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Legal Studies

ABA Approved Paralegal Program logo

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.

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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.

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Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.

Why study at CLC?

CLC’s program offers high-quality courses that thoroughly cover a broad-range of skills required for paralegals. Courses are taught by faculty who have Juris Doctor degrees or work experience as paralegals or as supervisors of paralegals. The program also offers opportunities for internships and for socializing, networking and professional enhancement.

More about reasons for choosing CLC.