Illinois Paralegal Schools

Illinois boasts great prospects for employment and pay for those interested in becoming a paralegal in the state. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists Illinois as having one of the top employment levels of paralegals in the United States, and jobs growth for paralegals and legal assistants is expected to remain strong over the coming decade.^1,2 These are some of the many reasons why it makes good sense for prospective paralegals in Illinois to consider a paralegal degree.

There are quite a few options for structured paralegal education programs in Illinois, many of which are American Bar Association-approved programs. Throughout the state, one can find campus-based and online paralegal programs leading to two-year degrees, four-year degrees, and certificates.

How to Become a Paralegal in Illinois

Becoming a paralegal in Illinois can be achieved through work experience and/ or completion of a structured paralegal education program. Most paralegals in Illinois have completed at least an associate's degree program, usually in paralegal studies or a related subject. Employers also look favorably on voluntary national certification programs offered by organizations such as the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) or NALA.

Illinois Paralegal Salary and Job Outlook

The job outlook for a paralegal in Illinois is strong. Projections Central estimates that jobs growth for Illinois paralegals will reach 15.6% through 2026.² The average annual salary for paralegals in Illinois was $57,180 per year as of May 2018.¹ About 13,540 paralegals were employed in the state in 2018.¹ Paralegals who have formal education are the best positioned to compete for available jobs, and will also have greater negotiating power for higher salaries.

Profiles of Well-Known Schools in Illinois

Loyola University Chicago: The Institute for Paralegal Studies at Loyola University Chicago has a top-rated, American Bar Association-approved certificate in paralegal studies program. This program consists of a total of 24 credit hours, with 14 hours of foundation courses, six hours of concentration courses, and four hours of electives. Students are able to choose from three different concentrations: Civil Litigation, Corporate/Commercial Transactions, and Corporate/Real Estate. Over two dozen legal professionals, including current and former attorneys and judges, teach for the Institute for Paralegal Studies.

Illinois State University-Normal: The Department of Politics and Government at Illinois State University has an American Bar Association-approved paralegal training program. Students are required to complete 24 credit hours of Legal Studies courses in addition to university core classes. The fundamental courses include Introduction to Law for Paralegals, Legal Research I and II, and Litigation I and II. Five out of the three dozen faculty members specialize in Legal Studies, many of whom possess a Juris Doctor.

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale: The American Bar Association-approved Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies program at Southern Illinois University (SIU) prepares graduates to become effective paralegals in a variety of work environments. In addition to core courses that expose students to fundamental topics in legal studies, those enrolled in the program can take electives such as Labor and Employment Law; International Law; and Criminal Law and Procedure. New students are mentored by senior-year paralegal majors to ease the transition into the program. In addition, all faculty who teach courses in the paralegal studies program are licensed attorneys. Students may also minor in paralegal studies at SIU, although the minor program is not intended to prepare students for paralegal careers and is not ABA-approved.

Top Law Firms for Paralegal Graduates in Illinois

• Brinks Gilson & Lione is one of the top thirty largest law firms in Illinois, with attorneys practicing throughout the state. Brinks recently received recognition from the Minority Corporate Counsel Association for its focus on creating an inclusive working environment. Brinks seeks paralegals with outstanding academic performance and strong communication skills.
• International firm Sidley Austin LLP has offices in Chicago, where it has maintained an office for over 140 years. Now one of the largest, oldest, and most respected law firms in the state, Sidley Austin offers competitive benefits and compensation with bonuses and generous paid leave.
• Clifford Law Offices is one of the top-ranked personal injury attorney firms in Illinois and has been recognized by US News in its Best Law Firm Guide. The firm regularly uses top-of-the-line technology in its trial responses, requiring paralegal support for research and preparation.

Paralegal Schools and Programs in Illinois

An asterisk indicates that one or more of the school's programs have been approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).

