2.20.2009
The program went through a rigorous self evaluation and reporting process composed of a two-day evaluation/assessment visit by three representatives of the ABA that included interviews with students, graduates, faculty and the legal community; a curriculum review; library and resource inspection; student and employer satisfaction surveys; in-depth tracking of graduate placement and a detailed self study.
The paralegal program, which launched in 2005, currently has 300 students and 115 graduates. The program, which is also accredited by the State of Illinois, offers an Associate in Applied Sciences degree, a two-year degree program; and the Paralegal Studies certificate, designed for students who already have a bachelor’s or associate degree. The 21-credit-hour certificate consists of seven courses.
“Aside from just educating paralegals in Lake County, we have had great success connecting with the local legal community, paving the way for inclusion of paralegals and paralegal students in the Lake County Bar Association,” said Gayle Miller, J.D., chair of the paralegal studies department
“Our alumni are the greatest mentors for current students — creating internship positions in the firms where they have found work,” Miller said. She also indicated that many come back to CLC for further professional development in courses and workshops. “In addition, we have a team of highly motivated, dedicated adjunct faculty who generously assist students outside the classroom walls building strong and lasting ties between CLC and our career program participants.”
The paralegal profession is a challenging but rewarding one, with good earnings and growth potential. CLC’s paralegal students are trained to work under the supervision of an attorney to assist in the delivery of efficient legal services. The average entry-level wage for paralegals in Lake County is $38,652/year ($18.58/hour), which is higher than the statewide average. The average median wage for paralegals in Lake County is $47,230/year ($22.71/hour), which is higher than the statewide median wage, according to the State of Illinois, Department of Employment Security, Economic and Analysis Division Employment Projections for 2000-2010.
For more information on paralegal studies at CLC, visit the PLS Web site or attend an information session on Friday, April 17 from 9-10 a.m. or Monday, April 27 from 7-8 p.m.
For more details, call the CLC Business Division at (847) 543-2041. Open registration for the CLC summer session and fall semester begins April 20. Summer session begins June 8 and ends August 2 and fall semester begins Aug. 24. Apply at clcillinois.edu or call (847) 543-2061 for assistance.
CLC Paralegal Studies Program receives ABA approval
The Paralegal Studies Program at the College of Lake County has recently been approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), making it Lake County’s only ABA-approved paralegal program.The program went through a rigorous self evaluation and reporting process composed of a two-day evaluation/assessment visit by three representatives of the ABA that included interviews with students, graduates, faculty and the legal community; a curriculum review; library and resource inspection; student and employer satisfaction surveys; in-depth tracking of graduate placement and a detailed self study.
The paralegal program, which launched in 2005, currently has 300 students and 115 graduates. The program, which is also accredited by the State of Illinois, offers an Associate in Applied Sciences degree, a two-year degree program; and the Paralegal Studies certificate, designed for students who already have a bachelor’s or associate degree. The 21-credit-hour certificate consists of seven courses.
“Aside from just educating paralegals in Lake County, we have had great success connecting with the local legal community, paving the way for inclusion of paralegals and paralegal students in the Lake County Bar Association,” said Gayle Miller, J.D., chair of the paralegal studies department
“Our alumni are the greatest mentors for current students — creating internship positions in the firms where they have found work,” Miller said. She also indicated that many come back to CLC for further professional development in courses and workshops. “In addition, we have a team of highly motivated, dedicated adjunct faculty who generously assist students outside the classroom walls building strong and lasting ties between CLC and our career program participants.”
The paralegal profession is a challenging but rewarding one, with good earnings and growth potential. CLC’s paralegal students are trained to work under the supervision of an attorney to assist in the delivery of efficient legal services. The average entry-level wage for paralegals in Lake County is $38,652/year ($18.58/hour), which is higher than the statewide average. The average median wage for paralegals in Lake County is $47,230/year ($22.71/hour), which is higher than the statewide median wage, according to the State of Illinois, Department of Employment Security, Economic and Analysis Division Employment Projections for 2000-2010.
For more information on paralegal studies at CLC, visit the PLS Web site or attend an information session on Friday, April 17 from 9-10 a.m. or Monday, April 27 from 7-8 p.m.
For more details, call the CLC Business Division at (847) 543-2041. Open registration for the CLC summer session and fall semester begins April 20. Summer session begins June 8 and ends August 2 and fall semester begins Aug. 24. Apply at clcillinois.edu or call (847) 543-2061 for assistance.