The body of knowledge required to effectively perform legal support services can only come from a formal education in paralegal studies. As attorneys, corporations and government agencies work within an increasingly complex legal framework, the level of responsibility they expect paralegals to be able to take on has also increased. Law offices and other employers in Illinois have come to rely on paralegals with the kind of expertise that can only come from earning a certificate or degree in paralegal studies.
Recent high school graduates, career-changers, and second-income seekers alike flock to Illinois with dreams of jumping into the booming paralegal career field. And why not? Chicago is one of the biggest cities in the entire country, home to millions of people residing within – and beyond – its city limits. Because of the expansive reach of Chicago’s economic and cultural influence, educational institutions must hustle to remain competitive in attracting new students.
This competitive atmosphere serves aspiring paralegals tremendously since it opens up a seemingly infinite number of diploma, certificate, and degrees options in legal studies. But this wide-range of paralegal programs also poses a challenge. With so many schools and programs to choose from, how can anyone find the perfect fit?
We understand that post-secondary education decisions are often met with an equal measure of excitement and anxiety. But fear no more. We’ve already done the hard part for you.
Our team has tirelessly researched which post-secondary schools host the very best paralegal programs, both online and with a campus presence in the state. While compiling our recommendations, we only included accredited schools. To get a fuller picture, request additional details, including estimated cost, program length, and curriculum format.
City Colleges of Chicago – Harold Washington College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
City Colleges of Chicago – Wilbur Wright College
AAS in Paralegal—Campus
College of DuPage
AAS in Paralegal Studies—Campus
Paralegal Certificate—Campus (undergraduate, post-associate)
College of Lake County
AAS in Paralegal Studies—Campus
Paralegal Certificate—Campus (post-associate, post-baccalaureate)
Dominican University
BPS in Legal Studies – Campus, online
Elgin Community College
Certificate in Paralegal Studies—Campus (post-associate, post-baccalaureate)
Illinois Central College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Certificate—Campus (post-associate, post-baccalaureate)
Illinois State University
BA/BS in Legal Studies—Campus
Joliet Junior College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Certificate of Achievement in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Kankakee Community College
AAS in Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies—Campus
Advanced Certificate in Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies – Campus
Kaskaskia College
AAS in Legal Office Assisting – Campus
Certificate in Legal Office Personnel—Campus (undergraduate, pre-degree)
Lake Land College
AAS in Office Assistant-Legal—Campus
Lewis & Clark Community College
AAS in Paralegal Studies—Campus
Certificate of Proficiency in Paralegal Studies—Campus (undergraduate)
Lewis University
BA in Paralegal Studies—Campus
Paralegal Studies-Minor—Campus
Loyola University Chicago
BA in Paralegal Studies—Campus
Certificate in Paralegal Studies – Campus, online
MacCormac College
AAS in Paralegal Studies—Campus
McHenry County College
AAS in Paralegal Studies—Campus
Paralegal Studies Certificate—Campus (post-associate, post-baccalaureate)
Moraine Valley Community College
Certificate -Legal Office Assistant—Campus (undergraduate, pre-degree)
Northwestern University
Bachelor’s Degree in Legal Studies – Campus
Minor in Legal Studies – Campus
Oakton Community College
AAS in Paralegal Studies—Campus
Paralegal Studies Certificate—Campus (undergraduate, pre-degree)
- ABA-Approval: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Rasmussen College-Illinois
Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies – Online
Paralegal Certificate – Online
Roosevelt University
BA in Paralegal Studies—Campus
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Minor in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Certificate—Campus (post-baccalaureate)
South Suburban College
AAS in Paralegal/Legal Assistant—Campus
Paralegal/Legal Assistant Certificate—Campus (post-associate, post-baccalaureate)
Southern Illinois University – Carbondale
BS – Paralegal Studies—Campus
Southwestern Illinois College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus, hybrid
Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Online
Paralegal Diploma – Online
University of Illinois – Springfield
MA in Legal Studies—Campus and/or Online
BA in Legal Studies—Campus
Waubonsee Community College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Post-Associate Certificate of Achievement in Paralegal Studies – Campus
William Rainey Harper College
AAS in Paralegal Studies—Campus
Paralegal Studies Certificate—Campus (post-associate, post-baccalaureate)