About the Program
The Legal Studies program prepares students for successful, productive employment and contributions to the legal and business fields. Our program prepares students to perform substantive and procedural legal work under the supervision of an attorney. All courses are taught by practicing attorneys.
We offer two ABA-approved program options: an AAS degree for those with no prior college degree, and a post-degree Certificate option for those who already have an AA degree or higher.
Our program also serves as an excellent transfer option for pre-law.
American Bar Association Approved
The Legal Studies Program at CLC is the only ABA-approved paralegal education program in Lake County.
Earning a Bachelor’s Degree
We currently have transfer agreements for bachelor’s degree completion programs at California University of Pennsylvania, Roosevelt University, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Loyola University and Dominican University.
Exam Pass Rate
The CLC pass rate for the national Paralegal Core Competency Exam for 2021 was 96%; this is more than 30% higher than the national average!
Program Duration
Depending on the program, as little as 32 weeks.
Career Opportunities
Paralegal jobs are in high demand. The Chicagoland area has the fourth highest employment level for paralegals in the nation, behind only New York, California and Florida.
About 7 out of 10 work for law firms; others work for corporate legal departments and government agencies.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary in Illinois is. $69,920.
Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.