Trade Schools
If you live in Indiana and plan to start a non-lawyer career in the legal field, the paralegal profession can be the right fit for you.
Paralegals and legal assistants are usually responsible for completing tasks such as:
- Maintaining and organizing files
- Conducting legal research
- Drafting documents
- Investigating facts of a case
- Interviewing clients
- Getting affidavits and other formal statements that can be used as evidence in court
- Helping lawyers during trials
- And more
As more law firms want to minimize costs for their clients, many tasks that were previously completed by entry-level lawyers are now assigned to paralegals.
This results in an increased demand for skilled paralegal professionals.
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.
To help you choose the program that best meets your needs and learning style, on this page, we will compile information about the best paralegal schools in Indiana and the programs offered.
1Ivy Tech Community College
About the School
Ivy Tech Community College provides a Paralegal Studies program for students who want to start a career in law.
Students learn from a faculty with knowledge and years of experience in this field.
Graduates may find employment in the court system or at private law firms.
Some also transfer to four-year institutions to earn a bachelor’s degree and attend law school afterward.
Courses Offered
The following degree options are available:
- Certificates- Paralegal Studies- an 18-credit hour program that can be completed in two semesters
- Technical Certificate- a 31-credit hour program that can be completed in three semesters
- Associate of Applied Science- a 60-credit hour program designed to be completed in four semesters
- Associate of Applied Science- Distance Education- a 60-credit hour program designed to be completed in four semesters
Students take classes such as:
- Introduction to Paralegal Studies
- Legal Research
- Legal Ethics
- Litigation
- Contracts and Commercial Law
- Legal Writing
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 815 E 60th Street, Anderson, IN 46013
- Phone: 765-643-7133
- Website: https://www.ivytech.edu
2Indiana University
About the School
Indiana University provides a Paralegal Studies Program approved by the American Bar Association.
The program is developed for the success of its students in the classroom and beyond.
Students learn about legal concepts, structures, and practices from experienced faculty members.
The program’s objective is to prepare students for a prosperous legal career in Indianapolis.
Courses Offered
The following courses of study are available:
- Law in Liberal Arts BA Program
- Baccalaureate/ Doctor of Jurisprudence (BA/JD) Program
- Paralegal Certificate Program
- Pre-Law Program
The Paralegal Certificate Program includes the following requirements:
- Legal Research and Writing for Paralegal Studies
- Litigations for Paralegal Studies
- Professional Responsibility for Paralegals
The following electives are also available:
- Property for Paralegal Studies
- Contract Law for Paralegal Studies
- Tort Law for Paralegal Studies
- Family Law for Paralegal Studies
- Estate Law for Paralegal Studies
- Bankruptcy Law for Paralegal Studies
- Business Associations for Paralegals
- Field Experience in Paralegal Studies
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 425 University Blvd, Indianapolis, IN 46202
- Phone: 317-274-1456
- Website: https://liberalarts.iupui.edu
3Marian University
About the School
Marian University provides an Online Paralegal Studies Associate Degree that can be completed in as little as 14 months.
The program includes five-week accelerated classes taught 100 percent online and starts nine times a year.
Courses Offered
The Core Law Courses available at the university include:
- Business Law
- Professional Writing
- Introduction to the Paralegal Profession
- Legal Research
- Legal Writing and Communication
- Legal Liability: Contracts for the Paralegal
- And more
Applicants need official high school and college transcripts.
They must meet with the MAP admission advisor for an admission counseling appointment and have one of the following:
- A GPA of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale from the last college attended
- A high school GPA of 2.30 on a 4.00 scale
- A GED score of 51 or above or a passing TASC score
Contact Information
- Address: 3200 Cold Spring Road, Indianapolis, IN 46222-1997
- Phone: (317) 955-6000
- Website: https://www.marian.edu
4Purdue University Global
About the School
Purdue University Global provides programs designed to help working adults earn a degree.
Purdue Global provides an online university designed to fit into the students’ busy life.
Courses Offered
Among many other program pathways, the university’s catalog features the following legal studies programs:
- Master of Science in Legal Studies
- Associate of Applied Science in Legal Support and Services
- Legal Secretary Certificate
- Pathway to Paralegal Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- And more
The Pathway to Paralegal Postbaccalaureate Certificate can be completed in 11 months.
The paralegal certificate requires that student complete 36-37 credits.
The program costs $371 per credit.
Students learn from a faculty of legal practitioners with real-world expertise in legal services, law, and policy.
The curriculum covers topics such as:
- Introduction to the Law and Legal Profession
- Civil Litigation
- Legal Ethics
- Law Office Management
- Legal Research and Writing
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2550 Northwestern Avenue, Suite 1100, West Lafayette, IN 47906
- Phone: 866-522-7747
- Website: https://www.purdueglobal.edu
5Calumet College of St. Joseph
About the School
A private, four-year Catholic institution, Calumet College of St. Joseph offers master’s, bachelor’s, and associate’s degrees.
The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
The college provides a Criminal Justice program that prepares students for careers in corrections, counseling, probation, and security, as well as legal assistance, court reporting, and other related fields.
The following objectives are available:
- Bachelor of Science in Probation, Parole, and Courts
- B.S. Forensic Criminology
- A.S. Probation, Parole and Courts
- A.S. Forensic Science
- Certificate
Students take classes on topics such as:
- Intro to Criminal Justice
- Criminology
- Criminal Law
- Laws of Evidence
- Ethics in CRIJ
- Research in Criminal Justice
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2400 New York Avenue, Whiting, Indiana 46394
- Phone: (219) 473-7770
- Website: https://www.ccsj.edu
6Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
About the School
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College offers more than 40 academic programs designed to prepare students for a career in the field of their choice.
