Trade Schools
With an estimated job growth of 14 percent over the next decade, paralegals will continue to be hired in law offices to perform a variety of tasks that were previously assigned to entry-level lawyers, including:
- Drafting legal documents
- Investigating facts relevant to a case
- Organizing and maintaining documents on paper and in electronic formats
- Helping lawyers during trials
- File exhibits, briefs, and other documents
- And more
Before being ready to apply for entry-level employment in the paralegal field, the first step is to complete a post-secondary training program at a trade school or community college.
Paralegals typically need an associate degree in Paralegal Studies or a bachelor’s degree in a different field followed by a certificate in Paralegal Studies.
Louisiana residents have access to a variety of training programs, available both on-campus and online.
To help you choose the one that best meets your learning style and career aspirations, on this page, we have compiled information about the top paralegal training programs in Louisiana.
1Grambling State University
About the School
Grambling State University provides more than 43 undergraduate and graduate programs students can choose from.
The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition and fees sum up to $783 per hour for commuting resident students.
Courses Offered
The university provides a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Paralegal Studies Concentration.
This program aims to provide students with a sound multidisciplinary academic experience and practical field experience in the legal process.
Students take classes such as:
- Intro to Law & Paralegal Profession
- Legal Research & Writing
- Torts & Contracts for Paralegals
- Civil Litigation
- Paralegal Internship
- And more
This degree awards 120 total hours.
Contact Information
- Address: 403 Main Street, Grambling, Louisiana 71245
- Phone: (318) 274-3811
- Website: https://www.gram.edu
2Louisiana State University
About the School
Louisiana State University provides a Paralegal Studies Certificate program.
This program gives students the opportunity to study with experienced instructors in eight paralegal courses, a 150-hour internship, and an online legal ethics seminar.
With night courses and convenient scheduling options, the program can fit students’ busy schedules.
According to the university’s website, this non-credit certificate is the only one in Louisiana to be approved by the American Bar Association.
Students who attend classes full-time can complete the certificate in one year.
The part-time Paralegal program can be completed in two and a half years.
Each class meets once a week for 2.5 hours.
The total curriculum cost ranges from $5,075 to $5,200, plus books.
Courses Offered
The curriculum includes courses such as:
- Paralegal New Student Orientation Meeting
- Principles of Paralegal Studies
- Legal Case Analysis
- Civil Litigation
- Law Office Technology
- The Practicing Paralegal
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
- Website: https://www.lsu.edu
3Nunez Community College
About the School
Nunez Community College provides a wide variety of programs, including transfer degrees and career and technical education programs.
The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees, technical diplomas, and certificates.
Courses Offered
The college provides a Paralegal Studies program that educates and trains paralegals to work under the supervision of attorneys in law firms, insurance companies, government agencies, and many other settings.
The following programs are available:
- Career and Technical Certificate, Paralegals Skills
- Certificate of Technical Studies, Paralegal Studies
- Associate of Arts, Paralegal Studies
The Career and Technical Certificate covers the following major courses:
- Intro to Law and the Paralegal Profession
- Survey of Microcomputer App
- Legal Research or Case Analysis Writing
Students complete nine credit hours of designated course work and complete an assessment of online legal research skills using Westlaw by Thomson Reuters.
Contact Information
- Address: 3710 Paris Road Chalmette, LA 70043
- Phone: 504-278-6467
- Website: https://www.nunez.edu
4Northwestern State - University of Louisiana
About the School
Northwestern State – University of Louisiana helps students enhance their careers by completing a degree or certificate program.
The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees.
Courses Offered
Northwestern State provides an Online Paralegal course that is available fully online.
The program prepares students for the Certified Paralegal exam, offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants.
Students learn how to perform a variety of tasks that paralegals experience every day, including legal research, interviews, analysis, and more.
The curriculum includes courses such as:
- Paralegals in the Legal System
- Paralegal Employment
- Regulation of Paralegals
- Introduction to Legal Analysis
- Legal Interviewing
- Advanced Legal Research
- Legal Writing
- Introduction to Law Office Administration
- Contracts, Insurance, and Property Law
- Estates and Family Law
- Laws Affecting Business
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 175 Sam Sibley Dr. Natchitoches, LA 71497
- Phone: 318.357.6011
- Website: https://www.nsula.edu
5Tulane University
About the School
Tulane University provides more than 75 majors and minors.
The university provides an interdisciplinary core curriculum that exposes students to the humanities, fine arts, social sciences, and sciences.
Courses Offered
The university provides a Legal Studies in Business Major and Minor.
This program offers a comprehensive foundation through business core classes on finance and accounting, as well as business law and legal writing and research.
