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Whether you want to earn a degree, improve your skills, get certified, train for a new career, or explore a new hobby, you can choose from many programs and courses.

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Paralegal

Paralegal Studies Program Paralegal Studies Post-Degree Certificate Testimonials Accreditation Frequently Asked Questions Goals and Objectives Paralegal Job Opportunities Paralegal Program Handbook Paralegal Program Highlights
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Frequently Asked Questions

Standing ShotWhere are paralegals employed?
Paralegals are employed by law firms, law departments of corporations, government agencies,  banks, insurance companies and courts.

What do paralegals do?
Paralegals organize and manage the workflow in law offices and law-related fields. They do background work for attorneys; research laws and/or court decisions; and interview and prepare witnesses for depositions, cross-examination and court appearances. They prepare briefs, maintain files, prepare correspondence and draft documents. They assist an attorney in conducting business with clients, other attorneys and the courts. Paralegals (or legal assistants) perform many tasks that an attorney does — in fact, they can do everything but advise clients, represent a client in court or bill for services.

What is the salary of paralegals?
According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for paralegals is $59,200 annually or $28.46 per hour.

How long does the program take to complete?
The Paralegal Studies program is a two-year (four-semester) sequence leading to an Associate of Applied Business degree. A one-year post-degree professional certificate is offered for students who have already earned an associate or bachelor's degree. Students may enroll part-time or full-time. Many choose to take only two or three courses per semester, which increases the number of semesters needed to complete the program.

What are the paralegal courses like?
Throughout their study, students will learn the specialized vocabulary of the legal profession. Specific fields of law are introduced, including litigation, business law, criminal law, family law and workers' compensation. Students are trained in both traditional and electronic legal research techniques. The Paralegal Practicum (externship) provides supervised work experience in a law firm or law-related setting in the students' final term of study.

Does the Paralegal Studies program accept legal specialty transfer credits from other institutions?
All requests for transfer credit of legal specialty courses are reviewed by the program director. Courses must be equivalent to courses taught at Cuyahoga Community College (as determined by a syllabus review), and a maximum of nine legal specialty course credit hours may be transferred in. In addition, students must have earned a C or better (B or better for an intro to paralegal studies course), and the courses must have been completed through another ABA-approved paralegal program.

Please note that, per ABA requirements, students must earn a minimum of nine legal specialty credit hours in a synchronous setting. As such, if a student wishes to use transfer credits to fulfill part of this requirement, they must submit written documentation from the dean or program director at the transferring institution confirming that the credits being transferred were taken in a synchronous format.

How do I apply for the Paralegal Studies program?
Associate degree and certificate applications are accepted each semester.

All applicants must:

  • Complete assessment testing (associate degree program only)
  • Complete ENG-1010 (associate degree program only)
  • Earn a B or better in the Intro to Paralegal Profession course (PL-1001) 
  • Complete program application and narrative form

For more information, call 216-987-5112 or visit the Paralegal Studies office at the Western Campus (C 245A). 

How to reach us

Program Director
Candice Storey
216-987-5112
candice.storey@tri-c.edu 
11000 West Pleasant Valley Road
Parma, OH 44130

Program Assistant
Jimi Gonzalez
216-987-5113
jimi.gonzalez@tri-c.edu  
11000 West Pleasant Valley Road
Parma, OH 44130

Western Campus Address and Enrollment Center Support

11000 Pleasant Valley Road
Parma, OH 44130
WSS G100
Phone: 216-987-6000
Fax: 216-987-5071
westregistration@tri-c.edu

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Cleveland, Ohio 44115

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