Illinois Paralegal Associations and Information
Statewide Paralegal Associations
Illinois Paralegal Association (IPA)
Description: IPA was incorporated as an Illinois not for profit corporation, and was subsequently qualified as an exempt organization under Internal Revenue Code Section 501 (c)(6).The purposes of the IPA are to promote communication among members of the paralegal profession, the legal community, civic and professional organizations to encourage and provide for the continuing education of paralegals; to inform members of developments in the paralegal profession; and to promote the paralegal profession
Contact:
PO Box 452, New Lenox, IL 60451-0452
Telephone: 815-462-4620
Fax: 815-462-4696
Email: IPA@ipaonline.org
Website: http://www.ipaonline.org/
Local Paralegal Associations
Central Illinois Paralegal Association (CIPA)
Description: The Central Illinois Paralegal Association (CIPA) which had its origin in 1987 strives to meet common goals of legal assistants or paralegals. The association conducts monthly meetings where there are speakers on various topics of law and continuing legal education. These meetings also serve as a convenient location where members get to meet fellow paralegals.
Contact:
President: Crystal Thomas
PO Box 1948
Bloomington, IL 61702
Email: cipa@ciparalegal.org
Website: http://www.ciparalegal.org/
Paralegal Schools and CLE
College of Lake County
Description: The 63 credit-hour A.A.S. in Paralegal Studies degree is for students who do not have a previous college degree while the 21 credit-hour Paralegal Studies Certificate is for those who already possess a bachelor’s or associate degree. CLC offers many electives that allow students to study specialty areas such as Intellectual Property, Elder Law, Bankruptcy, Business, and Family Law. Day and evening courses are offered in Grayslake and Vernon Hills. CLC students are adult learners who enhance career opportunities through a vibrant student club, student membership in the Lake County Bar Association, and a dedicated faculty of attorneys.
Type of Institution: Public, 2 yr. ABA Approved.
Degrees Offered & Conditions: Associate of Applied Science Degree, Post-associate degree Certificate, Post-Baccalaureate degree Certificate. Minimum length of time to complete program: 1 year post degree certificate; 2 year A.A.S.
Internships: Elective
Contact:
Director: Gayle E. Miller
19351 West Washington Street
Grayslake, IL 60030
Telephone: 847.543.2041
Fax: 847.223.7248
Email: miller@clcillinois.edu
Website: www.Clcillinois.edu/programs/pls;
http://www.clcillinois.edu/depts/pub/CareerPrograms/BUS_Paralegal.pdf
Elgin Community College
Description: Part-time and full-time, both day and evening classes and are flexible enough to meet the needs of most students.
Type of Institution: Public, 2 yr. ABA Approved.
Degrees Offered & Conditions: Associate of Applied Science, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate. Minimum length of time to complete program: 2 semesters.
Internships: Elective
Contact:
Director: Laurel A. Vietzen
1700 Spartan Drive
Elgin, IL 60123
Telephone: 847.214.7466
Fax: 847.214.7361 or 847.888.7995
Email:lvietzen@mail.elgin.cc.il.us
Website:www.elgin.cc.il.us
Illinois Central College
Description: Illinois Central College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The Paralegal program is a two-year curriculum leading to an Associate in Applied Science degree. It includes general education courses as well as law courses and law-related courses. The objective of this program is to produce competent, well-rounded individuals who are able to work under the supervision of an attorney in the many areas of practice of law. Specifically, the student will be prepared to perform such tasks as legal research, client interviews, investigations, preparation of legal documents, and other legal work as delegated by an attorney. Paralegals are employed by private law firms, corporations, government agencies, insurance companies, title companies, and financial institutions.
Type of Institution: ABA Approved.
Degrees Offered: Associate Degree, Post Degree Certificate.
Contact:
Program Coordinator: Michelle D. Weghorst
5407 N. University
Cedar Hall 8
East Peoria, IL 61635-0001
Telephone: 309.690.7691
Fax: 309.690.6876
Email: michelle.weghorst@icc.edu
Website:http://paralegal.icc.edu;
http://www.icc.edu/psco/catalogDisplay.asp?id=55
Kankakee Community College
Description: The Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies Program is designed to train professionals who have the writing, thinking, and reasoning skills to effectively contribute to a legal organization. Program graduates may find employment in the judicial system, private law firms, state agencies, legal aid organizations, title insurance companies, corporations, and hospitals with corporate legal departments. The program coordinator has over 20 years of experience as a paralegal and paralegal educator in the judiciary and private practice. Seven adjunct faculty, all attorneys or judges, teach in the program. The program also has a chapter of the LEX National Honor Society in Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies.
Type of Institution: Public, 2 yr. ABA Approved.
Degrees Offered & Conditions: Associate in Applied Science; Post-Baccalaureate Advanced Certificate. Minimum length of time to complete program: AAS, 2 yrs; Advanced Certificate, 3 semesters.
