Paralegal courses in Hawaii are offered in certificate and associate’s degree programs.
The associate’s degree takes two years, while the certificate can take less than two months.
Students earning a certificate program can choose from several formats, permitting them to study at their own pace at home.
In addition, the associate’s degree prepares students for voluntary certification.
Individuals seeking paralegal courses in Hawaii may find them offered at public or private not-for-profit schools on two islands.
Article Table of Contents
5 Top Paralegal Schools in Hawaii
Below are some of Hawaii’s best schools for training aspiring paralegals.
Kapiolani Community College
Kapiolani Community College in Honolulu offers an associate paralegal degree program completed in 2 years.
The program prepares students to work as paralegals and legal assistants in the legal profession.
The courses cover different types of law, legal research, and writing skills.
This program includes 60 credits and trains the students in basic legal and management concepts.
Classes are available in the evenings to have room for working adults and are accredited by the ABA (American Bar Association).
Students should have an average grade point of 2.0 and above for all courses and an average grade of C and above for law courses.
Graduates are entitled to the national certification examinations to become Certified Legal Assistants as well as Registered Paralegals.
The estimated cost of the program is $6,840 for state residents, while out-of-state students pay $18,960.
Rasmussen University
A post-degree Certificate or Paralegal Associate’s degree at Rasmussen University helps the student gain the relevant skills required to offer services in all parts of the legal system.
The school offers various ways of earning a Paralegal Associate’s degree in a program that fits the student’s lifestyle.
After completing the program, students can work in government agencies, law firms, and courts under the direction of an attorney.
In addition, students can sit for the CLA/CP Exam (National Certified Legal Assistant/Paralegal Examination) to become licensed paralegals.
The estimated cost of the program is $5,615.
Liberty University Online
Liberty University is a Christian university located in Virginia.
The school offers an online paralegals program that helps students to gain an education while working or handling family responsibilities.
The institution has a strong support system, including academic advisers, online tutors, a writing center, and online ministries available around the clock.
The paralegal undergraduate certificate prepares the students with detailed lessons provided from a biblical and moral perspective.
A book voucher and tuition discount are available to military students.
Additionally, military members registered for at least six hours can be given a technology fee waiver.
The program’s estimated cost is $6,120 for a paralegal undergraduate certificate.
Post University
Paralegal certificate lessons at Post University give the students a full understanding of different areas of the law.
The program also prepares the students to work under the supervision of attorneys in different law firms, court systems, company legal departments, government agencies, and private and nonprofit industries.
Most paralegal certificate graduates usually further their studies to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Post University to advance their careers.
The academic journey of the program includes an introductory lesson in law, a computing lesson, two business law survey courses, a civil proceedings course, and five extra courses that cover key substantive areas.
The school is located in Waterbury, Connecticut campus, and the program’s estimated cost is $66,000 for a paralegal bachelor’s degree.
Purdue University Global
At Purdue University Global, the paralegal course involves comprehensive lessons on documents and phrases commonly used in the legal field.
Also included in the course is learning the proper legal abbreviations, phrases, terms, symbols, and reference sources used by attorneys, paralegals, and the courts.
Students are taught the basic procedures for formatting, transcribing, and handing out legal messages and forms.
Topics consist of gathering and investigating informal facts, case management, strategy, jurisdiction, the structure of the United States court systems, pleadings, parties, and motions.
The estimated cost of the Program at Purdue University Global is $22,500 for an associate program, while bachelor’s students pay $45,000.
Paralegal Schools in Hawaii – Summary Table
School Name | Address |
---|---|
Kapiolani Community College | 4303 Diamond Head Rd, Honolulu, HI 96816 |
Rasmussen University | 385 Douglas Ave Suite #1000, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 |
Liberty University Online | 1971 University Blvd. Lynchburg, VA 24515 |
Post University | 800 Country Club Road P.O. Box 2540 Waterbury, CT 06723 |
Purdue University Global | 2550 Northwestern Ave Suite 1100, West Lafayette, IN 47906 |
The Average Salary of a Paralegal in Hawaii
As of June 28, 2022, the average salary in Hawaii for a Paralegal is $73,362, although the range may be between $65,022 and $83,003.
However, this amount can significantly vary depending on the city as well as several other factors, like education, certifications, other skills, and the duration you have been in the career.
Annual Salary Range:Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
---|---|
Honolulu | $62,349 |
Hilo | $61,928 |
Kailua | $62,349 |
Kaneohe | $62,349 |
Waipahu | $62,321 |
Pearl City | $62,349 |
Ewa Beach | $62,349 |
Mililani Town | $62,237 |
Kahului | $61,928 |
Kihei | $61,928 |
Regional Salary in Hawaii
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI | 140 | $71,660 | $34.45 | $108,760 | $48,640 |
Urban Honolulu, HI | 900 | $63,790 | $30.67 | $82,590 | $43,760 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do paralegals require to be licensed in Hawaii?
You do not require a license to work as a paralegal in Hawaii.
It can be easy to get a job if you are a degree holder.
However, it would be best to enroll in a paralegal degree program approved by the ABA (American Bar Association).
Is it hard being a paralegal?
A paralegal can have a challenging working environment.
You might be answerable to various attorneys promptly, each with different requests. Also, clients can be difficult and demanding.
Your capability to switch gears fast and to multitask under pressure is vital to your success in this field.
How can I become a paralegal in Hawaii?
To become a paralegal in Hawaii, you must meet paralegal certification requirements, complete coursework in paralegal studies, and receive both on-the-job training.
Then, you can pursue a certificate, an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree, and even a master’s degree.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Paralegal