Trade Schools
If you want to start a nonlawyer career in the legal field, the paralegal profession is worth exploring.
Paralegals and legal assistants are usually responsible for tasks such as:
- Maintaining and organizing files
- Conducting legal research
- Drafting documents
- Investigating and gathering facts of a case
- Getting affidavits and other formal statements that can be used as evidence in court
- Helping lawyers during trials
- And more
Before being ready for employment as a paralegal you will need an associate’s degree in paralegal studies or a bachelor’s degree and a certificate in paralegal studies.
On this page, we will compile information about the best paralegal schools in Arizona and the programs they offer.
1Phoenix College
About the School
Phoenix College is a Maricopa Community College that provides degrees and certificate programs.
The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
The Paralegal Studies program offers several paths students can choose from.
The classes are designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in law offices or legal divisions of government agencies.
The Certificate program equips students with the skills needed to perform a variety of tasks in law offices.
The curriculum provides students with practical skills that enable them to draft documents with minimum supervision and familiarize them with fundamental concepts of substantive areas, including torts and business law.
The program includes courses such as:
- Computer Usage and Applications
- Introduction to Law
- The Paralegal Profession
- Legal Writing
- Legal Research
- Civil Procedures
- Contract Law
- Tort Law
- Business Organizations
- And more
Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.
Contact Information
- Address: 1202 W Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013
- Phone: 602-285-7777
- Website: https://www.phoenixcollege.edu
2The Paralegal Institute
About the School
The Paralegal Institute prepares students for careers as paralegals, legal assistants, legal nurse consultants, or related positions in the allied health field.
The school has an open enrollment model that allows students to start their studies immediately and balance their education with their current responsibilities.
The programs are available online and give students the opportunity to set their schedules.
This Paralegal Studies Certificate program costs $2,994 and includes total tuition and enrollment fee.
Courses Offered
The following courses are included in the curriculum:
- Paralegal Theory
- Legal Research
- Legal Analysis and Writing
- Litigation and Trial Practice
- Business Organizations
- Torts: Personal Injury Litigation
- Contracts
After successfully completing the program, students will be eligible to sit for the National Association for Legal Assistants Certification Exam.
Paralegal Continuing Education programs are available to help students keep a competitive edge as they pursue advanced career opportunities.
Contact Information
- Address: 10446 N. 74th Street, Suite 100, Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
- Phone: 602.212.0501
- Website: https://brighton.learnkey.com
3The University of Arizona
About the School
The University of Arizona helps students prepare with the skills they need to achieve their career goals.
The university provides more than 150 majors.
The student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1
Courses Offered
The following professional development courses are available at the university:
- Advanced Paralegal Certificate
- Business Analytics Certificate
- Data Analytics Boot Camp
- Employment Law
- Grant Writing Certificate
- Legal Secretary Training Course
- Paralegal Certificate
- And more
The Paralegal Certificate program is a non-credit professional development certificate designed to prepare students to start a career as Paralegals.
Students must be at least 18 years of age and they need a high school diploma.
The course is available in three different formats:
- Online- students complete two seven-week online classes
- Live lecture- this format is similar to the online format but can be completed in eight weeks
- Self-study- students enrolled in this format can register and start at any time and have six months to complete the program
This program costs $1,895 plus books and materials.
The Advanced Paralegal Certificate program provides students with the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of law and paralegal studies with classes in specialized facets of contemporary law.
Contact Information
- Address: Tucson, AZ 85721
- Phone: (520) 626-5091
- Website: https://ce.arizona.edu
4Arizona Association of Independent Paralegals
About the School
Arizona Association of Independent Paralegals is the largest voluntary organization of Certified Legal Document Preparers (CLDP) Professionals in Arizona.
The association provides continuing legal education classes.
The association offers approximately twenty hours of continuing education classes each year.
Each class is usually five hours long and is available from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sheraton Airport Phoenix.
The price of the class includes Continental Breakfast and cold and hot beverages.
Each year, before April 30, Arizona Certified Legal Document Preparers must complete ten hours of Continuing Education, including one hour of ethics.
Contact Information
- Address: 3219 E Camelback Rd., Suite 406, Phoenix, AZ 85018
- Phone: (602) 754-6833
- Website: https://www.independentparalegals.com
5Grand Canyon University
About the School
Grand Canyon University provides students the opportunity to earn a degree in Criminal Justice, Government, or Public Administration.
The University has earned regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
The private Christian university is located in Arizona.
The online degree programs available at the university offer students the flexibility they need.
Courses Offered
The following Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice, Government, and Public Administration programs are available at the university:
- BA in Government: Legal Studies
- BA in Government: State and Local Public Policy
- BS in Forensic Science
- BS in Justice Studies
- And more
Master’s Degree programs in Law Enforcement and Legal Studies are also available at the university.
Contact Information
- Address: 3300 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85017
- Phone: 602-639-7500
- Website: https://www.gcu.edu
6CLS by BARBRI
Online programs are also offered by Texas schools.
Students can learn at their own pace from the comfort of their homes.
About the School
Formerly known as The Center for Legal Studies, CLS by BARBRI provides continuing legal education.
The curriculum is delivered to students in online, live lecture and text-only formats.
