Law and Paralegal

a student leaning against a bookcase with law books in the background

Department: Law & Paralegal

Program Type: Career and Technical Programs

Planning to Transfer? Learn more about the including the importance of choosing a major and transfer school.

Overview

Are you intrigued by the law? If you love researching, reading, writing, and paying close attention to detail, consider a paralegal career. Whether you have a degree or are starting college, you can pursue an ABA-approved paralegal certificate at ECC. This credential is recognized nationally; most legal employers require or prefer certification.

Pre-law

Paralegal coursework can help you prepare for your four-year degree if you’re considering a Prelaw path. As an ECC paralegal graduate, you can work as a paralegal while completing your bachelor’s degree and getting ready for law school. accredited law schools require you to complete a bachelor’s degree before applying, but you don’t need to major in any specific field.

If you are a prelaw student, you will need to work with an academic advisor to select a transfer institution and major. Some four-year colleges have a legal studies major. These schools generally recognize PAR coursework as legal studies coursework.

Learn More about Prelaw Planning

As a prelaw student, you should choose courses that build your logical reasoning, critical thinking, and writing skills. provides resources to help you plan for law school.

What is a Paralegal?

Paralegals are essential members of a legal team. They perform substantive legal work under the supervision of an attorney. This frees up the attorney’s time for essential legal tasks, such as offering legal advice and representing clients in court. Paralegals' strong social and communication skills are necessary because they frequently interact with attorneys, office staff, court personnel, and clients. Paralegal courses cover topics such as an introduction to law, civil litigation, legal research, and legal writing. Other subjects include family law, criminal law, business entity formation, real property law, and wills, trusts, and probate.

For more information, including specific courses and class descriptions, visit the

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

Prepare for Immediate Employment

The future employment outlook for paralegals is positive, driven by demand from law firms, health care, financial, and business sectors. Over the next 10 years, on average, there are projected to be 39,300 new employment openings annually. In 2025, the yearly paralegal salary is $61,010.

The increasing use of technology in the legal field is expected to streamline legal processes. This will create more opportunities for paralegals to assist with document management and research tasks. Refer to to learn more about related occupations and compensation.

Plan of Study and Course Descriptions

Review the for details about the paralegal plan of study and course descriptions.

Paralegal Certificate

You can take paralegal courses if you’re interested in the topic, as long as you meet the course prerequisites. If you plan to become a lawyer while attending ECC, you’re encouraged to take elective paralegal courses to experience the practical side of legal work. As a graduate of the ECC paralegal program, you will be prepared for entry-level paralegal employment in the local legal community.

Read the learning outcomes for the Paralegal program.

Associate Degree (AA or AS) + Paralegal Certificate (BVS)

If you don’t already have a degree, you can complete the paralegal certificate (BVS) alongside your associate degree. You should use your “Major Field and Elective Courses” within your associate degree program to complete the paralegal certificate courses at the same time. This allows you to finish both your associate degree and the paralegal certificate in two years of full-time study. You must provide proof of a completed degree or a waiver before ECC will award you the paralegal certificate.

Paralegal Certificate (BVS)

If you are pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree, you can complete the paralegal certificate (BVS) in one year of full-time study (23 credit hours). However, before ECC awards you the paralegal certificate, you must provide proof that you have completed your degree.

Program Approval

The American Bar Association (ABA) approves the ECC paralegal certificate.

Earn a nationally recognized credential valued by legal employers in the United States. The ABA approval process is designed to promote high-quality paralegal education and training. The ABA examines all aspects of the program to ensure compliance with the ABA's rigorous academic guidelines for paralegal programs.

How much does the ECC Law and Paralegal program cost?

At $135 per credit hour, you can complete a certificate at 海角社区 for a fraction of university costs. This affordable education will expand your career opportunities and increase your earning potential. Scholarships and financial aid funding are also available to help you finance your education at ECC. Our tuition cost calculator is an excellent tool for estimating the total cost of your program.

Can I complete the ECC paralegal certificate online?

Yes, you can complete the paralegal program without coming to campus. All core paralegal courses are offered synchronously online in the evening on Zoom. You should check the schedule each semester, as courses may change based on enrollment. If you prefer, you can also take traditional face-to-face paralegal classes offered during the day.

How do I become a paralegal in Illinois?

There are no licensing or Illinois paralegal certification requirements to work as a paralegal in Illinois. What you need is an attorney who is willing to hire you. Completing your paralegal training at ECC demonstrates your commitment to the field. It shows you have the skills and knowledge to grow professionally.

What's the difference between a Paralegal and a Lawyer?

The amount of training between a paralegal and a lawyer is significant. Lawyers must have a bachelor's degree (four years) and a law degree (three years). To practice law, a lawyer must pass the state bar examination and be sworn in by the Supreme Court. Licensing is done state-by-state, allowing the lawyer to provide legal services directly to the public. A lawyer can lose their license if they fail to comply with the legal ethics of the state where they practice. Ethical violations can lead to disbarment or suspension of their law license.

Paralegals do not work independently. They work under the direction and supervision of a licensed lawyer. The paralegal aims to assist the lawyer by efficiently completing tasks delegated to them, making the lawyer's job easier. The paralegal and the attorney will work closely together on cases, as the attorney must oversee the paralegal's work. Not all tasks can be delegated to the paralegal. Only the attorney can engage clients and set the fee for representation. Licensed attorneys are the only professionals who can represent clients in legal proceedings and give legal advice. Paralegals are problem-solvers and positive influences on a legal team. They help manage case files and prepare the materials the attorney needs. Many lawyers expect their paralegals to have paralegal training.

What do paralegals do?

Organize client files and maintain contact with the client throughout the case.
Conduct interviews with clients and witnesses.
Locate parties and complete investigations and research.
Research legal authorities.
Draft pleadings, motions, discovery requests, correspondence, and other documents for the attorney to review.
Review and summarize case facts and prepare evidence for presentation.
Accompany the attorney to court or administrative hearings and assist the attorney during the proceedings.

Student Testimonials

Julissa Alvarez

Julissa Alvarez discusses how she returned to 海角社区 to earn a paralegal certificate and start a new career after receiving her bachelor's degree at a four-year school.

Ana Rojas

ECC student Ana Rojas talks about her experiences at 海角社区.