If you have an undeniable passion for the law, strong communication skills, and the ability to pay close attention to the most minute details, becoming a paralegal in Philadelphia could be the right career choice for you.
Philly-based paralegals work closely with attorneys and judicial officials to provide indispensable administrative and legal support during client interviews, depositions, trials, and court proceedings.
Learn more about what it takes to become a paralegal in Philadelphia and get details on some of the best paralegal schools in the area in our comprehensive guide below.
Our guide provides details on paralegal schools offering certificates, diplomas, and paralegal degrees that lead to state and national certification in the field.
1 Community College of Philadelphia
The Community College of Philadelphia offers a paralegal studies program that complements its criminal justice program.
This 60-hour associate’s degree program operates in a hybrid format that includes online and campus-based instruction.
CCP Paralegal Studies program is ABA-approved as it trains students on the fundamental legal skills needed to conduct legal research, analysis, and legal writing in support of local practicing attorneys.
Students get an in-depth introduction to entry-level legal careers, with accelerated options available for students who already have a post-secondary degree.
Courses Offered
- Civil Litigation
- Legal Research and Writing
- Introduction to Paralegal Studies
- Introduction to Digital Forensics
- Paralegal Electives
- Paralegal Internship
Contact Information
- Address: 1700 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - 19130
- Phone: 215-751-8000
- Website: Visit School Website
2 Villanova University
The College of Professional Studies at Villanova University delivers a flexible paralegal studies program via a combination of online coursework, in-person classes, and a hybrid mix that includes both options.
The American Bar Association approves its comprehensive paralegal studies program and trains Pennsylvania students on the legal skills needed to support judicial officials working in law offices, courtrooms, corporate legal departments, and local governments.
V.U. requires students to complete a minimum of 15 courses in the full-time day program, which operates on campus and accepts new applicants twice per year.
Part-time students can take instructor-led classes online three days per week to complete the 15-course load requirement.
Courses Offered
- Contract Law
- Civil Procedure and Litigation
- Criminal Law
- Estates and Trusts
- Employment Law
- Introduction to the Paralegal Profession and Principles
Contact Information
- Address: 800 East Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, Pennsylvania - 19085
- Phone: 610-519-4500
- Website: Visit School Website
3 Central Penn College
Keystone State students seeking to enter the legal profession in two years or less can get a paralegal education at Central Pennsylvania College.
This centrally located program offers traditional and online instruction for future paralegals needing ABA-approved education.
Their comprehensive paralegal program gives students an overview of the duties and skills required to work as competent paralegals.
It equips them with the necessary skills like legal terminology and analysis that help them succeed as legal support assistants.
Graduates of the CPC Paralegal Associates program demonstrate hands-on competency in conducting legal research for trial preparation, drafting legal briefs and memoranda, and following ethical principles of legal practice.
Courses Offered
- Principles of Legal Research
- Civil Litigation I and II
- Legal Research and Writing
- Family Law
- Contract Law
- Administrative Law
Contact Information
- Address: 600 Valley Road, Summerdale, Pennsylvania - 17093
- Phone: 800-759-2727
- Website: Visit School Website
4 Pennsylvania Western University at Clarion
PennWest at Clarion offers three routes for paralegal education, which include two bachelor’s degree programs and an advanced paralegal certificate designed for working P.A. paralegals who want to boost their education and earn credentials.
Program graduates are fully prepared for entry-level employment as Pennsylvania legal assistants.
They are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to apply practical law to legal problems taken on by local lawyers.
PennWest students are trained to provide hands-on support for local attorneys and to pass national certification exams administered by top certifying authorities like the National Association of Legal Assistants, who issue the coveted Certified Paralegal (CP) credential nationwide.
Courses Offered
- Legal Research
- Legal Ethics of Paralegals
- Substantive Law Concepts
- Legal Document Preparation
- Legal Technology – Westlaw
- General Education Studies
Contact Information
- Address: 909 East Wood Street, Clarion, Pennsylvania - 16214
- Phone: 814-393-2000
- Website: Visit School Website
5 Pennsylvania CareerLink
The Pennsylvania Career Link operates a vocational training program that helps educate Keystone State residents who want to enter the legal field.
PCL offers a self-paced online training option that follows the certification track laid out by the National Association of Legal Assistants.
Program graduates will learn how to use legal technology like Westlaw for legal research as they prepare for entry-level legal support roles that place them at the center of legal actions being carried out in Pennsylvania judicial processes and courts.
The PCL program comprises 300 hours of substantive paralegal education that qualifies students for program certificates of completion and taking the Certified Paralegal exam administered by NALA.
