If you have ever pictured yourself at the right hand of a brilliant attorney, diving headfirst into complex legal cases, researching, strategizing, and making a significant impact on America’s justice system, becoming a paralegal might be the ideal career for you!
Paralegal education offers a gateway into the legal profession for students who want to work in courtrooms, law firms, and high-powered corporations where their skills are in high demand.
Prospective students who take paralegal studies on campus and online prepare themselves for high-paying careers and national certification that can lead to earning a spot on the legal team in some of the Pacific Northwest’s most reputable legal firms.
Oregon Paralegal Job Duties
Paralegals support lawyers by taking on simple and complex legal tasks that help them build their case files, complete legal research, and interview witnesses they represent in US courtrooms.
They work in law offices, government agencies, schools, and other areas of the legal system as legal guides to help lawyers and clients navigate their way through complex cases and rules of law.
With tasks such as:
- Case File Management – Ensure documents are signed, in proper order, and legally compliant.
- Document Organization – Collect and organize case-related documents and place them in files.
- Contract Research and Preparation – Verify rules of law and prepare contracts for signatures.
- Legal Analysis and Research – Researching case laws, statutes, and codes for analysis.
- Legal Appointment Scheduling – Schedule legal appointments and court dates for clients and attorneys.
- Filing Legal Documents – Timely filing of court-related documents, including motions and pleas.
- Interviewing – Collecting case details and information from witnesses and clients for analysis.
Oregon Paralegal Certification Requirements
Fewer entry requirements lower the entry bar and make it easier for high school graduates to enroll in a paralegal studies program that teaches them the fundamentals of working in the field and prepares them to take national certification exams, which many of Oregon’s legal employers prefer.
Employers will almost always prefer new paralegals who have successfully completed a paralegal education program and earned the Certified Paralegal (CP) credential issued by the National Association of Legal Assistants.
Prospective paralegals serious about working in the field earn certification to demonstrate their legal competency and expertise by a third-party certifying authority, giving them a competitive edge in the legal marketplace.
Certified Paralegal – CP
The Certified Paralegal credential is one of the most highly sought-after credentials in the profession.
The National Association of Legal Assistants issues this credential.
CP holders must pass an exam to earn certificates and complete recertification requirements to maintain their certification.
Advanced Certified Paralegal – ACP
The Advanced Certified Paralegal credential is an extension of the CP credential.
It shows that certification holders have completed all requirements to earn CP status and that they have completed additional coursework to earn a specialty in a specific area of law.
Best Paralegal Programs in Oregon
Oregon’s best paralegal programs give students foundational knowledge, practical knowledge, and opportunities for immersive experiences when they participate in paralegal externships and on-the-job training.
These training programs take the schedules of practicing paralegals into account and offer options for online paralegal studies or a combination of hybrid education where students take the required coursework online and practice their skills in on-the-job training programs.
1 Portland Community College
About the Program
The Portland Community College Paralegal Programs allow students to work towards an Associate in Applied Sciences degree or a paralegal certificate.
Their ABA-approved program takes about 1-2 years to complete, depending on your chosen credential.
They teach paralegal students how to use analytical skills, legal research methods, and legal terminology to support lawyers in courtrooms, law offices, and private institutions.
Courses Offered
- Business Communication Using Technology
- Litigation
- Basic Legal Research
- Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility
- Survey of Substantive Law
- Legal Software
- Technical Writing
- Introduction to the US Legal System
Program Cost: $128.00-268.00 per credit hour
Contact Information
- Address: 722 SW 2nd Avenue, Portland, Oregon - 97204
- Phone: 971-722-6642
- Website: Visit School Website
2 Umpqua Community College
About the Program
Umpqua Community College offers a two-year AAS degree in Paralegal Studies and a one-year certificate option.
Students can get paralegal education online in this program, preparing them for employment and certification.
Their program is taught by attorneys and practicing paralegals.
It allows students to earn the required on-the-job experience needed to sit for national certification exams and is preferred by most local employers.
Entry requirements include a working knowledge of Microsoft Word and basic keyboarding skills.
*They also ask students with felony convictions to disclose this information when applying to the program.
Courses Offered
- Legal Terminology
- Introduction to Paralegal Studies
- Legal Research and Writing
- Civil Procedure
- Psychology of Human Relations
- Real Estate Law for Paralegals
- Torts, Pleadings, and Practice
- Criminal Law for Paralegals
Program Cost: $5,477.00-$5,945.00
*This program has scholarships available for qualified students.
Contact Information
- Address: 1140 Umpqua College Road, Roseburg, Oregon - 97470
- Phone: 541-440-4600
- Website: Visit School Website
3 Lane Community College
About the Program
Lane College in Eugene allows prospective paralegals to learn the fundamentals of supporting lawyers and other legal professionals in their online Paralegal Studies course.
Their online course lasts six weeks, 24 credit hours, and two options for completion.
Option one is completely self-paced, has no prerequisites or entry requirements, and begins as soon as students enroll.
The second option is also online but integrates instructor-moderated discussion boards where students can engage with the program instructor and ask questions.
Courses Offered
- Legal Terminology
- Analyzing and Drafting Legal Documents
- Contract Law
- Legal Interviewing
- Appellate Procedure
- Writing Legal Briefs
- How Paralegals Integrate into a Law Practice
- Legal Research
Contact Information
- Address: 4000 E 30th Avenue, Eugene, Oregon -97405
- Phone: 541-463-3000
- Website: Visit School Website
4 Mount Hood Community College
About the Program
Mount Hood Community College delivers an online paralegal studies program in partnership with Ed2Go.
This 96-course hour program teaches students the basics of introductory paralegal studies, including legal research and terminology.