Internships: Mandatory
Contact:
Director: Kristine M. Condon
100 College Drive
Kankakee, IL 60901
Telephone: 815.802.8216
Fax: 815.802.8101
Email: kcondon@kcc.edu
Website: www.kcc.edu
Loyola University Chicago
Description: Loyola offers a comprehensive certificate in paralegal studies for persons with bachelor’s degrees, as well as a combined B.A. in Management/paralegal certificate option. Twelve courses are required for the certificate. Concentrations are offered in Civil Litigation, Corporations, or Real Estate. All students take courses in Legal Research & Writing, Legal Ethics, and Law Office Computer Applications. Electives include Medical Malpractice, Intellectual Property, Securities Regulation, Elder Law, Environmental Law, Employment Law, and Immigration Law. Classes are offered days, evenings, and Saturdays.
Type of Institution: Private, 4 yr. ABA Approved.
Degrees Offered & Conditions: Bachelor of Arts Degree, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate. Minimum length of time to complete program: 4 eight-week terms (8 months)
Internships: Elective
Contact:
Director: Jean Hellman Ryan
820 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
Telephone: 312.915.6820
Fax: 312.915.7216
Email:paralegal@luc.edu
Website: www.luc.edu/paralegal
Northwestern College
Description: Research and writing are primary tools of the paralegal profession. From first quarter, students are taught legal research and writing and how to use multiple legal reference material located in the campus library and to navigate legal searches online via Westlaw and LexisNexis. During the final quarter, students take on externships, enabling students to apply the skills learned in class to the workplace and attain a real-world perspective of the law and a dynamic vision of future career.
Type of Institution: Proprietary, Freestanding Business/Career College, 2yr. ABA Approved.
Degrees Offered & Conditions: Associate in Applied Science, Certificate in Paralegal Studies. Minimum length of time to complete program: Paralegal-6 quarters, Legal Nurse Consulting-4 quarters.
Internships: Mandatory
Contact:
Director: James Higginbotham
4811 N. Milwaukee Avenue, No. 205
Chicago, IL 60630
(Chicago, Bridgeview and Naperville locations)
Telephone: 773.777.4220
Fax: 773.777.2861
Email: jhigginbotham@northwesterncollege.edu
Website:www.northwesterncollege.edu/
Robert Morris College
Description: The paralegal program at Robert Morris University emphasizes the knowledge and practical skills that prepare students to perform as legal assistants in a variety of settings in the legal environment. The program is taught by practicing attorneys. The American Bar Association Standing Committee on Paralegals has approved the Robert Morris University Paralegal Program. The program equips students to gain the skills to analyze an organization from a strategic perspective; specialize in substantive law and procedural rules essential to functioning as a paralegal become proficient in law office technology and computerized legal research methods utilize a variety of traditional and non-traditional legal research tools develop ethical standards by studying the Rules of Professional Conduct
Type of Institution: 4 year private college. ABA Approved.
Degree offered: Associate in Applied Science in Paralegal Studies
Contact:
Director: Larry P. Nierman
Paralegal Studies Program
Chicago and Orland Park Campuses
401 South State Street
Chicago, IL 60605
Telephone: 312.935.6231
Fax: 312.935.6215
Email: lnierman@robertmorris.edu
Website: http://www.robertmorris.edu
Director: Larry P. Nierman
Paralegal Studies Program
Springfield Campus
3101 Montvale
Springfield, IL 62704
Telephone: 312.935.6231
Fax: 312.935.6215
Email: lnierman@robertmorris.edu
Website: http://www.robertmorris.edu
Rockford Career College (f/k/a Rockford Business College)
Description: Rockford Career College is a member of the Illinois Paralegal Association and a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAPE). Paralegal students may be inducted into the Lambda Epsilon Chi, a national paralegal association. Programs include a Paralegal Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and a Legal Secretary Diploma.
Paralegal Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree:
This program provides course work required for an Associate of Applied Science degree that leads to positions in legal environments. A paralegal, under the supervision of an attorney, applies knowledge of law and legal procedures in rendering direct assistance to attorneys, clients, and courts. They may conduct initial client interviews and follow up on investigation of factual information. Paralegals design, develop, and modify procedures, techniques, services, and processes; prepare and interpret legal documents; and detail procedures for practicing in certain fields of law. Paralegals research, select, assess, compile, and use information from the law library and other references, and analyze and handle procedures and problems that involve independent decisions.
Legal Secretary Diploma:
The Legal Secretary program prepares students to provide customer service, produce and coordinate business communications and information, manage projects, and organize and maintain files. The course work focuses on concepts, procedures and skills specific to the legal environment. Duties of the legal secretary are performed under the direction of a licensed attorney.
Type of Institution: Proprietary Business College. ABA Approved.