Courses Offered
The following paralegal courses are available at the school:
- Paralegal Certificate Course
- Advanced Paralegal Certificate Course
- Advanced Legal Research and Writing
- Personal Injury for Paralegals
- eDiscovery for Paralegals
Costs vary depending on the course.
The Paralegal Certificate Course costs $1,895.
This is a flagship introductory course and functions as a first step toward a paralegal career.
The most popular format can be completed in two, seven-week instructor-led sessions.
The school’s interactive platform offers 24/7 online course access with video and printed tutorials available.
Contact Information
- Address: 12222 Merit Drive, Suite 1340, Dallas, TX 75251
- Phone: 800-522-7737
- Website: https://www.legalstudies.com
7South Florida International College
About the School
Arizona students may also earn a degree or certificate in paralegal studies by pursuing an online program provided by a community college or trade school located in another state.
One such program is the one offered by the South Florida International College.
South Florida International College offers a series of programs designed to train competent professionals in different career paths.
Courses Offered
Among many other paths, the college provides an associate degree program in Paralegal Studies that is available in English and Spanish.
After completing this program, students have the required education and training to become a paralegal.
Among other skills, students learn how to draft basic legal documents such as complaints, responses, and contracts, interview clients, conduct independent research on legal issues, draft legal memoranda, and perform a variety of other tasks in a legal office.
The program is available in two formats: online and hybrid.
Applicants need:
- High school Diploma, GED, or equivalent
- Official transcripts
- Statement of student’s professional goals
- TOEFL scores for foreign students who are registering for programs taught in English.
Contact Information
- Address: 9000 NW 25th St, Doral, FL 33172
- Phone: 855 457 7738
- Website: https://sficollege.com
8Liberty University
About the School
Located in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University provides a variety of programs that can be completed by students at their own pace, from the comfort of their homes.
A variety of programs are available at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.
The programs are offered fully online.
The courses are taught from a Christian perspective.
Courses Offered
The Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies program available at Liberty University provides students with the experience and practical skills that allow them to hold a job in the legal field while pursuing a Bachelor’s degree.
The program prepares students with a foundational knowledge of criminal law and procedures, writing depositions, and real estate transactions, and in-demand skills such as performing title searches.
The program includes 60 credit hours and can be completed in one and a half years, on average.
Contact Information
- Address: 1971 University Blvd., Lynchburg, Virginia 24515
- Phone: (888) 376-3157
- Website: https://www.liberty.edu
9Rasmussen University
About the School
Rasmussen University provides more than 50 programs with multiple start dates a year.
The university offers educational programs for more than 120 years.
Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Classes are available at 22 locations and online.
Courses Offered
The following justice studies programs are available at the university:
- Criminal Justice
- Law Enforcement
- Paralegal
The Paralegal program prepares students for careers as an integral part of the legal system.
The online paralegal program teaches students about the legal system and the importance of legal ethics.
Paralegal students learn from practicing judges, attorneys, and paralegals.
The program leads to a Paralegal Associate’s degree in as few as 18 months.
Those who already have an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree can graduate with a Paralegal Certificate online in as few as eight months.
The curriculum includes courses such as:
- Introduction to Law and the Legal System
- Introduction to Legal Research
- Paralegal Capstone
- Legal Ethics
- Law Office Management
- Family Law
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 385 Douglas Ave Suite #1000, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
- Phone: 407-635-8200
- Website: https://info.rasmussen.edu
10Arizona State University
About the School
Arizona State University helps students earn a degree on their schedule from anywhere in the world.
More than 300 online degrees and certificates are available at the university.
Courses Offered
The following law, criminal justice, and public policy degrees are included in the university’s catalog:
- Tourism and Recreation Management
- Justice Studies
- Business- Law
- Political Science
- Sports Law and Business
- Social Work
- Legal Studies
- And more
The Master of Legal Studies provided at Arizona State University is an advanced degree designed for students who are interested in understanding law, but not practicing it.
The program helps students build a foundation in U.S. law before they choose the electives that support their career goals.
Ten classes are available in total.
The program includes 30 credit hours in total.
Students take courses on:
- U.S. Law and Legal Analysis
- Administrative Agencies and Regulations
- Criminal Law
- Criminal Procedure
- Fundamentals of Contract Law
- Intellectual Property
- Property
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1151 S Forest Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281
- Phone: 855.278.5080
- Website: https://asuonline.asu.edu
Regional Salary in Arizona
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flagstaff, AZ | 100 | $50,360 | $24.21 | $60,450 | $39,640 |
| Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ | 80 | $57,390 | $27.59 | $77,470 | $34,530 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ | 5,200 | $64,560 | $31.04 | $91,790 | $35,310 |
| Prescott, AZ | 150 | $50,590 | $24.32 | $60,600 | $39,390 |
| Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ | 90 | $41,680 | $20.04 | $57,540 | $30,680 |
| Tucson, AZ | 1,180 | $53,370 | $25.66 | $73,520 | $38,510 |
| Yuma, AZ | 90 | $53,080 | $25.52 | $71,950 | $38,640 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have read our list of the best paralegal schools in Arizona, the next step is to decide if this career path is the right fit for you.
Afterward, we invite you to continue the research and choose the program that best meets your schedule, budget, and career aspirations.
