The demand for legal professionals is also growing with the continued growth of the Tennessee population, especially in cities like Nashville.
Law firms are searching for talented and qualified paralegals to support attorneys.
To become a paralegal in Tennessee, you must earn a certificate or degree to prove you have the necessary skills for an entry-level role in a private law firm, corporate law, insurance company, or other legal entity.
The first step in determining the right paralegal program that meets your needs is knowing your educational and career goals.
Next, it’s essential to understand whether in-person, online, or hybrid classes are your best choice.
Once you have this information, it’s time to research the best paralegal programs in Tennessee.
Keep reading to learn more!
Schools
Finding the best schools and programs is determined by several factors, including student reviews, graduate salaries, cost, school reputation, accreditation by a governing agency, and program type.
These are some of the best in the state because they are well-rounded schools.
1 Chattanooga State Community College
About
Boasting a 97% job placement rate and 1:16 faculty-to-student ratio, CSCC offers over 50 associate degree and certificate programs, all preparing students for entry-level work in their field or advancing to higher education.
One such program is the American Bar Association (ABA) associate degree in Paralegal Studies, which prepares students to become legal assistants or paralegals in various legal environments.
Courses / Programs Offered
This two-year, full-time curriculum covers core classes like English Composition, College Success Business, Introduction to Paralegal Studies, Ethics, Torts, Legal Writing, and Technology in the Law Office in the first year.
The second delves more into the legal field with courses like Contract Law, Civil Litigation I and II, Law Practice Management, and Legal Ethics and Professionalism.
Students must also engage in a legal internship in their second year.
Contact Information
Students interested in enrolling in the program can contact the Dayton Campus at 423-365-5010, the Kimball Campus at 423-837-1327, or the Main Campus at 423-697-4400.
Contact Information
- Address: 4501 Amnicola Hwy, Chattanooga, TN 37406, United States
- Phone: 423-697-4400
- Website: Visit School Website
2 Columbia State Community College
About
CSCC boasts a portfolio of over 900 certificate and degree programs and was rated in the 2019 top 150 of the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence out of over 1,000 community colleges.
The school averages an enrollment of around 6,000 and has a 100% job placement rate.
Of those 900 programs, the school offers an associate degree in Paralegal Studies, which helps students master the required skills for complicated and changing paralegal work.
Courses / Programs Offered
The curriculum instructs students on interviewing clients and witnesses, investigating complicated patterns of facts, conducting legal research, preparing legal documents, and assisting with courtroom preparation.
Contact Information
For students interested in learning more about the program, email workforcedev@ColumbiaState.edu.
Contact Information
- Address: 1665 Hampshire Pike, Columbia, TN 38401, United States
- Phone: 931-540-2722
- Website: Visit School Website
3 Nashville State Community College
About
With over 80 programs taught by existing or retired industry professionals, NSCC students are prepared to enter the workforce after graduation.
The school boasts six campuses around Tennessee, so most residents are close to a site, including East Davidson, Clarksville, Dickson, Humphreys County, Southeast, and White Bridge.
NSCC offers an associate degree in paralegal studies program that helps students gain the critical thinking, communication skills, and legal knowledge required to succeed in the legal field.
The program emphasizes ethics, so students understand the importance of attorney-client confidentiality and being ethical when dealing with the law.
Courses / Programs Offered
The coursework includes legal research, drafting legal documents, how to conduct interviews with clients and witnesses, assisting lawyers with trial preparation, managing electronic data, and analyzing legal cases.
Students must also complete a 150-hour internship with a local law firm to help them prepare for entry-level work post-graduation.
Tuition and fees cost $9,500 for the program but don’t include books and other materials.
Contact Information
Interested students should contact Ruth Green, who sits in the Program Office, at 615-353-3400 or by emailing ruth.green@nscc.edu.
Contact Information
- Address: 120 White Bridge Rd, Nashville, TN 37209, United States
- Phone: 615-353-3333
- Website: Visit School Website
4 Pellissippi State Community College
About
PSCC opened its doors in 1974 as the State Technical Institute at Knoxville and has been changing and expanding.
The school emphasizes technology, teaching it, and using it during instruction.
The school services residents of Knox, Blount, and the surrounding counties, so associate degrees, certificates, and continuing education opportunities are available.
PSCC offers an ABA-approved associate degree in Paralegal Studies, a two-year time commitment.
Courses / Programs Offered
The curriculum covers drafting, filing, and organizing legal documents, conducting research and investigations, and managing a law office.
The program also covers other legal areas like torts, real estate, and corporate and family law.
Contact Information
The faculty advises potential students to meet with advisors via this LINK or in person to learn more about the program.
To make an appointment or ask questions, contact startstrong@pstcc.edu.
Contact Information
- Address: 10915 Hardin Valley Rd, Knoxville, TN 37932, United States
- Phone: 865-694-6400
- Website: Visit School Website
5 Roane State Community College
About
Serving nine counties, with a campus in each, RSCC also offers classes at more than 30 high schools.
