If 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.
Depending on the path you choose, becoming a paralegal may require between two and five years of post-secondary education.
On this page, we will compile information about the best paralegal schools in Utah and the programs they offer.
By reading further, you will get an idea about tuition costs, curriculum, accreditations, and the number of credits required for a degree.
1Salt Lake Community College
About the School
Salt Lake Community College offers a Legal Studies program that prepares students for work under the direction and supervision of an attorney.
The college is a member institution of the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Courses Offered
The Paralegal Studies: Associate of Applied Science program requires that students complete a minimum of 64 credits.
The program has been reviewed and approved by the American Bar Association.
The curriculum includes the following courses:
- Introduction to Law
- Introduction to Civil Litigation
- Paralegal Procedures
- Computer Essentials for Paralegals
- Criminal Law and Procedures
- Evidence
- Ethics
- And more
Students also need to take 15 credits for elective courses such as Contracts, Bankruptcy and Collections, Wills, Probate and Estates, Family Law, Constitutional Law, Business Organizations, Paralegal Practicum, and more.
Contact Information
- Address: 4600 South Redwood Road, Salt Lake City, UT 84123
- Phone: 801-957-7522
- Website: http://www.slcc.edu
2Southern Utah University
About the School
Southern Utah University offers more than 150 undergraduate, 32 graduate, and certificate programs, as well as professional doctorate degrees.
The university provides small class sizes, career-focused learning, and hands-on experience.
Classes are available for first-year students, online students, graduate students, as well as transfer students.
The undergraduate tuition rate is $513.75 per credit hour for resident students who take classes at the main campus.
Courses Offered
The Legal Studies curriculum available at Southern Utah University includes 12 credits of core courses and six credits of electives for a Legal Studies Minor.
An Associate of Arts or Associate of Science in Legal Studies includes 32 credits of General Education Courses, 12 credits of Core Courses, and 15 credits of electives.
The core course list includes:
- Introduction to Law
- Legal Ethics & Professionalism
- Civil Procedure
- Legal Research & Writing
Contact Information
- Address: 351 W University Blvd. Cedar City Utah, 84720
- Phone: 435-586-7700
- Website: https://www.suu.edu
3University of Utah
About the School
The University of Utah provides a variety of academic programs.
The university enrolls different types of students, including freshmen students, transfer students, graduate students, and non-traditional students.
More than 100 degree programs are available at the University of Utah.
The student-to-faculty ratio is 18 to 1.
Courses Offered
Among many other programs, the university provides a Master of Legal Studies that requires 30 credits.
The program is delivered online.
Tuition for this program is $31,500 as of Fall 2022.
This is a one-year program that runs from August to August.
The required courses include:
- Understanding Cases, Statutes, and Legislation
- Legal Writing and Research for MLS Students
- Conflict and Legal Crisis Management or Basic Mediation
- Legal Ethics in the Provision and Management of Legal Service.
Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA to graduate.
Applicants need:
- Application form
- Resume/CV
- Personal statement indicating why they wish to complete the program and how it fits their career goals
- Writing sample
- Two letters of recommendation
- Transcripts- Students must have at least a bachelor’s degree to apply
Contact Information
- Address: 201 Presidents Circle, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
- Phone: 801.581.7200
- Website: https://www.utah.edu
4College of Eastern Idaho
About the School
Paralegal training programs are also available in neighboring states.
One such program is available at the College of Eastern Idaho- an institution that 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
5Colorado Mountain College
About the School
Colorado Mountain College provides a Paralegal Degree program that is available online.
This program prepares students with the skills needed to perform a variety of tasks in a legal office, including doing basic research, drafting legal documents, conducting client and witness interviews, and more.
After completing the associate program, students have the option to continue their education at Colorado Mountain College and earn a Bachelor of Applied Science in Leadership and Management or transfer to Colorado Mesa University and earn a Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Administration/Public Safety.
Colorado Mountain College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
The online Associate in Applied Science curriculum includes the following program requirements:
- Introduction to Law
- Torts
- Family Law
- Contracts
- Property Law
- Legal Ethics
- Civil Litigation
- Business Organization Law
- Legal Research & Writing
- And more
Learners start by understanding different areas of the law, definitions, contracts, and research principles.
The program also emphasizes communication, an important skill in a paralegal’s career.
Students have to earn between 63-64 credits for this degree and are required to complete between 945-975 contact hours.
To obtain a Certificate, students must earn 36 credit hours and complete 540 contact hours.