Courses Offered
- Introduction to Paralegal Studies
- Legal Research and Writing
- Torts
- Civil Litigation
- The History of U.S. Law
- Pennsylvania Law
Contact Information
- Address: Pennsylvania - 15701
- Phone: 724-349-6700
- Website: Visit School Website
6 HACC - Central Pennsylvania Community College
The Legal and Public Safety Department at HACC offers Pennsylvania paralegals educational opportunities that include options for blended learning, online learning, and remote learning.
Their ABA-approved program leads to a transferable associate of applied sciences degree for students continuing their legal education through law school.
Students who are seeking to enter the legal field sooner can earn the HACC paralegal certificate, which will educate them on basic concepts of substantive law practices in the U.S. and P.A.
Courses Offered
- Legal Research and Writing I and II
- Civil Litigation I and II
- Contracts
- Paralegal Ethics and Professionalism
- Paralegal Electives
- Paralegal Internship
Contact Information
- Address: One HACC Drive, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania - 17710
- Phone: 800-ABD-HACC
- Website: Visit School Website
7 Peirce College
Peirce College is a local P.A. school that offers an online instructor-led paralegal studies certificate, which the American Bar Association has approved.
Students gain a comprehensive introduction to Paralegal Studies and an overview of the primary skills needed to conduct legal writing, research, interviewing, and mastering legal technology.
Their 24-hour program puts students on track for entry-level employment, certification, or continuing legal education through law school.
Courses Offered
- The Paralegal Profession
- Professional and Legal Responsibility
- Legal Technology
- Criminal Law
- Legal Research
- Civil Litigation
Contact Information
- Address: 1608 Walnut Street, Suite 1900, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - 19103
- Phone: 215-545-6400
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
Paralegal Salary Information
Skilled paralegals are in high demand across the U.S. and Philadelphia.
Paralegal salaries fluctuate between $57,000.00 to as much as $90,000.00 annually.
Local paralegals with more years of substantive legal experience typically command higher salaries than entry-level paralegals.
Working for prestigious law firms and large corporations and holding advanced degrees and certifications are a few ways that local legal assistants boost their annual salaries.
Entry-level legal professionals who specialize in high-demand areas like corporate law, intellectual property law, or healthcare law often earn higher salaries than paralegal generalists due to their more expansive range of knowledge and skills.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$57K |
|
$73K |
|
$90K |
Average Salary in Philadelphia, PA
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia | $73,000 |
How to Become a Paralegal in Philadelphia
Step 1. Meet Age and Education Requirements for Post-Secondary Education
The first step towards becoming a Philadelphia paralegal is to meet the general age and education requirements needed to enter post-secondary training programs.
Certificate and degree-based programs offered by local area colleges and universities will require proof of meeting these general requirements, including evidence of high school graduation and reaching the age of 18 before admission is granted.
Step 2. Enroll in an American Bar Association or NALA-Approved Paralegal Studies Program
Paralegal potentials who meet general entry requirements can begin researching and applying to local programs that fall in line with their educational and career goals.
New candidates should choose the paralegal school that offers the certification-based training they seek and meets their scheduling and budgeting requirements.
The ABA sets the national standard for legal and paralegal education.
The National Association of Legal Assistants closely follows ABA education standards as part of their certification requirements.
Step 3. Apply for Paralegal Certification in PA
New students seeking paralegal certification can choose from a variety of local and national certification options. Philadelphia Paralegal Associations provides education, support, resources, and grants for local candidates seeking certification.
What Agency Certifies Philadelphia’s Legal Assistants?
Paralegals in Philadelphia are qualified to work as certified legal assistants when they earn certification credentials provided by one of the following approved agencies.
- The Keystone Alliance: the KAPA offers Philadelphia paralegal graduates an optional Pa. C.P. credential, which certifies that candidates meet education and experience requirements to provide administrative legal services for local law offices, corporations, government agencies, and other legal entities.
- Philadelphia Association of Paralegals: The PAP helps future legal assistants in P.A. secure the Registered Paralegal Credential (R.P.) by providing support and resources for taking the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam.
- National Association of Legal Assistants: The Paralegal Association administers the certification exam for one of the most widely recognized and accepted credentials within the paralegal industry. NALA issues the Certified Paralegal (CP) credential to qualified Philadelphia applicants.
Step 4. Find a Paralegal Job in Pennsylvania
Certified paralegals are eligible to provide hands-on legal support for a variety of local legal employers.
Many of the best paralegal programs in Philadelphia offer job placement assistance and support for graduates.
Step 5. Recertify Your PA Paralegal Credentials Through CLE
Working paralegals are required to renew or recertify their credentials by completing the required number of continuing legal education credits recommended by their certifying authority.
Paralegal schools that offer legal assistant education may also provide continuing legal education credits.
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