The school even has a program allowing high school students to work on their degrees while attending high school in their senior year.
Additionally, the RSCC has plenty of online classes, and six programs are entirely online.
The school has a two-year associate degree in Paralegal Studies, preparing students for entry-level positions in the legal field.
Courses / Programs Offered
RSCC’s associate degree program instructs students on many legal support topics, like conducting legal research, interviewing clients, and drafting documents, while emphasizing the importance of communication in the workplace.
Classes in the second year cover topics like torts, family law, trusts and estates, and legal writing.
Contact Information
For more information about RSCC’s associate degree program in Paralegal Studies, call 865-354-3000 or contact the school on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube.
Contact Information
- Address: 276 Patton Ln, Harriman, TN 37748, United States
- Phone: 865-354-3000
- Website: Visit School Website
6 Southwest Tennessee Community College
About
Emphasizing a long list of values the school teaches their students in all majors, STCC has committed staff and faculty who value each student’s worth by offering individualized instruction.
Classes are structured to promote academic freedom, communication, teamwork, and participation, all critical in the legal environment.
STCC offers an ABA-approved associate degree in Paralegal Studies featuring a challenging skills-based curriculum.
Classes are available multiple times throughout the day to provide maximum flexibility.
Courses / Programs Offered
Since this is an associate degree, core classes like English Composition, Math, and Humanities are required.
However, the legal-focused courses include Family Law, Legal Research, Law Practice Management, Civil Litigation I and II, Fundamentals of Communication, and Torts.
Students must also complete an internship with a local law firm to gain firsthand experience.
Contact Information
To learn more about STCC’s associate degree program in Paralegal Studies, dial 901-333-4130 or email the staff at paralegal@southwest.tn.edu.
Contact Information
- Address: 1234 Finley Rd, Memphis, TN 38116, United States
- Phone: 901-333-6450
- Website: Visit School Website
7 University of Memphis
About
U of M offers a bachelor’s in legal studies through the College of Professional and Liberal Studies.
The school has a 3 + 3 partnership with the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, allowing students to earn bachelor’s and law degrees in six years.
Although Memphis’s program was not developed for students to practice law, it was created to prepare students to pursue a law degree post-graduation.
Courses / Programs Offered
The program teaches students theoretical and practical properties of the law and prepares them to offer support services to firms and agencies.
Students learn theory, process, application, ethics, legal research and investigation, administrative responsibilities, law-related technologies, professional etiquette, and communication skills.
Contact Information
For more information on the program, contact the Law School Admissions Office at 901-678-5403.
Contact Information
- Address: 3720 Alumni Ave, Memphis, TN 38152, United States
- Phone: 901-678-2000
- Website: Visit School Website
8 University of Tennessee - Chattanooga
About
The University of Tennessee works closely with countless partners to deliver exceptional programs at all levels.
UTC focuses on building relationships with the community via volunteering opportunities and events, which leads to student success in life.
The school aims to engage students, inspire change, and enrich the community.
The school offers paralegal and advanced certificate programs, which can be taken online.
Courses / Programs Offered
The main difference between the two educational paths is the advanced certificate covers specialized topics like software essential for the law office, victim advocacy, legal secretary, personal injury for paralegals, employment law, legal investigation, alternative dispute resolution, and legal writing.
The certificate covers foundational courses like ethics, torts, family law, legal research, and communications.
Contact Information
For more information about the educational paths offered by UTC, call 423-425-4344 or complete the online information request form HERE.
Contact Information
- Address: 615 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37403, United States
- Phone: 423-425-4111
- Website: Visit School Website
9 Volunteer State Community College
About
Located in Gallatin, Volunteer State Community College is an institution that offers associate degrees, certificates, and continuing education options for busy professionals.
The school provides innovative programs, strengthens community and workforce partnerships, promotes cultural diversity and awareness, inspires lifelong learning, and prepares students for future careers.
VSCC offers an associate degree program in Paralegal Studies preparing incoming learners for careers as paralegals or legal assistants in all legal environments.
Courses / Programs Offered
The rigorous associate degree program helps students gain exceptional communication skills, one of the pillars of success in the legal field.
Also, students learn substantive and procedural law, legal research, and proper documentation, among other paralegal-specific courses.
The ABA approves the associate degree in Paralegal Studies and requires a two-year time commitment.
Contact Information
Those interested in learning more about the program are urged to call 615-452-8600.
Contact Information
- Address: 1480 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, TN 37066, United States
- Phone: 615-452-8600
- Website: Visit School Website
10 Walters State Community College
About
Founded in 1970, Walters State Community College delivers an affordable, high-quality higher education to those living in East Tennessee.
The school has over 150 technical certificates and degrees with programs focusing on technological advancements in education and giving students a quality education.
