Pursuing a career as a paralegal in Illinois is a smart choice for those who enjoy the legal field and want to play a crucial role in supporting attorneys and legal teams. With a wide range of programs available throughout the state, aspiring paralegals can choose a course of study that fits their career goals—whether it’s an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or a certificate program.
Why Become a Paralegal in Illinois?
Illinois is home to a dynamic legal market with opportunities in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Paralegals are indispensable for managing case files, conducting legal research, and preparing documents, which means a well-trained paralegal can make a significant impact while enjoying a stable career with room for growth. Moreover, many programs in Illinois offer both on-campus and online options, making it easier to balance work, life, and studies.
Schools
Southern Illinois University
1000 Faner Dr Mailcode 4504 Carbondale, IL 62901-4540
Paralegal Studies Program
Director: Silver, Daniel
dsilver@siu.edu
Work (618) 453-1230
Institution Type: Public College/University
Degrees/Certificates: BS
Illinois State University
Campus Box 4600 Normal, IL 61790
Legal Studies Program
Director: McClure, Thomas
temcclu@ilstu.edu
Work (309) 438-8797
Institution Type: Public College/University
Degrees/Certificates: BA, BS, Certificate, Minor
Harold Washington College
30 E. Lake Street Chicago, IL 60601
Paralegal Program
Director: Knix, Brian
bnix@ccc.edu
Work (312) 553-3172
Institution Type: Public College/University
Degrees/Certificates: AAS
Oakton Community College
7701 Lincoln Ave Skokie, IL 60077-2867
Paralegal Studies Program
Director: Jackson, Ashley
ajackson@oakton.edu
Work (847) 376-7809
Degrees/Certificates: AAS, Certificate
Wilbur Wright College
4300 N Narragansett Ave Chicago, IL 60634-1500
Paralegal Program
Director: Blume, Christian
cblume1@ccc.edu
Work (773) 706-7514
Institution Type: Public College/University
Degrees/Certificates: AAS
College of DuPage
425 Fawell Blvd Glen Ellyn, IL 60137-6599
Legal Studies Program
Director: Knight, Anne
knighta@cod.edu
Work (630) 942-2955
Institution Type: Public College/University
Degrees/Certificates: AAS, Certificate
Elgin Community College
1700 Spartan Dr Elgin, IL 60123-7193
Paralegal Program
Director: Haske, Laura
lhaske@elgin.edu
Work (847) 214-7466
Institution Type: Public College/University
Degrees/Certificates: Certificate, Online
Loyola University Chicago
820 N Michigan Ave # 401 Chicago, IL 60611-2147
Institute for Paralegal Studies
Director: Harrigan, Marie
mharrig@luc.edu
Work (312) 915-6557
Institution Type: Private College/University
Degrees/Certificates: BA, Certificate, Online
Roosevelt University
430 S. Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60605
Paralegal Studies Program
Director: Lausen, Carrie
clausen@roosevelt.edu
Work (312) 281-3190
Institution Type: Private College/University
Degrees/Certificates: BA, Certificate, Minor
Generations College
29 E Madison St Ste 200 Chicago, IL 60602-3240
Paralegal Studies Program
Director: Grassi, David
dgrassi@generations.edu
Work (312) 922-1884
Institution Type: Private College/University
Degrees/Certificates: AS
Lewis University
One University Parkway Paralegal Studies Program Romeoville, IL 60446
Paralegal Studies Program
Director: Zia, Huma
ziahu@lewisu.edu
Work (815) 836-5620
Institution Type: Private College/University
Degrees/Certificates: BA, Minor
College of Lake County
Legal Studies Department 19351 W Washington St Grayslake, IL 60030-1148
Legal Studies Program
Director: Scott, Lorri
lscott@clcillinois.edu
Work (847) 543-2442
Institution Type: Public College/University
Degrees/Certificates: AAS, Certificate, Online
South Suburban College
15800 State St South Holland, IL 60473-1270
Law and Paralegal Studies
Director: Walters, Becky
bwalters@ssc.edu
Work (708) 596-2000
Institution Type: Public College/University
Degrees/Certificates: AAS, Certificate, Online
William Rainey Harper College
1200 W Algonquin Rd Palatine, IL 60067-7398
Legal Studies Program
Director: Carlson-Nofsinger, Carol
ccarlson@harpercollege.edu
Work (847) 925-6407
Institution Type: Public College/University
Degrees/Certificates: AAS, Certificate
Conclusion
Illinois offers an impressive selection of paralegal programs to suit diverse educational and career needs. Whether you prefer a comprehensive bachelor’s degree, a focused associate’s degree, or a flexible online certificate, there’s a program that can help you launch or advance your career in the legal field. Explore these options to find the right fit and take the first step towards becoming a valued paralegal in Illinois.
For more information about each program, reach out directly to the program directors listed above and visit their websites. Your journey to a rewarding legal career begins with the right education!