Legal Studies
Certificate
The Certificate in Legal Studies is for individuals who already have an earned bachelor's or associate degree and want to start a career as a legal assistant or paralegal.
700
Scholarships available – and one might have your name on it
Students learn the knowledge and skills necessary to serve clients through the law, under the supervision of an attorney. The ICC program has a high placement rate for graduates with alumni working all over the United States, for sole practitioner lawyers, and in the legal departments of Caterpillar, State Farm, Walmart, and other major corporations.
Admissions Office
Students complete an internship as part of their studies.
Students can network with their peers as part of the Student Paralegal Association.
Paralegal, Legal Assistant, Law Clerk, Claims Adjustor
COMPLETION TIME
12 Months
if Full Time
2 Semesters30 Total Credit Hours
What if I attend part-time?
Our Student Success Advisors help with an academic plan that works for you.
ESTIMATED COST
$4,800
+ supplies & fees
Based on 2024-25
What financial assistance can I receive?
Find the plan right for you by connecting with our Financial Aid office.
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
20 Students
average per class
Small class sizes mean more individual attention and a higher rate of success.
View the College Catalog to see a complete list of classes for this program.
Meet Our Students and Alumni
ICC is the source employers have looked to for paralegals and legal assistants since 1989.
Tom Higgins, Professor, Business, Legal & Information Systems
How Do I Get Into the Legal Studies Program?
The need for paralegals has grown beyond attorneys’ offices and legal firms. Employment for paralegals and legal assistants is growing with private corporations, insurance companies, and healthcare organizations. Connect with an Admissions representative to learn how to get started.
- Complete our quick admissions application. It’s free and easy!
- Apply for financial aid (FAFSA).
- Apply for ICC Scholarships. Just 1 application for over 700 scholarships.
- High school coursework in English, math, science, and keyboarding are beneficial.
- Good communication, organizational, and research skills are necessities.
What Can I Expect as a Legal Studies Student?
- Develop valuable skills in legal research, legal writing, investigations, and interviewing.
- Earn the credential to find employment with legal firms, healthcare companies, and other major corporations.
- Graduates will earn a Legal Studies Certificate which can be applied toward the Legal Studies Associate in Applied Science degree.
- Colleges of choice for transfer from ICC include University of Illinois – Springfield and Southern Illinois University – Carbondale.
How Am I Going to Manage This?
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What if I am working while going to school?
We have you covered. Many of our students are working adults who balance life and school. We have great resources on campus to help keep you going!
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What are my options for funding my education?
Do this first: fill out and file your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Even if you don’t want federal aid, this document is used by many scholarship and grant programs to evaluate aid packages.
Look for scholarships and grants first because usually they don’t have to be paid back. The ICC Foundation sponsors some scholarships, and grants may be available from Illinois or federal programs. Other organizations also offer scholarships, and we can help you research those opportunities.
Federally guaranteed student loans can be a smart way to fund college. Think about your transfer plans and what your career looks like. Some sources recommend that you cap your borrowing at the level of what you (realistically!) can expect to earn at your first job after college. So, research careers and pay, too.
Of course, savings, jobs, and work-study are key parts of your budget. Your employer may offer tuition reimbursement. Find the tools to make a complete plan for paying for school.