Students also learn how to write legal briefs, emphasizing business writing.
This online course requires students to log in using a Windows 8 or later PC and Adobe Acrobat Reader.
This instructor-led course requires students to be up and running with all hardware and software before the first course starts online.
Courses Offered
- What is a Paralegal
- Legal Terminology
- Conducting Legal Research
- How Do Paralegals Integrate into a Law Practice
- Tort Law
- Investigating Legal Matters
- Contract Law
- Appellate Procedure
- Writing as Problem-Solving
Program Cost: $500.00 per credit hour
Contact Information
- Address: 26000 Southeast Stark Street, Gresham, Oregon - 97030
- Phone: 503-491-6422
- Website: Visit School Website
5 Rogue Community College
About the Program
Aspiring Oregon paralegals can take paralegal studies training at Rogue Community College, which issues a Paralegal Certificate to students who complete the course.
Course instruction focuses on teaching students the legal aspects of writing for drafting complaints, motions, memos, and other legal communications.
Students will learn how to interview legal clients and witnesses and apply legal analysis in real-life scenarios.
They offer their six-week, 24-credit-hour program in conjunction with Ed2Go online.
Courses Offered
- Appellate Procedure
- Conducting Legal Research
- Analyzing and Drafting Legal Documents
- Job Hunting
- Tort Law
- Legal Interviewing
- Contract Law
- Investigating Legal Matters
- Legal Terminology
Program Cost: $129.00 per credit hour
*This program offers a payment plan.
Contact Information
- Address: 3345 Redwood Highway, Grants Pass, Oregon - 97527
- Phone: 541-956-7500
- Website: Visit School Website
6 Clackamas Community College - Online Paralegal Suite
About the Program
Oregon students who want to begin their paralegal studies program online can enroll in Clackamas Community College’s online paralegal program that operates in conjunction with Ed2Go.
Their instructor-supported program prepares students for careers as paralegals by teaching them the basics of supporting attorneys in the courtroom and training for national paralegal certification.
Their comprehensive certificate program includes coursework introducing new paralegals to the American Justice System and acts as a refresher course for practicing paralegals.
Students who take online paralegal studies at CCC will learn how to complete office and courtroom-related tasks like legal interviewing, investigations, and research.
This program has start dates from early September through early December and features instructor-moderated discussion boards.
Courses Offered
- Legal Interviewing
- What is a Paralegal
- Contract Law
- Business Writing
- Revising, Formatting, Editing, and Proofreading
Contact Information
- Address: 19600 Molalla Avenue, Oregon City, Oregon - 97045
- Phone: 503-594-6000
- Website: Visit School Website
7 Chemeketa Community College
About the Program
Students who enroll in paralegal studies at Chemeketa Community College gain access to an online paralegal education program that allows students six weeks to complete a 24-credit-hour training program.
Their online program offers students a glimpse into the day in the life of a paralegal and introduces them to fundamental skills needed to function in the role.
Courses Offered
- Fundamentals of Legal Terminology
- How to Write Legal Briefs
- How to Conduct Legal Interviews
- Preparing for Legal Appeals
- Contract Law
- Legal Internship
- Job Hunting Skills
Contact Information
- Address: 626 High Street, Salem, Oregon - 97301
- Phone: 503-399-5000
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
Paralegal Salary Information
Paralegals with more years of experience in the field make more than entry-level or beginning paralegals without credentials.
Entry-level Oregon paralegals make between $38,000.00 and $92,000.00 a year, with an average salary of just under $60,000.00.
The following factors affect Oregon paralegal salaries:
- Paralegal Education
- Years of Work Experience
- Firm Size
- Legal Specialty
- Certification Status
Prospective paralegals who want to increase their earning potential may wish to pursue one of the most in-demand legal specialties for Oregon paralegals.
- Estate Planning Law
- Intellectual Property Law
- Criminal Law
- Environmental Law
- Immigration Law
- Corporate Law
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$69K |
|
$77K |
|
$86K |
Average Salary in Oregon
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Portland | $80,399 |
| Eugene | $75,954 |
| Salem | $76,222 |
| Gresham | $80,297 |
| Beaverton | $80,399 |
| Hillsboro | $80,142 |
| Medford | $75,259 |
| Springfield | $75,785 |
| Bend | $75,098 |
| Corvallis | $75,330 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany, OR | 40 | $56,270 | $27.05 | $74,430 | $35,610 |
| Bend-Redmond, OR | ** | $67,450 | $32.43 | $83,650 | $46,180 |
| Corvallis, OR | 50 | $58,530 | $28.14 | $76,840 | $45,760 |
| Eugene, OR | 430 | $58,580 | $28.16 | $77,710 | $44,990 |
| Grants Pass, OR | 40 | $71,230 | $34.24 | $135,200 | $41,280 |
| Medford, OR | 120 | $57,470 | $27.63 | $74,610 | $40,530 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | 3,510 | $73,220 | $35.2 | $101,970 | $50,340 |
| Salem, OR | 470 | $60,740 | $29.2 | $82,640 | $45,630 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Paralegal Programs by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
As someone already working in the field, I’d recommend choosing a program with strong internship opportunities. A lot of these Oregon schools seem to have great connections with local law firms, which can really help when you’re starting out.
My son is interested in law, and we’ve been looking at paralegal programs as a potential career path. This list gives us a lot of great options to explore, and it’s reassuring to know that these programs are well-regarded in Oregon.
I recently finished one of the paralegal programs listed here, and it was a great experience. The faculty were amazing, and the program’s connection to local law firms really helped me land a job right after graduation.
This post is super helpful! I’ve been looking into paralegal programs in Oregon, and I didn’t realize there were so many strong options. Now I just need to narrow it down to the best fit for my schedule and budget.