Contact Information
- Address: 802 Grand Avenue, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
- Phone: 970-945-8691
- Website: https://coloradomtn.edu
6Community College of Denver
About the School
Also located in the neighboring state of Colorado, Community College of Denver provides several paralegal programs that prepare students for a career in this exciting and expanding field.
The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
The following paralegal programs are available at the Community College of Denver:
- Paralegal Transfer- a program available in the classroom, hybrid, or fully online
- Paralegal- a program offered in the classroom, a hybrid or fully online format
- General Paralegal- This program is offered in the classroom, in a hybrid format, or fully online
- Licensed Legal Paraprofessional- a fully online program
The programs offered at Community College of Denver provide students with the option of graduating with an Associate of Applied Science, emphasis in Paralegal, and starting work immediately or transferring to a four-year college or university.
The curriculum includes courses and electives such as:
- Constitutional Law
- Legal Writing
- Torts
- Family Law
- Contracts
- Property Law
- Administrative Law
- Criminal Law
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: King Center, Room 594, 855 Lawrence Way, Denver, CO 80204
- Phone: 303.556.2487
- Website: https://www.ccd.edu
7CLS by BARBRI
Formerly known as The Center for Legal Studies, CLS by BARBRI provides continuing legal education programs that are available online and can be completed by students from the comfort of their homes.
The curriculum is delivered to students in online, live lecture and text-only formats.
Courses Offered
The following paralegal-related 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 costs $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.
Video and printed tutorials are available.
Contact Information
- Address: 12222 Merit Drive, Suite 1340, Dallas, TX 75251
- Phone: 800-522-7737
- Website: https://www.legalstudies.com
8Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University is a private Christian university located in Arizona.
The university offers the opportunity to earn a degree in Criminal Justice, Government, or Public Administration.
Grand Canyon University has earned regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
The online degree programs available at the university offer students the flexibility they need in order to keep a job while preparing for a new career from the comfort of their homes.
Courses Offered
The following Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice, Government, and Public Administration programs are available at Grand Canyon University:
- Bachelor of Arts in Government: Legal Studies
- BA in Government: State and Local Public Policy
- Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
- BS in Justice Studies
- And more
Master’s Degree programs in Law Enforcement and Legal Studies are also available at the university.
Contact Information
- Address: 3300 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85017
- Phone: 602-639-7500
- Website: https://www.gcu.edu
9Pikes Peak State College
Pikes Peak State College provides programs designed to teach students a skill and help them earn a degree or certificate.
Three campuses and additional learning centers are located throughout Colorado Springs.
Courses are also available online.
Day and evening classes are provided to adjust to any lifestyle.
More than 150 degrees and certificate programs are included in the college’s catalog.
Courses Offered
The Paralegal Program available at Pikes Peak State College prepares students with the skills to support licensed professionals when preparing for trial.
Among many other skills, students learn how to draft documents and conduct legal research.
The program covers topics such as:
- Develop an understanding of the various types of law
- Learn to conduct legal research
- Draft initial legal documents and pleadings
- Assist in preparing trial notebooks
The curriculum also includes courses on:
- Introduction to Law
- Family Law
- Legal Ethics
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 5675 S. Academy Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80906
- Phone: 719-502-2000
- Website: https://www.pikespeak.edu
10South Florida International College
Another online Paralegal program is offered by the South Florida International College.
South Florida International College provides 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 that is available in English and Spanish.
After completing this program, students have the required education and training to become a paralegal.
Among other skills, students learn how to draft basic legal documents such as complaints, responses, and contracts, how to 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:
- High school Diploma, GED, or equivalent
- Official transcripts
- Statement of student’s professional goals
- TOEFL scores are required from 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
Regional Salary in Utah
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Logan, UT-ID | 40 | $51,580 | $24.8 | $71,580 | $37,450 |
Ogden-Clearfield, UT | 270 | $53,620 | $25.78 | $75,840 | $37,690 |
Provo-Orem, UT | 340 | $57,600 | $27.69 | $84,600 | $38,510 |
St. George, UT | 130 | $50,760 | $24.4 | $65,150 | $39,930 |
Salt Lake City, UT | 2,260 | $58,660 | $28.2 | $83,610 | $40,670 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
If you want to start a rewarding career in the paralegal field, the first step is to decide what school will help you achieve this goal.
This is an important decision, so take your time and take into account all the factors that are relevant to you before deciding where to enroll.