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Legal Studies

Illinois State's Legal Studies program is approved by the American Bar Association. The program prepares students for a career as a paralegal in public and private law offices, corporate law departments, and government agencies.

Students learn how lawyers think and how to communicate effectively with both lawyers and laymen. When acting under an attorney's supervision, a trained paralegal can perform many law-related tasks although they do not give legal advice to clients, set fees, or represent clients in court. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.

Program Options

Students who successfully complete one of the options earn a Legal Studies certificate, a respected credential that is helpful in securing employment.

The learning objectives of the Legal Studies program are:

  1. Develop critical thinking skills
  2. Foster general communications skills
  3. Acquire legal research skills
  4. Develop legal writing skills
  5. Improve and enhance computer skills in a legal setting
  6. Develop interviewing and investigation skills
  7. Learn and understand the paralegal profession and ethical obligations
  8. Acquire law office management skills

Career Opportunities

Illinois State University is committed to helping its Legal Studies graduates obtain appropriate paralegal positions. Learn more about career opportunities and placement assistance.

Transfer Credit

Students who completed legal specialty courses at a school that has an articulation agreement with Illinois State University's Legal Studies program can receive credit. In all other cases, students may be able to receive credit for up to 12 hours of legal specialty coursework completed through an ABA-approved paralegal education program. Students should consult with the  Director of Legal Studies to learn what credit is transferrable.

ABA Approved

Illinois State's Legal Studies program is a paralegal education program approved by the ABA. Illinois State has full institutional accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Illinois State's Legal Studies program has existed since 1975 and has graduated over 350 students. The program is a member in good standing of the American Association for Paralegal Education.

At the present time there are no licensing or mandatory certification requirements for paralegals. The National Association of Legal Assistants Inc. operates a voluntary certification program for legal assistants. Successful completion of Illinois State's Legal Studies program will meet the educational part of the eligibility requirements for the NALA certification exam.

2022-08-24T12:16:37.624196-07:00 2022