The program includes the following requirements:
- Intro to Microeconomics
- Legal, Ethical, and Regulatory Environment of Business
- Business Law
- Legal Writing & Research
- Real Estate Law
- Negotiations
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 110 Gibson Hall, 6823 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70118
- Phone: 504-865-5231
- Website: https://tulane.edu
6Remington College
About the School
Remington College has three campuses in Louisiana: Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and Shreveport.
The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
Courses Offered
The college provides a Paralegal Associate Degree that allows students to explore many facets of the law, including family law, bankruptcy, probate, trial, contracts, civil litigation, real estate, and more.
After completing the program, students are eligible to work in entry-level positions in law firms, corporations, and governmental agencies.
The program includes courses such as:
- Introduction to Paralegal Studies
- Legal Liability and Ethics
- Legal Writing
- Legal Research
- Family Law
- Real Estate Law
The program is delivered in six 12-week quarters and can be completed in as few as 18 months by full-time students.
Applicants need proof of high school graduation or a GED.
Contact Information
- Address: 4520 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA 70816
- Phone: 225-236-3200
- Website: https://www.remingtoncollege.edu
7Loyola University New Orleans
About the School
Loyola University New Orleans provides a Paralegal Certificate program that can be completed online in six months.
The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, and diplomas at approved degree levels.
Tuition for undergraduate online programs is $450 per credit hour.
Courses Offered
The program trains students in legal writing, terminology, research, contracts, trial preparation, investigation, discovery, and other relevant topics.
After completing the program students receive a Loyola University New Orleans Certificate of Completion and 36 Continuing Education Units.
This program costs $5,695 plus course materials.
The online certificate program starts on the 15th of every month.
Students take courses such as:
- Essential Skills for Paralegals
- Tort Law
- Louisiana Procedures
- Contract Law
Up to $2,000 in scholarships is available for students who qualify.
Contact Information
- Address: 6363 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70118
- Website: https://www.loyno.edu
8Delgado Community College
About the School
Delgado Community College is an open-admissions community college that provides a variety of academic and workforce programs.
The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates.
Courses Offered
The college provides an Online Paralegal Course that prepares students for the Certified paralegal exam, offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants.
Students learn how to perform a variety of tasks, including legal research, interviews, analysis, and more.
The curriculum includes courses such as:
- Paralegal in the Legal System
- Paralegal Employment
- Regulation of Paralegals
- Introduction to the Legal System
- Introduction to Legal Analysis
- Investigation in a Law Office
- Advanced Legal Research
- Legal Writing
- Introduction to the Use of Computers
- Introduction to Law Office Administration
- Estates and Family Law
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 615 City Park Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70119
- Phone: (504) 671-5000
- Website: https://www.dcc.edu
9Bossier Parish Community College
About the School
Bossier Parish Community College provides a Paralegal Certificate Program that prepares students for success in this growing field.
Students learn about the American legal system, how to conduct legal research and legal interviews, how to perform legal analysis, and more.
The program prepares students for a career as legal secretaries or paralegals and to take the certification exam.
Bossier Parish Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees.
The college may also offer certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels.
Applicants above the age of 16 may be admitted to Bossier Parish Community College if they meet the following criteria:
- Having completed and submitted an application for admission
- Provide proof of selective service registration
- Satisfying the requirements related to the immunizations of persons entering school
Applicants under 16 years of age also need proof of graduation from a state-approved high school or high school equivalency.
This admission policy doesn’t apply to special enrollment for high school students and international students.
Contact Information
- Address: 6220 E. Texas Street, Bossier City, LA
- Phone: 318-678-6000
- Website: https://www.bpcc.edu
10Purdue University Global
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
Paralegal programs are available at Purdue University Global and are 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 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
Contact Information
- Address: 2550 Northwestern Avenue, Suite 1100, West Lafayette, IN 47906
- Phone: 866-522-7747
- Website: https://www.purdueglobal.edu
Regional Salary in Louisiana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria, LA | 130 | $51,220 | $24.63 | $74,930 | $31,340 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | 890 | $53,230 | $25.59 | $80,090 | $35,510 |
| Hammond, LA | 70 | $43,890 | $21.1 | $60,270 | $32,550 |
| Lafayette, LA | 410 | $51,460 | $24.74 | $74,950 | $31,910 |
| Lake Charles, LA | 170 | $48,160 | $23.15 | $63,190 | $33,790 |
| Monroe, LA | 200 | $44,300 | $21.3 | $60,760 | $31,060 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | 2,370 | $57,730 | $27.76 | $80,740 | $39,050 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City, LA | 310 | $49,930 | $24 | $62,400 | $33,280 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
If you want to start a non-lawyer career in the legal field, the paralegal profession can be a great option.
Now that you have read our list of the top paralegal schools in Louisiana and the programs they offer, the next step is to continue the research, decide if this career is a right fit for you, and apply for the program that best meets your learning style and career aspirations.
