Legal Studies - Program Overview

Arrive as a student, leave as a legal professional

Develop an in-demand set of skills to elevate your legal career. Graduate with nationally recognized credentials and cutting-edge academic preparation for the current legal employment market. When you choose Legal Studies at CLC, you are on the right track to become a trusted partner in business, law, politics and more.

Why choose our Legal Studies Program?

American Bar Association Approved Paralegal Program logo

The Legal Studies Program at CLC is the only American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal education program in Lake County. The CLC pass rate for the national Paralegal Core Competency is consistently over 90%—more than 30% higher than the national average!

We offer you high-quality courses that thoroughly cover the most sought-after skills required for paralegals, including the latest certifications for legal technology, e-discovery and national competency. Our placement rate is spectacular with more than 90% of our grads being hired or going on to law school within 90 days of graduation.

Get connected to the legal community! All your Legal Studies instructors are local attorneys. Plus, our close relationship with the local bar association means you’re eligible to join the Lake County Bar Association for a minimal cost, giving you access to their luncheons, program functions, continuing education sessions and more.

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

Legal Studies Program Stated Goals and Objectives

  1. Graduating students will have the knowledge, skills and professional ethics expected of an entry-level paralegal.
  2. Graduates will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the legal process and the ability to follow the standard technical procedures utilized by entry-level paralegals working in a variety of legal practice settings.
  3. Graduates will be able to identify the legal and ethical issues that guide paralegal conduct and determine appropriate actions in a variety of situations.
  4. Graduates will be able to carry out a legal research plan.

Highlights

  • Field Work Experience Available

    Gain valuable work experience and form professional connections.

  • Paralegal Core Competency Exam

    Pass rate consistently over 90%—more than 30% higher than the national average!

  • Earn a nationally-recognized credential

    CLC is the only Illinois school to sponsor all qualified graduating students to take the Paralegal Core Competency Exam.

  • American Bar Association-Approved Paralegal Program

    The only ABA-approved paralegal education program in Lake County.

  • 100% Online

    Can be completed 100% online.

  • Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

    Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.

Career Degrees & Certificates

For students who want to start or shift to a new career or advance in their current career.

You can earn an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree at CLC in 2 years*. Gain job-ready skills from experienced instructors and earn work-based experience from apprenticeships and internships. Some of the courses you’ll take earn college credit, which can transfer to a 4-year college or university toward a bachelor’s degree.

*Assumes full-time enrollment.

For students who want to earn job skills for entry level occupations, or level up in their career.

Certificates are designed to be completed in less than 2 years. Many certificate programs contain Career Degree core courses so you can continue with additional study or stack certificates to earn an A.A.S. degree.

Need help?

Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) helps you

  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

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*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

Courses in the program

We ensure you are ready for your job search before you graduate with the fieldwork experience, networking and interview skills training provided in our Capstone course. Complete your legal studies education on your time, with classes offered virtually via Zoom and online.

Meet our instructors

Experience the benefit of small class sizes and personalized instruction from your CLC instructors.

Department chair


Faculty




What students say about CLC


  • Photo of CLC graduate Elizabeth Cannon

    Elizabeth Cannon

    Graduate

    “At CLC, I didn’t just learn from instructors but from industry professionals. They know what employers are looking for, and they teach with that mindset.”

    Elizabeth was a Legal Studies student at CLC. She then earned a bachelor’s degree from Columbia College of Missouri and a law degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago-Kent College of Law.

    Read Elizabeth's story

    Photo of CLC graduate Elizabeth Cannon

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