The student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1
The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
The college provides a Paralegal Studies Degree Program that offers three distinct curricula:
- Major Curriculum
- Associate Curriculum
- Certificate Curriculum
The Certificate requires 36 credit hours and includes courses such as:
- Introduction to the Profession
- Computer Basics in Law
- Law, Ethics, and Society
- Legal Research
- Theories of Liability
- Contracts and Commercial Transactions
- Civil Litigation
- Legal Practicum
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1 St Mary of Woods Coll, Saint Mary of the Woods, IN 47876
- Phone: 812-535-5151
- Website: https://www.smwc.edu
7University of Evansville
About the School
The University of Evansville provides a variety of academic programs.
The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Courses Offered
The university’s catalog includes a Legal Studies Minor for those who want to go to law school or are seeking a job in the legal profession.
This program includes the following course offerings:
- Law in Society
- Constitutional Law: the American Constitution
- Criminal Law
- Legal Environment of Business
- International Law & Organization
- And more
Students also have to choose two additional courses from a list that includes classes such as:
- Introduction to Taxation
- Advanced Taxation
- Sports Law & Ethics
- Business Law
- Legalized Workplace Issues
- Negotiations
- Special Topics in Law
- Human Rights Seminar
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1800 Lincoln Ave. Evansville, Indiana 47722
- Phone: 812-488-2000
- Website: https://www.evansville.edu
8Vincennes University
About the School
Vincennes University provides a variety of major options to its students.
The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Courses Offered
Among many other academic paths, the university’s catalog includes:
- Legal Studies- Associate in Science- a program that can be completed in two years and is available at Vincennes Campus
- Pre-law- AA
- Pre-law- AS
The Legal Studies program is designed to help students who want to enter careers in the legal field.
Students take foundational law courses taught by licensed attorneys.
This program may serve as the first two years toward a baccalaureate degree.
Contact Information
- Address: 1002 North First Street Vincennes, Indiana 47591
- Phone: 812-888-VUVU | 800-742-9198
- Website: https://www.vinu.edu
9Liberty University
Programs that can prepare you for a career in the paralegal profession are also available online at colleges and universities located in other states.
About the School
One such program is the online paralegal training program available at Liberty University, an accredited Christian college in Virginia.
A variety of programs are offered at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels and are taught from a Christian perspective.
The programs are available fully online and students can complete the coursework while keeping a job and remaining active in their community.
Students can transfer up to 75% of the degree total.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Courses Offered
The Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies program available at Liberty University provides students with the experience and practical skills that can be marketed while they pursue 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
10University of Arkansas-Pulaski Tech
About the School
The University of Arkansas-Pulaski Tech provides training programs for students who are beginning college, for those who want to transfer to a four-year program, and for learners who want to go straight into the workforce after graduation.
The university provides 80 accredited programs with classes available in the daytime, evening, and online.
Courses Offered
A Paralegal Technology program is available at the university and is designed to provide an understanding of the law and the practical skills needed when assisting attorneys with the responsibilities of a law firm, including research, investigation, document preparation, and writing.
The following programs of study are available for students who want to start a career in the paralegal field:
- Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Technology
- Technical Certificate in Paralegal Technology
- Certificate of Proficiency in Paralegal Technology
The Paralegal instruction covers topics such as principles and practical experience in word processing, legal writing, ethical legal practice, professional responsibility, and organizing legal ideas and factual materials.
The Associate of Applied Science program includes classes such as:
- Microcomputer Applications
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Legal Terminology
- Introduction to Law
- Legal Research and Writing
- Constitutional Law
- Civil Litigation
- Commercial Law
- Wills, Trust, and Probate
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 3000 West Scenic Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72118
- Phone: (501) 812-2200
- Website: https://uaptc.edu
Regional Salary in Indiana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IN | 120 | $49,390 | $23.74 | $78,830 | $34,060 |
| Columbus, IN | 40 | $43,930 | $21.12 | $58,830 | $31,710 |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN | 220 | $48,040 | $23.1 | $58,270 | $32,910 |
| Evansville, IN-KY | 240 | $47,390 | $22.78 | $75,650 | $30,290 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | 450 | $52,320 | $25.16 | $75,120 | $35,210 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN | 2,410 | $61,750 | $29.69 | $89,410 | $38,480 |
| Kokomo, IN | 50 | $48,930 | $23.53 | $65,000 | $36,130 |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN | 110 | $49,210 | $23.66 | $68,350 | $35,440 |
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN | 50 | $46,060 | $22.15 | $64,790 | $30,130 |
| Muncie, IN | 70 | $40,100 | $19.28 | $46,260 | $30,530 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | 200 | $50,120 | $24.1 | $74,540 | $35,220 |
| Terre Haute, IN | 130 | $45,380 | $21.82 | $76,660 | $30,310 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
If you want to become ready for employment as a Paralegal, there are plenty of schools that provide specialized training programs.
Classes are available online and in person so students can complete the coursework while keeping a full-time job.
Now that you have read our selection of the best Paralegal schools that offer programs accessible to Indiana residents, the next step is to continue the research and choose the program that best meets your needs, learning style, and career aspirations.