This Morristown-based school offers an associate degree in Paralegal Studies, which prepares students for entrance work in private law offices, government agencies, insurance companies, and corporate law under attorney supervision.
Courses / Programs Offered
The ABA-approved associate degree program covers legal research, document preparation, client and witness interviews, factual investigation, and how to conduct case management.
The coursework heavily emphasizes ethical and professional standards to ensure students know attorney-client confidentiality.
Contact Information
For more information on the Paralegal Studies program, students can schedule a campus visit to meet with advisors, visit Senators Central, or call 423-585-2600.
Contact Information
- Address: 500 S Davy Crockett Pkwy, Morristown, TN 37813, United States
- Phone: 423-585-2600
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
Paralegal Salary Information
The average annual U.S. paralegal salary is $66,900, with pay ranging from $52,500 to $83,700.
Tennessee has an average paralegal salary of $61,500, ranging from $48,200 to $76,900.
The lower annual salary in Tennessee could be related to fewer major cities to help pull up the state average.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$54K |
|
$61K |
|
$69K |
Average Salary in Tennessee
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Memphis | $62,154 |
| Nashville | $62,533 |
| Knoxville | $61,537 |
| Chattanooga | $60,470 |
| Clarksville | $60,470 |
| Murfreesboro | $62,063 |
| Jackson | $61,685 |
| Johnson City | $58,374 |
| Kingsport | $58,593 |
| Franklin | $62,314 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | 510 | $50,730 | $24.39 | $70,210 | $27,590 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | 110 | $45,020 | $21.64 | $60,690 | $33,430 |
| Cleveland, TN | 40 | $49,520 | $23.81 | $79,630 | $28,910 |
| Jackson, TN | 100 | $47,830 | $23 | $67,780 | $29,390 |
| Johnson City, TN | 50 | $49,590 | $23.84 | $72,340 | $28,770 |
| Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, TN-VA | 170 | $55,020 | $26.45 | $89,800 | $30,410 |
| Knoxville, TN | 680 | $53,480 | $25.71 | $78,610 | $31,420 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | 1,010 | $55,000 | $26.44 | $78,150 | $35,010 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | 2,300 | $59,960 | $28.83 | $85,760 | $38,530 |
* 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 a paralegal in Tennessee, choosing the right program was crucial for my career growth. These top 10 options offer excellent training and networking opportunities!
I’m currently enrolled in one of these programs and can vouch for its quality and relevance to the legal field in Tennessee.
One program that deserves special mention is the one offered by Southwest Tennessee Community College. Their paralegal studies program is designed to provide a strong foundation in legal principles while also offering specialized courses in areas such as intellectual property law, immigration law, and corporate law. The program is ABA-approved, which is a mark of quality and ensures that the curriculum meets high standards. Southwest Tennessee Community College also offers robust support services, including tutoring, career counseling, and job placement assistance. The combination of a well-rounded curriculum, experienced faculty, and excellent support services makes this program a standout choice for future paralegals.
I took Paralegal at the University of Memphis. Their paralegal studies program is highly respected and provides a comprehensive curriculum that covers all essential areas, from legal research and writing to ethics and litigation. The University of Memphis also offers excellent internship opportunities with local law firms, courts, and government agencies, giving students valuable hands-on experience. The faculty are experienced professionals who bring real-world insights into the classroom, which greatly enhances the learning experience. This program is a top choice for anyone serious about a career as a paralegal.
The program at Pellissippi State Community College stands out for its affordability and comprehensive curriculum. Pellissippi State offers an Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies, which is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to excel in various legal settings. The program includes courses on civil litigation, family law, criminal law, and legal research, among others. The college also emphasizes practical training, with opportunities for internships and cooperative education. Additionally, Pellissippi State’s strong connections with local law firms and legal professionals enhance job placement prospects for graduates. It’s a great option for those looking to enter the legal field without incurring significant debt.
Reading about the top paralegal programs in Tennessee, I was particularly drawn to the program at Chattanooga State Community College. Their American Bar Association (ABA) approved program is known for its rigorous standards and excellent faculty. What I love about Chattanooga State’s program is its focus on both the theoretical and practical aspects of legal work. Students receive thorough training in legal research, drafting legal documents, and understanding court procedures. Additionally, the program’s strong emphasis on internships helps students gain the practical experience needed to succeed in the workforce. The support services, including career counseling and job placement, further make this program an excellent choice for aspiring paralegals.
I’m really impressed with the depth of information provided in this post about the best paralegal programs in Tennessee. Nashville State Community College’s program caught my attention due to its affordability and flexibility. Offering both associate degrees and certificate options, Nashville State makes it possible for students with different needs and schedules to pursue their education. Their curriculum is designed to prepare students for immediate employment, with courses that cover legal terminology, document preparation, and office management. The college also has strong ties with the local legal community, ensuring that students have access to internships and job placement services. It’s clear why Nashville State Community College made it to this list.