South Carolina Paralegal Schools

Many South Carolina paralegal schools have noticed a spike in applications as more prospective students take note of the rising demand for well-qualified paralegals in the state and across the nation. Legal administration, specifically in the paralegal field, is a dynamic industry that is seeing growth in all areas.

Profiles of Well Known Schools

Greenville Technical College: Under the Public Service Programs at the Greenville Technical College is the American Bar Association approved Paralegal Program – an Associate in Applied Science. This is a 64 credit hour program with classes that are offered during both day and night hours. Introduction to Law and Ethics must be completed within the first semester, and Legal Bibliography and Legal Writing are both mandatory for the second semester. The Internship for Paralegal course is optional for students, but few forgo the opportunity to gain professional experience before graduation.

Midlands Technical College: The Business and Public Service Department at Midlands Technical College in Columbia, South Carolina offers an American Bar Association approved Paralegal Associate in Applied Science and Paralegal Certificate. The AAS is a 60 credit hour, two year degree while the Paralegal Certificate is a 24 credit hour post-baccalaureate course of study. Core major courses for both plans include Introduction to Law and Ethics, Torts, Business Law I, Family Law, and Civil Litigation I. Certificate students enroll in only legal courses while AAS students must complete 18 hours of general education requirements.

How to Become a Paralegal in South Carolina

Becoming a paralegal typically involves a certain amount of study, whether in a classroom setting or in an online program. The courses offered can lead to certification, a technical degree or an advanced degree.

There are many different markets for paralegals that demand different levels of education. Some private attorneys may be satisfied with on the job training, or even desire to train the paralegal themselves, whereas large firms that handle complex litigation may require advanced schooling.

It is important for prospective students to decide what market suits them and their career goals, and approach their education with those requirements in mind. This planning will allow a student to save money, save time and engage in a program that allows them to learn in an environment they find comfortable.

Paralegal Schools in South Carolina

Some paralegal schools are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), which means they have met a certain standard of study as measured by the ABA. The ABA is the body that governs the practice of law for attorneys. Paralegals are not required to earn their degrees from ABA-approved schools, although some employers prefer it.

Students can find ABA-approved classes in South Carolina at the South University Columbia branch, Greenville Technical College in Greenville, Trident Technical College in Charleston, Horry-Georgetown Technical College in Myrtle Beach and in five other locations across the state.

For those students who do not have easy access to a campus program, or prefer more flexibility in their course of study may consider an online course. There are paralegal degrees available at Virginia College, Post University and The George Washington University.

Top Law Firms for Paralegal Graduates in South Carolina

Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP is a leading South Carolina law firm, and has been ranked by Chambers USA, US News, The Legal 500 and many others within the top bands of law practice. The firm represents clients from across the East Coast, and looks to hire diverse candidates as part of its paralegal recruiting approach. Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, LLP was founded more than 125 years ago in Winston-Salem, and still bases its business out of South Carolina. Womble Carlyle aims to provide its staff with more than a paycheck, by focusing on career development, a positive work environment, and growth opportunities. Turner Padget Graham & Laney, P.A. has been recognized by Benchmark Litigation, Chambers USA, Super Lawyers, and Best Lawyers in America as a top law firm. The firm accepts resumes from qualified paralegals.

South Carolina Paralegal Salary and Job Outlook

South Carolina’s paralegal opportunities are growing along with the rest of the nation, and the average salary in the state ranges from about $42,000 in Conway to $60,000 in Irmo. The largest market, Charleston, falls squarely in between these averages.

The state has a diverse market in legal administration and jobs are available with large firms as well as with private attorneys.

Online and South Carolina Paralegal Schools

Page Edited by Charles Sipe.