Trade Schools
If you live in Idaho and you want 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 are looking 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 workers in this profession.
Before being ready for employment as a paralegal you will need an associate’s degree in paralegal studies or a bachelor’s degree in a different field and a certificate in paralegal studies.
On this page, we will compile information about the best paralegal schools in Idaho and the programs offered.
1Idaho State University
About the School
Idaho State University provides a Paralegal Studies program that prepares students to be an integral part of the legal team.
They prepare for performing tasks such as investigating facts, conducting legal research, interviewing clients, organizing and analyzing case materials, and more.
The program accepts students in August and admits 16 students each year.
Courses Offered
The following degree options are available for those who want to start a career in the Paralegal field:
- Paralegal Studies Associate of Applied Science
- Paralegal Studies Bachelor of Applied Science
Paralegal Studies Students take classes such as:
- Introduction to Paralegal Studies
- Ethics and Professionalism
- Contract Law
- Law Office Management
- Criminal Law and Procedure
- Law Office Technology
- Civil Litigation and Procedure
- And more
Students need a total of 62 credits for an Associate Degree.
The approximate tuition for undergraduate degrees for the 2023-2024 year is $8,400 for Idaho residents.
Contact Information
- Address: 921 South 8th Avenue, Pocatello, Idaho, 83209
- Phone: (208) 282-4636
- Website: https://www.isu.edu
2College of Eastern Idaho
About the School
College of Eastern Idaho provides 382 degrees and certificates.
The college has a 13-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio.
Courses Offered
Among many other pathways, the College of Eastern Idaho provides a Legal Studies and Paralegal Training program.
The program teaches a variety of useful skills, including:
- Legal document drafting
- Law research using legal reference materials
- Standard office and administrative practice
- Information on federal-state court systems
- How to communicate legal knowledge
- Critical thinking and organizational skills
The following paths are available:
- Associate of Applied Science- four full-time semesters, including five education classes
- Intermediate Technical Certificate- two full-time semesters that can be completed in 12 months
- Basic Technical Certificate- a two-semester, full-time program designed to be completed in 10 months
Contact Information
- Address: 1600 S 25th E, Idaho Falls, ID 83404
- Phone: (208) 524-3000
- Website: https://cei.edu
3CLS by Barbri
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.
The courses provided at CLS by BARBRI are designed for adult students and are taught at a college level.
Applicants need a high school diploma or GED and they must be 18 years of age before enrollment.
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 cost starts at $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.
Six sessions per year are available, starting every eight weeks.
Students have 14 weeks to complete the online program: seven weeks for Paralegal I and seven weeks for Paralegal II.
Contact Information
- Address: 12222 Merit Drive, Suite 1340, Dallas, TX 75251
- Phone: 800-522-7737
- Website: https://www.legalstudies.com
4North Idaho College
About the School
North Idaho College provides a paralegal program that leads to an Associate of Applied Science Degree and prepares students for positions in legal environments.
The college is accredited has been accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities since 1947.
Courses Offered
The Associate in Applied Science program includes course requirements such as:
- Word Processing
- Introduction to Law
- Legal Terminology
- Legal Research and Writing
- Office Procedures
- Civil Procedure and Litigation
- Family Law
- Legal Ethics
- Criminal Law and Procedure
- Torts and Contracts
- And more
In total, the program requires between 62-64 credits.
Tuition at North Idaho College is $141.50 per credit for resident students.
Contact Information
- Address: 1000 W. Garden Ave. Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814
- Phone: (208) 769-3300
- Website: https://www.nic.edu
5Purdue University Global
About the School
Purdue University Global provides programs designed to help working adults earn a degree.
The online university provides programs designed to fit into the students’ busy life.
Courses Offered
Among many other programs, Purdue University Global provides 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 certificate requires 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
The Online Legal Secretary Certificate can be completed in 8 months, on average, and requires 31 credits.
Students attend between 15-18 hours of classes per week.
Contact Information
- Address: 2550 Northwestern Avenue, Suite 1100, West Lafayette, IN 47906
- Phone: 866-522-7747
- Website: https://www.purdueglobal.edu
6Liberty University
About the School
Online paralegal training programs are also available at Liberty University, an accredited Christian college.
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 offered fully online.
Liberty University 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
7University 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 students who want to go straight to the workforce.
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 concepts and the practical skills needed when assisting attorneys with different tasks in 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
8Campus
About the School
A community-based institution located in Sacramento, California, Campus offers respected vocational training in a wide range of topics.
The college’s catalog includes programs in healthcare, law, information technology, business, cosmetology, and barbering.
The school was formerly known as MTI College.
The school is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.
Courses Offered
An Online Paralegal Degree Program is available at Campus.
This program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed when planning to start a successful paralegal career.
This Paralegal program is approved by the American Bar Association.
Graduates are ready for employment as paralegals in both the private and public sectors.
By graduation day, they will be ready to perform substantive and procedural behind-the-scenes legal work for legal departments and law firms.
Those who have previously completed an associate or baccalaureate degree or have completed 54 approved quarter units in general education from an accredited institution begin their Online Paralegal Degree Program in year two.
The college also provides a Legal Administrative Assistant program available online.
This program leads to a diploma and prepares students to work in a wide range of law practices, from civil to criminal law.
Contact Information
- Address: 5221 Madison Avenue Sacramento, CA 95841
- Phone: (916) 339-1500
- Website: https://mticollege.edu
9South Florida International College
About the School
Idaho students may also earn a degree or certificate in paralegal studies by pursuing an online program provided 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- available in English and Spanish.
After completing this program, students have the required education and training to become paralegals.
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 the following:
- 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
10Arizona State University
About the School
Arizona State University also provides online training programs that allow students to earn a degree on their schedule from anywhere in the world.
More than 300 online degrees and certificates are available at the university and are designed to prepare students for careers in a variety of fields.
Courses Offered
The following law, criminal justice, and public policy degrees are available at Arizona State University:
- 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 United States law before they choose the electives that best match their career goals.
Ten classes are available in total.
The program includes 30 credit hours.
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 Idaho
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boise City, ID | 990 | $55,280 | $26.58 | $78,750 | $33,280 |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | 190 | $56,480 | $27.16 | $79,570 | $34,820 |
| Idaho Falls, ID | 160 | $48,000 | $23.08 | $63,880 | $28,440 |
| Lewiston, ID-WA | 40 | $52,590 | $25.29 | $77,630 | $34,540 |
| Pocatello, ID | 60 | $44,890 | $21.58 | $62,030 | $29,080 |
| Twin Falls, ID | 80 | $49,330 | $23.72 | $75,370 | $39,810 |
* 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 Idaho residents, the next step is to continue the research and choose the program that best meets your needs.
