Read more about ways to earn a major, minor, or certificate in Legal Studies by reviewing our specific program options.
Illinois State University has full institutional accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The Legal Studies Program at ISU has been in existence since 1975 and has graduated over 350 students. The program is a member in good standing of the American Association for Paralegal Education.
At the present time there are no licensing or mandatory certification requirements for paralegals. The National Association of Legal Assistants , Inc. operates a voluntary certification program for Legal Assistants. Successful completion of the ISU Legal Studies Program will meet the educational part of the eligibility requirements for the NALA certification exam.
Illinois State University has been providing quality paralegal education since 1975. Our Legal Studies Program provides courses to prepare students for employment as a legal assistant or paralegal in public or private law offices and government agencies.
The Legal Studies courses focus on the development of basic paralegal skills in the areas of legal research, legal analysis, and legal drafting. Students learn how lawyers think and what they must do to be able to communicate effectively with lawyers and laymen. All paralegal courses stress basic writing skills.
Students may choose from a variety of courses that will develop paralegal skills in one or more specialty areas. Individual course sequences are selected in close consultation with the Legal Studies Advisor and are based on the student's career objectives.
Students in the Legal Studies program are required to take a minimum of 24 semester hours of approved Legal Studies courses in addition to the general education courses required of all Illinois State University students. Students are encouraged to supplement their Legal Studies Minor with electives from a variety of general law related courses such as Administrative Law, Business Law, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Tax Law, and Real Estate Law.
Within the 24 hours of Legal Studies courses, all students are required to successfully complete a 15 semester hour core that covers: the operation of the legal system and the role of the paralegal within that system; an overview of major substantive areas of the law; legal research and writing; and civil and criminal procedure. Students may complete the remaining 9 hours of Legal Studies courses by choosing among several paralegal specialty courses. While it is not a formal requirement, students are strongly urged to include at least 135 clock hours of internship. Internship placements are available in private law offices, legal aid agencies, government agencies and legal departments in corporations.
In summary, all degree and certificate programs require students to successfully complete the following five courses, as well as an additional nine credits from among the following paralegal specialty courses
** A maximum of 6 credits of internship can be counted toward fulfilling the 9 credits required from the paralegal specialty course area. A student can count a maximum of 15 credits of internship in the general elective category of the general University graduation requirement.
For more information on paralegal internships, click here.
According to the United States Department of Labor, the paralegal profession will enjoy a faster rate of growth than any other occupational group in the country over the next decade. Legal paraprofessionals work in a variety of private and governmental settings. Depending on the area of legal specialization involved, legal assistants or paralegals may interview witnesses and take statements; gather medical records, government records, and corporate documents; undertake legal research and write legal memorandums; develop preliminary drafts of pleadings and agreements; calculate taxes; arrange for expert witnesses; digest deposition transcripts; maintain a law library; or coordinate real estate closings. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as provided by law.
When acting under the supervision of a licensed attorney a properly trained paralegal can do just about everything but give legal advice to clients or represent clients in a court of law. Salaries vary widely and depend upon the degree of formal education, the level of prior experience, the type of employer, the specialty area involved and the geographic location. Local paralegal associations are the best source for specific information.
Illinois State University is committed to helping its Legal Studies graduates obtain appropriate paralegal positions. While the University does not guarantee placement, it will make every effort to assist the graduate in locating employment within the paralegal profession. The Coordinator of Legal Studies will meet with each student individually to determine his or her employment goals and develop appropriate job search strategies.The University maintains a Placement Office which provides assistance in resume drafting, interviewing strategies, and job search techniques. It also maintains a listing of all job opportunities that are listed with the University.
Articulation with Another Institution: Students who completed legal specialty courses at a school that has an articulation agreement with the Illinois State University Legal Studies program can receive credit towards a Legal Studies minor or certificate. Students should contact the Director of Legal Studies to determine whether they are eligible for this credit.
Other Transfer Credit: Students who have completed legal specialty courses at other institutions may receive up to 12 credit hours towards their graduate or undergraduate certificate. The Director of Legal Studies shall have the discretion to award this credit based upon the following factors:
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