Trade Schools
If you live in Ohio and you want to start a non-lawyer career in the legal field, the paralegal profession is worth exploring.
Paralegals and legal assistants are usually responsible for a variety of tasks in a legal office, including:
- Maintaining and organizing files
- Conducting legal research
- Drafting documents
- Investigating and gathering facts of a case
- Getting affidavits and other formal statements that can be used as evidence in court
- Helping lawyers during trials
- And more
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 Ohio and the programs they offer.
1Kent State University
Kent State University offers more than 370 programs of study and awards nearly 10,000 degrees and certificates to students annually.
The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.
Courses Offered
Among many other programs, the university provides a Paralegal Studies B.A. and a Paralegal Studies Minor as well as a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies.
The Paralegal Studies B.A. program combines legal theory and practical skills that prepare students for a career in the legal field.
The curriculum includes courses such as:
- Introduction to Paralegal Studies and Professional Ethics
- Legal Research and Writing
- Civil Procedure
- Internship in Paralegal
Legal specialty electives such as:
- Family Law and Procedure
- Health Law
- Labor and Employment Law for Paralegals
- Administrative Law and Process
- Evidence and E-Discovery
- Real Estate Law
- Contract Law
- Trademark Law
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: P.O. Box 5190, Kent, OH 44242-0001
- Phone:330-672-3000
- Website: https://www.kent.edu
2Capital University
Capital University provides 50 majors and 61 minors that help students succeed in the career of their choice.
Courses Offered
The university offers the following law-related majors/minors:
- Pre-Law
- Pre-Law 3+3 Accelerated Program
The 3+3 Bachelor of Arts/Juris Doctor Program gives students the option of earning a bachelor’s degree and, if accepted, a law degree from Capital University Law School.
Students can complete both programs in just six years.
Capital provides a strong liberal arts background as recommended by the American Bar Association for admission to law school.
The Columbus location provides pre-law students the added benefits of internships and job opportunities in Ohio’s state capital and largest city.
Contact Information
- Address: 1 College and Main, Columbus, OH 43209-2394
- Phone: 614-236-6011
- Website: https://www.capital.edu
3Clark State College
About the School
Clark State College offers a variety of online, evening, and on-campus classes.
The student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1.
Clark State College has been reaffirmed for accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission through 2028-2029.
Courses Offered
Among many other pathways, the college provides a Paralegal Technology program that prepares students to assist attorneys.
As a paralegal, you may find employment at private law firms, financial institutions, court prosecutors’ offices, legal aid societies, public defenders programs, and corporate law offices.
Paralegal students learn a variety of useful skills, including how to:
- Competently conduct factual and legal research and communicate the results clearly and concisely
- Competently prepare and interpret legal documents
- Demonstrate competency in current technology
- Demonstrate a high standard of ethical and professional behavior
Contact Information
- Address: 570 East Leffel Lane, Springfield, OH 45505
- Phone: 937.328.6028
- Website: https://www.clarkstate.edu
4Cincinnati State
About the School
Cincinnati State provides degree, certificate, and workforce training programs.
The student-to-faculty ratio is 13 to 1
In-state tuition per credit hour is $183.64 for the Fall 2023 semester.
Courses Offered
Among many other programs, the college provides the following:
- Law and Paralegal Studies
- Paralegal Certificate
- Law and Paralegal Studies Certificate
- And more
The Law and Paralegal Studies program prepares students to become Paralegals, also known as Legal Assistants.
Students gain the knowledge and skills required to assist attorneys, judges, and other legal professionals in many settings.
The program teaches students how to investigate facts, conduct research on legal issues, interview clients, organize and evaluate case materials, draft legal documents, and communicate with legal professionals.
Contact Information
- Address: 3520 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45223
- Phone: (513) 569-1500
- Website: https://www.cincinnatistate.edu
5Cuyahoga Community College
About the School
Cuyahoga Community College provides Associate Degree and Certificate Programs as well as workforce training, personal enrichment classes, and corporate training.
More than 1,000 courses in over 200 career and technical program areas are available.
Cuyahoga Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
The Paralegal Studies program provided by Cuyahoga Community College leads to an Associate of Applied Business Degree in Paralegal Studies.
The program is an American Bar Association-approved program and prepares students to serve as paralegal professionals and work independently in the legal field under the supervision of attorneys.
Students take courses on:
- Civil procedure
- Legal research and writing
- Law office technology
- Business transactions
- Various specialty areas
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 700 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115
- Phone: 216-987-6000
- Website: https://www.tri-c.edu
6Lake Erie College
Lake Erie College provides a variety of academic programs.
Courses Offered
Among many other programs, the college provides a Legal Studies Minor.
