Paralegal jobs in Indiana are always in high-demand, and their popularity will continue to increase due to the job’s many benefits.
Most attorneys recognize the significance of paralegals, as if they do not hire one, they will need to conduct all of the necessary documenting and researching themselves.
If people in Indiana want to become paralegals, they must obtain training first, and following are some of the best paralegal schools in the state.
Calumet College of St. Joseph
Located in Whiting and accredited with the Higher Learning Commission, Calumet College of St. Joseph offers remarkable certificate, associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs in paralegal studies. Those students, who would like to study within Calumet, can contact the school at – 219-473-4215, or they may write to the main office at – 2400 New York Avenue, Whiting, Indiana, 46394. They may also check out Calumet’s website at – http://www.ccsj.edu/.
If students choose to pursue an associate of science degree in paralegal studies, they will need to take the following liberal education courses – Computer Literacy, Rhetoric and Composition I and II, College Survival/Orientation, Social Justice, Introduction to Religious Studies, Speech Communication, Introduction to Psychology, Integrated Math Concepts, Global Perspectives, and Integrated Science.
They will also need to complete the following legal-specialty courses – Introduction to Paralegal, Legal Research and Writing I and II, and at least seven of the following courses – Law Office Management for Paralegals, Civil Litigation Practice, Criminal Law for Paralegals, The Law of Real Property, Law and the Manager I and II, Family Law, The Law of Contracts, Torts and Personal Injury, Law Office Technology, Bankruptcy Practice, Internship, Topics in Paralegal, Research in Paralegal, and Senior Seminar in Paralegal.
Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech has several campuses in Indiana, with one located in Fort Wayne. The Fort Wayne campus, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission offers an excellent associate of applied science degree program in paralegal studies. If people would like to learn the admissions requirements of Ivy Tech, they can read about them online at – http://www.ivytech.edu. They may also request program information by calling Ivy Tech at – 260-482-9171 or by writing to – 3800 North Anthony Blvd., Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46805.
The paralegal program at Ivy Tech is comprised of a variety of common studies and career-related courses. The common studies courses within the curriculum are as follows – English Composition, Student Success elective, Intermediate Algebra, Life or Physical Science, Humanities or Social/Behavioral Science, Fundamentals of Public Speaking or Introduction to Interpersonal Communication, Exposition and Persuasion or Technical Writing, and Introduction to Microcomputers.
Following are the career-related courses included within the curriculum – Introduction to Paralegal Studies, Legal Research, Civil Procedure, Tort Law, Contracts and Commercial Law, Property Law, Legal Ethics, Litigation, Law Office Technology, Legal Writing, and at least four of the following classes – Business Associations, Advanced Tort Law, Family Law, Wills/Trusts and Estates, Criminal Law and Procedure, Bankruptcy Law, Practicum, Medical Malpractice, and Internship.
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Located in Saint Mary of the Woods and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College offers terrific certificate and associate’s degree programs in paralegal studies, approved by the American Bar Association. If people would like to attend Saint Mary, they can call the college at – 812-535-5151, or they can find the application requirements online at – http://www.smwc.edu. They may also write to the following address – 1 Saint Mary of Woods College, Saint Mary of the Woods, Indiana, 47876.
Paralegal students at Saint Mary must fulfill the following core skills requirements – Writing, Mathematics, Speech, Computer Studies, Personal Fitness elective, Culture and Diversity elective, Language elective, Fine Arts elective, Science, Social Science, Theology, and Interdisciplinary Analysis elective.
They must also fulfill the following legal-related requirements – Introduction to the Profession, Legal Communication, Theories of Liability, Civil Litigation, Law/Ethics and Society, Legal Research, Computers in the Law, Commercial Transactions, WESTLAW Enrichment, Advanced Legal Research and Writing, Legal Practicum, and at least three additional Paralegal electives.
Ball State University
Ball State University in Muncie offers a superb bachelor’s degree program in paralegal studies, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Those people, who would like to earn their bachelor’s degree from Ball State, can call the university at – 765-289-1241 or write to them at – 2000 West University Avenue, Muncie, Indiana, 47306. They can also find information pertaining to the university and the program online at – http://cms.bsu.edu.
For people to earn their bachelor’s degrees in paralegal studies from Ball State, they must complete various university and career-related requirements. The university requirements include the following areas of study – Writing, International Awareness, Service and Civic Engagement, Environmental Awareness and Sustainability, Diversity Among People and Cultures, American Institutions, History, and Technological Literacy.
The career-related requirements include the following courses – Estate Planning, American National Government, Introduction to Paralegal, IT for Paralegals, Family Law, Legal Research and Writing, Litigation, Public Policy or Legislation, Advance Legal Research, Professional Experience or Practicum Experience, Advanced Litigation, Principles of Accounting I, Principles of Business Law, Real Estates, and at least nine additional Law-Related electives.
Additional Paralegal Schools in Indiana
- Brown Mackie College – Merrillville
- Indiana University – Indianapolis
- International Business College – Fort Wayne
- Professional Careers Institute – Indianapolis
- University of Evansville – Evansville
- University of Notre Dame – Notre Dame
- Vincennes University – Vincennes
Why Paralegal Graduates Should Obtain Certification
Although paralegal certification is not a requirement for working as paralegals, obtaining certification will increase the job possibilities for people pursuing employment in the field. There are several organizations that offer this certification, and some of them offer study guides, as well.
- National Association of Legal Assistants – (requires an examination and offers three helpful study guides)
- National Federation of Paralegal Associations – (requires an examination and offers a study manual and practice exam)
- American Alliance of Paralegals – (requires at least five years of paralegal work experience)
- National Association of Legal Secretaries – (requires an examination)
If people need to complete an exam to obtain their paralegal certification, they will need to study in several areas such as legal terminology, civil procedures, criminal law, family law, ethics, litigation and branches of government.
There are many resources, online and in public libraries, available for people to help them with their studies.