ABA-Approved Paralegal Online Schools

Legal pad used to take notes.

Paralegals, also referred to as legal assistants, are responsible for performing many of the same tasks as lawyers. Paralegals are prohibited from giving legal advice, presenting cases in the courtroom and setting fees. The American Bar Association (ABA) does not approve paralegal programs that are conducted completely online; the ABA does, however, approve paralegal programs that are partially online with the remaining courses held in a traditional classroom.

MTI College

MTI College offers an OnlinePlus Paralegal program that is conducted partially online. The program is designed for those who already have a college degree and are looking for the freedom to complete most classes from anywhere. With the OnlinePlus program, students can put together a schedule that only requires them to be on campus for as little as one night each week. Those who complete this program will be able to adhere to the code of Business and Professions while representing the legal profession in a professional manner. The faculty that teaches the courses within this program has practical experience in the legal profession whether they are paralegals, attorneys or involved in another aspect within the legal profession.

MTI College
5221 Madison Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95841
916-339-1500
mticollege.edu

Inver Hills Community College

Inver Hills Community College offers a partially online paralegal program as well; students can either choose the route to obtain a paralegal certificate or they can opt for an Associate in Science degree in paralegal studies. The courses taught online must be completed within reason and in line with the required deadlines of each assignment. Students are able to work ahead, but must also keep in mind the required group discussions. Assistance is available from the course instructors in the event that you need additional help; each instructor provides instructions either on the syllabus or during the first class on how to obtain additional assistance.

Inver Hills Community College
2500 E. 80th St.
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
651-450-3000
inverhills.edu

University of California -- Irvine Extension

The Irvine extension of the University of California offers a paralegal certificate program that is partially online with at least 15 units taken on campus. The program is a part-time program in which most students complete the entire course in as little as 15 months or as much as two years. On-campus courses are one night each week between Mondays and Thursdays between 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Online classes have deadlines set by the instructor; if additional help is needed for online courses, students can contact the instructor through email, a chat session or the discussion forum.

University of California -- Irvine Extension
P.O. Box 6050
Irvine, CA 92616
949-824-5414
unex.uci.edu

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Paralegals and Legal Assistants
• MTI College
• Inver Hills Community College
• University of California -- Irvine Extension