City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington (Chicago)*
Associate in Applied Science | Paralegal

City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright (Chicago)
Associate in Applied Science | Paralegal

College of DuPage (Glen Ellyn)*
Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal Studies
Certificate | Paralegal Studies

College of Lake County (Grayslake)*
Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal Studies
Certificate | Paralegal Studies

Elgin Community College (Elgin)*
Associate of Applied Science | Legal Office Professional
Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal
Vocational Certificate | Legal Office Assistant
Vocational Certificate | Paralegal

Harper College (Palatine)
Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal Studies
Certificate | Paralegal Studies

Illinois Central College (East Peoria)*
Bachelor of Arts | Legal Studies
Bachelor of Science | Legal Studies
Associate in Applied Science | Paralegal
Minor | Legal Studies
Post-Degree Certificate | Paralegal

Illinois State University (Normal)*
Post-baccelaureate Certificate | Legal Studies
Non-degree Certificate | Legal Studies
Bachelor of Science | Legal Studies
Minor | Legal Studies

Kankakee Community College (Kankakee)*
Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies
Advanced Certificate | Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies

Kaskasia College (Centralia)
Associate in Applied Science | Legal Office Assistant
Certificate | Legal Office Personnel

Lake Land College (Mattoon)
Associate of Applied Science | Office Assistant-Legal

Lewis and Clark Community College (Godfrey)
Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal
Certificate of Proficiency | Paralegal

Lewis University (Romeoville)
Bachelor of Arts | Paralegal Studies
Bachelor of Arts | Paralegal Studies: Accelerated
Bachelor of Arts | Philosophy of Law
Minor | Paralegal Studies
Minor | Philosophy of Law
Pre-Professional Program | Pre-Law

Loyola University (Chicago)*
Dual Certificate | Litigation and Corporate Practice
Certificate | Corporate Practice
Certificate | Litigation Practice
Certificate | Paralegal Studies
Bachelor of Arts | Paralegal Studies

MacCormac College (Chicago)*
Associate of Applied Science | Court Reporting
Associate of Science | Paralegal Studies

Midstate College (Peoria)*
Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal Studies
Bachelor of Arts | Law and Social Justice
Bachelor of Science | Realtime Reporting

Oakton Community College (Des Plaines)
Associate in Applied Science | Paralegal Studies
Certificate | Paralegal Studies

Robert Morris University (Chicago)*
Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal Studies
Bachelor of Professional Studies | Law Office Administration

Robert Morris University (Springfield)*
Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal Studies

Roosevelt University (Chicago)*
Bachelor of Arts | Paralegal Studies
Bachelor of Arts | Paralegal Studies: Flex-Track Degree
Bachelor of Arts | Legal Studies/ JD
Bachelor of Science | Legal Studies/ JD
Master of Public Administration/JD | Public Administration and Law
Post-baccalaureate Certificate | Paralegal Studies
Post-baccalaureate Certificate | Paralegal Studies (online)
Minor | Legal Studies

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale (Carbondale)*
Bachelor of Science | Paralegal Studies
Master of Legal Studies Degree
Master of Laws Degree
Master of Laws Degree | Health Law and Policy

South Suburban College (South Holland)*
Associate of Applied Science | Court Reporting/Verbatim Technology
Associate in Applied Science | Paralegal/Legal Assistant
Certificate | Paralegal/Legal Assistant

Southwestern Illinois College (Belleville)
Associate in Applied Science | Paralegal Studies
Associate in Applied Science | Paralegal Studies (accelerated)
Associate of Applied Science | Office Administration: Legal Office Specialist
Program | Pre-Law

University of Illinois at Springfield (Springfield)
Bachelor of Arts | Legal Studies
Master of Arts | Legal Studies

William Rainey Harper College (Palatine)*
Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal Studies
Post-degree Certificate | Paralegal Studies

*Approved by the American Bar Association (ABA)

Additional Resources:

• Illinois Paralegal Association - Works to promote the paralegal profession through continuing education, communication, and information.
• Illinois State Bar Association - Assists those practicing law in Illinois and promotes improvements in the administration of justice.

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References:
1. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2018 Occupational Employment and Wages, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes232011.htm
2. Projections Central Long Term Occupational Projections: https://www.projectionscentral.com/Projections/LongTerm