Indiana Paralegal Schools

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Staff Writers Contributing Writer
Updated November 19, 2020

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Over 3,900 paralegals are employed in Indiana.1 Due to good prospects in the state, it makes sense for an aspiring paralegal to complete an Indiana paralegal degree or certificate program in order to gain the skills needed to be competitive in this field. There are many campus-based and online paralegal degree programs in Indiana that allow students to obtain a certificate or degree in paralegal or legal studies. Indiana paralegal programs can also provide opportunities to network and potentially find future employment through internships and other contacts within the program.

How to Become a Paralegal in Indiana

In Indiana, as in other states, paralegals must work under the direct supervision of a lawyer. Though the legal and legislative communities in Indiana have recently been working towards legislation that would regulate paralegal training and education, there are currently no specific requirements needed in Indiana to become a paralegal. However, most employers prefer candidates who have at least an associate's degree. Therefore, aspiring paralegals should strongly consider completing a structured paralegal program and/ or earn work experience to gain the skills needed for this career. Earning a national credential can also increase candidates' marketability.

Indiana Paralegal Salary and Job Outlook

The paralegal profession in Indiana is projected to continue growing. Recent estimates have placed the rate of growth at 18.7% through 2026, with 510 annual openings expected in the state (including replacements).2 This is faster than the national average for paralegal jobs growth, projected at 15% over the same time period.3 In addition to job availability, an Indiana paralegal has the potential to make a decent living. The average annual wage for paralegals in Indiana was $49,090 as of May 2018.1

Featured Online Programs

Explore program formats, transfer requirements, financial aid packages, and more by contacting the schools below.

Profiles of Well-Known Schools in Indiana

Ball State University: Ball State University has an undergraduate degree in legal studies offered through the Department of Political Science. This American Bar Association-approved program comes with two concentration options: the public law option or the business option. The public law option is suitable for those interested in a career in government, law, or public policy while the business option is designed for those wishing to advance in business organizations. Combined, the faculty in the Department of Political Science have over 300 years of research experience and often do collaborative work through the Bowen Center for Public Affairs.

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College: Saint Mary of-the-Woods College has three American Bar Association-approved paralegal programs: a paralegal studies major, a paralegal associate degree, and a paralegal certificate. The major is a four-year degree with two distinct tracks: the litigation track and the personal law track. The associate's degree takes 72 credit hours, or about two years, to complete. The certificate program can be completed with 27 credit hours. Paralegal students can create their own social and professional circles with the Legal Assistants at the Woods (InLAW) student organization, which hosts Law Day every spring.

Top Law Firms for Paralegal Graduates in Indiana

  • Bose McKinney & Evans has been ranked among US News' Best Law Firms in multiple categories including Litigation-Trusts and Estate and Venture Capital Law and has also been lauded by Fortune. Bose McKinney & Evans is proud to maintain a leadership position in the Indiana legal community and is committed to diversity in all of its areas of operation. It partners experienced legal staff with new hires to ensure a successful transition to a new career.
  • Barnes & Thornburg LLP, one of the largest law firms in Indiana, takes a client-driven approach to legal representation in all of its US offices, which include offices in Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, and South Bend. Barnes & Thornburg is committed to quality in its practice and staff and relies on highly skilled paralegals to drive its success.
  • Lewis & Kappes is a large law firm with a small firm approach to business, relying on its efficiency and focus to meet client needs. The firm looks for talented paralegals to support its efforts, and welcomes applications at all times.

Paralegal Schools and Programs in Indiana

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

Ball State University (Muncie)*
Bachelor of Science | Legal Studies
Bachelor of Science | Legal Studies: Business Option
Bachelor of Science | Legal Studies: Public Law Option

Calumet College of St. Joseph (Whiting, IN)
Bachelor of Science | Legal Studies
Associate of Science | Legal Studies
Associate of Applied Science | Office Administration: Legal
Minor | Legal Studies

Indiana University Bloomington (Bloomington)
Bachelor of Science in Business | Legal Studies
Certificate | Legal Studies

Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis (Indianapolis)*
Bachelor of Arts | Law in Liberal Arts
Certificate | Paralegal Studies

Indiana University-South Bend (South Bend)
Certificate | Paralegal Studies

Ivy Tech Community College (Bloomington; Columbus; Evansville; Fort Wayne; Gary; Indianapolis; Kokomo; Lafayette; Madison; Muncie; Richmond; Sellersburg; South Bend; Terre Haute)
Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal Studies
Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal Studies (online program)
Associate of Science | Paralegal Studies
Associate of Science | Paralegal Studies (online program)

Marion University (Indianapolis)
Associate of Science | Paralegal Studies

Purdue University Global (Indianapolis)
Associate of Applied Science | Legal Support and Services
Postbaccalaureate Certificate | Paralegal

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (Saint Mary-Of-The-Woods)*
Associate Degree | Paralegal Studies (online)
Bachelor of Science | Paralegal Studies: Litigation (online)
Bachelor of Science | Paralegal Studies: Personal Law (online)
Certificate | Paralegal Studies (online)

University of Evansville (Evansville)
Minor | Legal Studies

Vincennes University (Vincennes)*
Associate of Science | Paralegal
Associate of Science | Administrative Office Technology: Legal Concentration
Associate of Arts | Liberal Arts: Pre-law Concentration
Associate of Arts | Liberal Arts: Pre-law Concentration (transfer program)

*Approved by the American Bar Association (ABA)

Additional Resources:

  • Indiana Paralegal Association - Establishes fellowship among its members and the legal community, and promotes a higher ethical order through continuing education and training opportunities.
  • Michiana Paralegal Association - Works to promote the paralegal profession throughout Southwestern Michigan and Northwestern Indiana.
  • Indiana State Bar Association - Advocates on behalf of its members, their clients, and the citizens of Indiana as an independent voice for the state's legal profession.

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
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm

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