. Pioneer Pacific College has a partnership with MonsterTRAK in order to provide students with online notices of new job and internship opportunities.

Portland Community College: Portland Community College has two American Bar Association approved paralegal programs: an Associate of Applied Science and a Certificate. The AAS is a 90 hour degree with 45 hours set aside for paralegal classes while the Certificate is a 45 hour limited-admission course of study. Both AAS and Certificate students must complete Introduction to Law (Fundamentals, Substantive Areas, and Ethics), Techniques of Interview, Legal Software, Legal Research and Library Use, Computer Research in Law, and Applied Legal Research and Drafting. Specialized courses span from Estate Planning to Income Tax Law, as well as from Immigration Law to Corporate Law Practice.

How to Become a Paralegal in Oregon

According to an employment survey performed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are more than 2,000 paralegals practicing in the state of Oregon. There are no set regulatory standards for the training or the education of a paralegal in this state. An aspiring paralegal can enter workforce by receiving an educational certification or by receiving on the job training. As with most other states, a paralegal must work under the direct tutelage of an attorney. This attorney also accepts the responsibility of the professional actions of the paralegal. The attorney must also make sure that the ethics and confidentiality measures are followed.

The median salary for Oregon paralegals is $52,270.00.

Coursework for Oregon Paralegal Schools

Coursework for aspiring paralegals in Oregon begin with an introduction to legal prospects, computerized research and witness interviews. Additional coursework focuses on common areas or the practice of law including probate practice and real estate issues. Torts and personal injury law, as well as corporate legal guidelines flesh out the basic understanding of most legal assisting needs. Further electives generally include specialized concepts like intellectual property law and family law, as well as internships for on-the-job application of the skills learned at Oregon paralegal schools.

Paralegal Schools in Oregon

A number of Oregon paralegal schools offer the ability to gain the skills and education needed to become a paralegal in the state. American Bar Association certification means that schools have met national standards. The only ABA-certified Oregon paralegal school is Portland Community College with Cascade and Central campuses. It offers two-year associate’s degrees in paralegal studies as well as certificate options for those who already have some schooling. For aspiring paralegals who do not live near an on-campus paralegal program or prefer the added flexibility and convenience of online programs can consider options like the online Paralegal Certificate program at Boston University or the Bachelor of Science – Paralegal Studies program at Virginia College.

Top Law Firms for Paralegal Graduates in Oregon

National firm Stoel Rives LLP maintains its largest practice in Oregon, which is also the largest law practice in Oregon. Stoel Rives’ attorneys focus on corporate and industrial law, and within this scope the firm can handle nearly any litigation or transaction. This firm offers competitive benefits and a commitment to recognizing the contributions of its professional staff. Dunn, Carney, Allen, Higgins & Tongue, LLP is another of Oregon’s largest law firms, with over 70 years in business. Dunn Carney relies on paralegals to supplement the work of its attorneys in providing quality, cost-effective service, and consistently solicits resumes. Harrang Long Gray Rudnick P.C. has been ranked by US News as one of the nation’s best law firms. The scope of its practice is broad, offering paralegals the opportunity to work within many areas of the law.

Oregon Paralegal Salary and Job Outlook

Job growth noted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics isn’t the only reason Oregon paralegal aspirants can expect significant increases in employment prospects. Law firms have continued to reduce their reliance on attorneys for many tasks outside of courthouse representation, meaning more potential responsibilities for paralegals. Salaries are significant, with average pay over $50,000 and more than 75 percent of Oregon paralegals making more than $36,000 each year.

Online and Oregon Paralegal Schools

Page Edited by Charles Sipe.