Degree offered: Associate in Applied Science Degrees
Contact:
Director: Pamela Gibson
1130 S. Alpine Road; Ste. 100
Rockford, IL 61108
Telephone: 815.965.8616
Fax: 815.965.0360
Email: pgibson@rbcsuccess.com
Website: http://www.rockfordbusinesscollege.edu
Roosevelt University
Description: The Paralegal Studies Program at Roosevelt University, located in Chicago, Illinois, is designed for those who wish to pursue careers in the legal profession. A post-baccalaureate certificate is offered for those students holding a bachelor’s degree, and two bachelor degree options are available for Roosevelt University undergraduate students interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree and paralegal certificate combined. The classes are taught by experienced attorneys and paralegals and offer practical, hands-on legal training. For more than 10,000 alumni working in law, government and business, the Paralegal Studies at Roosevelt University has been the paralegal program of choice.
Type of Institution: Private, 4 yr. ABA Approved.
Degrees Offered & Conditions: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Professional Studies, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate. Minimum length of time to complete program: 4.5 months for students eligible for post-baccalaureate certificate.
Internships: Elective
<b.Contact:
Director: Carrie J. Lausen
430 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605
Telephone: 312.281.3300
Fax: 312.281.3188
Email: clausen@roosevelt.edu
Website: www.roosevelt.edu/paralegal
Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
Description: Established in 1983, SIU’s Paralegal Studies Program follows the ABA curriculum for Paralegals and offers the only ABA-approved Bachelor of Science degree for paralegal studies in Illinois. Paralegals perform legal research, client/witness interviews, document preparation, and other related tasks. The SIU Paralegal Studies program permits a choice between focusing on a general paralegal career or a pre-law specialization. Students who choose the career can look forward to employment security superior to most existing jobs. Students who choose the pre-law specialization receive an excellent education in preparation for law school and thereafter the practice of law. Paralegal Studies courses include civil procedure, estates and trusts, torts, criminal law, family law, bankruptcy, legal forms, and internships with local law firms. All the instructors hold Juris Doctor Degrees and are practicing attorneys.
Type of Institution: Public, 4 yr. ABA Approved.
Degrees Offered & Conditions: Bachelor of Science Degree.
Minimum length of time to complete program: 120 hours; 60 hours if transferring with an AS or AA degree; 30 hours if transferring from a four-year institution with the required 90 hours completed
Internships: Mandatory for general paralegal focus, Elective for pre-law specialization
Contact:
Director: Carolyn B. Smoot, J.D.
1000 Faner Drive
Mailcode 4540
Carbondale, IL 62901-4540
Telephone: 618.453.1230
Fax: 618.453.1233
Email: csmoot@siu.edu
Website: www.siu.edu/~para/
South Suburban College
Description: South Suburban College’s paralegal program is designed to provide the student with practical as well as theoretical knowledge of courses to prepare him or her to be a legal assistant who can work in a variety of legal settings. For maximum flexibility, South Suburban College offers classes in daytime, evening, or in an online format. All classes are taught by licensed attorneys who are specialists in their fields and who have extensive experience working with paralegals in the workplace. Two semesters of Legal Research and Writing classes are required, and students are assigned their own individual Westlaw passwords so they can become skilled in online research techniques. Nine program electives are offered, including Family Law, Real Property Law, and Elder Law, which was added to the curriculum for the 2006-2007 academic calendar.
Type of Institution: Public, 2 yr. ABA Approved.
Degrees Offered & Conditions: Associate of Applied Science, Post Degree Certificate. Minimum length of time to complete program: 1-2 academic years
Internships: Mandatory
Contact:
Director: William D. Goren
15800 South State Street
South Holland, IL 60473
Telephone: 708.596.2000 (Ext. 5807)
Fax: 708.225.5860
Email: wgoren@southsuburbancollege.edu
Website: www.southsuburbancollege.edu
William Rainey Harper College
Description: AAS Paralegal Studies—The 63 credit-hour associate degree program is designed to prepare men and women as technically qualified assistants to a lawyer. Under supervision of a lawyer, the paralegal may perform such functions as legal research, investigation, detail work with regard to probate matters, preparation of tax forms and returns, searching public and court records, office management, library service, bookkeeping, serving and filing legal documents, and preparing legal forms.
Paralegal Studies Certificate—This 21 credit hour certificate program is designed for those individuals who already possess a bachelor’s or associate degree. The various choices available allow the student to develop special interests and skills.
Type of Institution: Public, 2 yr. ABA Approved.
Degrees Offered & Conditions: Associate of Applied Science, Post Degree Certificate for individuals who possess a bachelor or associate degree.
Minimum length of time to complete program: 1-2 academic years
Internships: Mandatory
Contact:
Director: Paul D. Guymon
1200 West Algonquin Road
Palatine, IL 60014
Telephone: 847.925.6407
Fax: 847.925.6043
Email: pguymon@harpercollege.edu
Website: www.harpercollege.edu/catalog/career/para/index.htm
Illinois Paralegal Blog
http://paralegals.uslegalblogs.com/category/states/illinois/
