The Program
Paralegals, also called legal assistants, are an integral part of the legal team. Paralegals investigate facts, conduct legal research, interview clients, organize and analyze case materials and information, draft legal documents and correspondence, and generally assist in all phases of litigation. The Paralegal Studies program seeks to educate and equip students with knowledge and skills that will enable them to perform these tasks competently and effectively in a variety of legal settings. Paralegals may work in many areas of the law--civil litigation, bankruptcy, corporate, criminal, administrative, environmental, real estate, domestic, health care, employment, estate planning, and more. Courses in the Paralegal Studies program provide instruction in specific areas of law and practice in developing requisite skills.
Most paralegals work in law firms. There are also job opportunities for paralegals in government agencies, courts, legal clinics, corporations, banks, insurance companies, title companies, records centers, and other businesses where law-related work is performed.
Although they perform many of the same tasks as lawyers, paralegals do not engage in the practice of law or have clients to whom they provide legal services. They work under the supervision of lawyers, performing tasks that are delegated by a lawyer or for which a lawyer is ultimately responsible. Paralegals may work in limited areas where non-lawyers are authorized by law to assume certain law-related responsibilities.
Helpful High School Courses
English, Mathematics, Computer Applications, Keyboarding, Bookkeeping, and Oral & Written Communications
Course Sequence
Program begins in August
Program length is 4 semesters
Admits 12 students each year
View Course Sequence
View Complete Course List/Advising Sheet
Certificates and Degrees
Associate of Applied Science Degree Paralegal Studies
Program Requirements
Admission requirements:
Application for Admission
Application fee
High school transcript or GED
COMPASS Placement Test or ACT scores
Register early - admission is based on space availability.
Admission Steps
- Complete and return an Application for Admission along with a check or money order for $40 (non-refundable), payable to Idaho State University. You may also apply online.
- Submit official college transcripts, if applicable, from each accredited institution of higher education that you have attended.
- Submit an official copy of your high school transcript or GED scores (Not required if you have completed and submitted proof of 14 or more academic credits from an accredited institution of higher education.)
- Meet with a College of Technology counselor, if desired, to obtain more in-depth information. To make an appointment, call (208)282-2622.
- Either:
- Complete the COMPASS Placement test. This test enables us to place you in the appropriate classes to enhance your success in college.
- Submit ACT/SAT scores, valid for seven (7) years from the date of testing.
- Apply for financial aid if needed. Questions, call (208) 282-2756.
Fees
Fees apply to the current Idaho State University fee schedule which includes mandatory student health insurance.
Paying for College
You may apply for financial aid, scholarships, grants, and loans to help finance your college education. When you pay registration fees, you are a student of Idaho State University with the privileges and responsibilities of a college student.
Affirmative Action & Equal Employment Opportunity at ISU
Career Opportunities
100% of 2006 Paralegal graduates were employed in related jobs.
Employment Opportunities
- Law firms
- Courts
- Government Agencies
- Banks, insurance companies, title companies and other like businesses
- Corporate legal departments
- Educational institutions
- Self Employment
- Median income -Idaho $38,980, and nationally, $41,170 in this field*
- About 670 paralegals work in this occupation in Idaho*
* Idaho Career Information Systems data
All AAS degrees will articulate into the Bachelor of Applied Technology.