Students may take courses such as:
- Legal Issues in Sports
- Principles of Legal Research and Writing
- Introduction to Legal Assisting
- Civil Litigation and Procedure
- And more
The Legal Studies Minors requires 16 semester credits including the following courses:
- Principles of Legal Research and Writing
- Business Law
- Constitutional Law
Students also have to take six-semester credits from courses such as:
- Criminal Law and Procedure
- Investigative Techniques
- Business Law
- Psychology and Law
- Civil Litigation and Procedure
- Legal Issues in Sports
- International Business Law
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 391 W Washington St, Painesville, Ohio, 44077
- Phone: (440) 375-7050
- Website: https://www.lec.edu
7Purdue Global
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
8Sinclair College
About the School
Sinclair College offers a variety of in-demand programs that prepare students for careers with endless opportunities.
The college is accredited by the Higher Education Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
The college provides a Legal Studies Associate in Applied Science.
This program equips students with the skills needed to work with attorneys and deliver a wide range of legal services.
The program is approved by the American Bar Association and teaches students through practical assignments and work models in professional, ethical, and technological concepts.
The curriculum includes courses such as:
- Introduction to Software Applications
- Textual Editing
- Legal Technology
- Litigation
- Legal Research & Writing
- Advanced Legal Technology
- Advanced Legal Research and Writing
- Family Law
- Paralegal Internship
- And more
The Legal Studies Associate in Applied Science program includes 61 credits.
Graduates may work in large and small firms as well as corporations, real estate title companies, property management companies, government agencies, human resource departments, colleges, universities, and many other settings.
Contact Information
- Address: 444 West Third Street, Dayton, Ohio 45402
- Phone: 800-315-3000
- Website: https://sinclair.edu
9Stark State College
About the School
Stark State College provides more than 200 degrees and certificates.
The college has more than 30 university partnerships for transfer.
Tuition is $189.60 per credit hour- the lowest in the area.
Stark State College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
Among many other programs, the college provides a Legal Assisting curriculum that prepares students for careers in private law firms, offices of public defenders, court systems, government agencies, and other settings.
The following programs are available:
- Full-time Certificate
- Part-time Certificate
- Full-time Associate Degree
- Part-time Associate Degree
The curriculum includes courses on:
- Legal Office Procedures
- Legal Research and Writing
- Legal Transcription
- Legal Terminology
- And many other topics
Contact Information
- Address: 6200 Frank Ave. NW, North Canton, OH 44720
- Phone: 330-494-6170 | 1-800-797-8275
- Website: https://www.starkstate.edu
10University of Cincinnati
About the School
The University of Cincinnati is a public research university that enrolls nearly 48,000 students.
The student-to-teacher ratio is 19 to 1.
The university has 140 facilities on its campuses as well as satellite locales.
Available are 426 programs that lead to degrees and 205 certificates.
Courses Offered
The following law-related programs are available at the University of Cincinnati:
- Associate in Law & Paralegal Studies
- Associate of Applied Business in Law & Paralegal Studies
- Law and Paralegal Studies Minor
- And more
The Associate in Law and Paralegal Studies requires 60 credits in total.
The program is offered fully online and approved by the American Bar Association.
Part-time and full-time schedules are available.
The curriculum includes courses on:
- Introduction to Legal Studies
- Legal Research & Writing
- Law Office Technology
- Family Law
- Real Estate Law
- Corporate Law & Business Organizations
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2600 Clifton Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45221
- Phone: 513-556-0000
- Website: https://www.uc.edu
Regional Salary in Ohio
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Akron, OH | 580 | $54,040 | $25.98 | $75,550 | $34,070 |
| Canton-Massillon, OH | 140 | $54,340 | $26.12 | $74,400 | $38,090 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | 1,770 | $60,620 | $29.14 | $82,180 | $40,750 |
| Cleveland-Elyria, OH | 2,550 | $59,020 | $28.38 | $86,850 | $35,660 |
| Columbus, OH | 1,960 | $60,260 | $28.97 | $83,810 | $43,020 |
| Dayton, OH | 440 | $55,630 | $26.74 | $76,290 | $37,040 |
| Lima, OH | 50 | $47,030 | $22.61 | $59,640 | $33,090 |
| Mansfield, OH | 50 | $38,910 | $18.71 | $53,190 | $28,670 |
| Springfield, OH | 50 | $49,510 | $23.81 | $70,870 | $30,130 |
| Toledo, OH | 540 | $52,520 | $25.25 | $69,620 | $34,510 |
| Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA | 190 | $43,820 | $21.07 | $61,440 | $29,000 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
If you want to start an entry-level 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 Ohio, the next step is to continue the research and decide if this career is a right fit for you.
Afterward, apply for the program that best meets your learning style and career aspirations.
