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Paralegals also referred to as legal assistants, have a good understanding of the law and are able to work independently as an assistant.
This job can be quite demanding, requiring that candidates work long and hard hours.
However, the degree of job satisfaction is equally high for candidates.
Paralegals work for government agencies, legal firms, attorneys, or corporations and conduct legal work and legal research on behalf of their employer.
Article Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements to Become a Paralegal in the State of Ohio
In the state of Ohio, candidates are not required to obtain certification.
However, should they wish to obtain certification, doing so would be completely voluntary.
When candidates do pursue this route, there are a few requirements that must be adhered to, such as being 18 years of age or older, being a US citizen, or having the legal right to work in the US, as well as attending of an ABA-approved course.
Though there are no requirements to attend an ABA-approved course, it does bode well on a resume when candidates opt for an accredited course.
In addition, candidates are not required to obtain licensure in this state.
Should a candidate opt to get a certification, then the candidate is required to obtain 2,000 hours of legal work under the direct supervision of a licensed attorney.
Or, 10,000 hours of working experience coupled with an associate degree.
Or, 14,000 hours (seven years) or legal work performed under the supervision of a licensed attorney, if the candidate does not have a formal education.
5 Paralegal Schools in Ohio
1. Lakeland Community College
Lakeland Community College, located in Kirtland, Ohio, offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science Business degree with a focus on Paralegal Studies, as well as a one-year Paralegal Certificate program.
These programs are ABA-approved.
The Associate of Applied Science Business degree can be completed in four semesters and is a total of 66 – 67 credit hours.
The curriculum is designed to develop research, writing, and analytical skills.
The program includes cooperative work experience (100 hours) in which students are placed in a legal setting to apply what they have learned.
Students are eligible for the Ohio State Bar Association Paralegal Certification upon completion.
There are day, evening, and online classes available for this course, as well as a credit transfer.
Tuition is $142.80 per credit hour for in-county students, $171.10 for out-of-county students, and $349.10 per credit for out-of-state students.
2. Sinclair Community College
The school is located in Dayton, Ohio, and offers an Associate in Applied Science – Paralegal, as well as a 35-credit Paralegal Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Course which may be completed in 12 months.
The ABA-approved Paralegal Program is offered in two formats: full-time and part-time.
All faculty are licensed attorneys and students are supported by practicing paralegals during the course of their studies.
Students are taught in a simulated classroom that emulates a law office.
Students are required to hand in a portfolio of their legal work as well as complete a mandatory internship in order to graduate.
Based on 30 credit hours per year, Montgomery residents will pay $3,780 per year, while Ohio residents will pay $5198.
3. Edison Community College
The school is located in Piqua, Ohio, and offers an Associate of Applied Business that may be completed over four semesters and consists of 65 credit hours.
The program is designed to improve critical thinking, writing, and communication skills within a legal environment with a focus on ethics as is required by this industry.
This program is no longer ABA-approved.
The part-time program may be completed over 13 semesters.
Tuition and fees for in-state students amount to about $5,050 per year, while out-of-state students will pay $9,250 per year.
4. Capital University Law School
Located in Columbus, Ohio, the school offers a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate.
The program is ABA-approved and offers a 14-week summer program.
Tuition for this program is $412 per credit hour.
Part-time classes start in the spring and fall, while full-time immersion classes start in the summer.
Evening classes are offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Admission requirements include a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school plus a TOEFL certificate for international students.
5. Columbus State Community College
The school offers an ABA-approved Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal studies program.
The format for this program is either on-campus hybrid or on-campus online.
The 65-credit-hour program may be completed in five semesters.
In addition, the school offers a 35-hour credit certificate program in paralegal studies which may be completed in five semesters.
Tuition for in-state students per year is $8,619 while out-of-state students pay $19,090 per year.
Paralegal Schools in Ohio – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Lakeland Community College | 7700 Clocktower Dr, Kirtland, OH 44094 |
| Sinclair Community College | 444 W Third St, Dayton, OH 45402 |
| Edison Community College | 1973 Edison Dr, Piqua, OH 45356 |
| Capital University Law School | 303 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215 |
| Columbus State Community College | 550 E Spring St, Columbus, OH 43215 |
Salary
There are three salary ranges as candidates progress in this industry and in this field, with varying levels of experience:
- Entry level – $45,879
- Mid-career – $58,893
- Experienced – $73,412
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Columbus | $59,502 |
| Cleveland | $59,701 |
| Cincinnati | $58,983 |
| Toledo | $58,380 |
| Akron | $57,909 |
| Dayton | $58,633 |
| Lima | $56,938 |
| Youngstown | $57,288 |
| Canton | $57,829 |
| Lorain | $58,730 |
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a paralegal give legal advice in Ohio?
No, paralegals are not licensed and therefore may only conduct certain legal work.
Only a licensed attorney or lawyer may give legal advice.
How do I get a paralegal certificate in Ohio?
You must attend traditional classroom instruction, an online course, or a hybrid course coupled with the appropriate amount of legal work hours.
How long does it take to become a paralegal in Ohio?
This will depend on whether the candidate obtains a formal education.
The time frame depends on the level of education and on-the-job training.
The shortest time frame would be a certificate course which may be as quick as eight months or take as long as four years, in the case of a bachelors degree.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Paralegal
Paralegal Schools by State
Ohio’s paralegal certification programs are top-notch. ensuring you receive a well-rounded education. The legal system there is rich with opportunities for paralegals to make a meaningful impact.
Nice options! This provides clear instructions for becoming a paralegal here in Ohio. The state’s legal community is known for its professionalism, making it an excellent place to start your career in the legal field.
Becoming a paralegal in Ohio myself is a rewarding journey. The state offers excellent paralegal programs and educational institutions to help anyone acquire the necessary skills and knowledge. I did not have any problem when I was taking a program.