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Oregon is located in the Pacific Northwest and is bordered by California and Washington.
It is a state popularized by the television series “Portlandia,” which is based on the city of Portland in Oregon.
Not to be confused with the New England city of the same name, Portland and other Oregon cities have lots to offer for paralegal hopefuls.
Find out more about how to become a paralegal in Oregon and what you can expect to earn in this career.
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Licensing Requirements to Become a Paralegal in Oregon
In Oregon, those interested in becoming paralegals need to start with training in this career field.
However, you do not have to be certified as a paralegal in Oregon to work legally.
This means a certificate, degree, or diploma is not required for you to be eligible to get a job in this career in this state.
So should you go through training to become a paralegal in Oregon?
Yes, you should, if you do not already have a job lined up for you.
If you need to connect with employers, learn where to find employment, and how to get hired as a paralegal in OR, then you need to go through a training program.
Here is a selection of schools that offer professional training to be paralegal.
5 Paralegal Schools in Oregon
Portland Community College
The Portland Community College in Portland, OR has a paralegal training program.
This program covers the essentials needed for working in a legal profession as a paralegal.
PCC has two training programs.
Choose between the certificate in paralegal, which is a one-year-long program, or the two-year training for an associate degree in paralegal.
The training is offered at the Cascade Campus. Tuition at PCC is $123 per credit hour.
Also, acceptance at this college is 100 percent, meaning everyone who applies gets to attend regardless of scores and educational background.
Umpqua Community College
At Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, the school offers online training and 100 percent acceptance.
The programs for a paralegal at UCC include a one-year certificate program for legal assistant and an associate of applied science degree in paralegal.
The price is $9,362 net for tuition and covers the entire course including materials and books online.
University of Oregon
The University of Oregon campus in Eugene has a minor in legal studies for individuals seeking training as a paralegal.
This is not the same exact coursework for paralegals, but a minor in legal studies will advance you to the next level in law school.
You will also be eligible for employment as a paralegal and readily available to work with a bevy of lawyers who are involved with the UO law school.
This is a great entryway into the paralegal profession if your goal is to pursue advanced training as an attorney or lawyer.
Willamette University
Willamette University has an extensive legal program for students hoping to work in paralegal studies.
This school has the College of Law where there is a Master of Legal Studies program.
In one year, students can become trained to work as paralegals while also leading to a master’s degree in law.
Again, you are surrounded by folks who are in law school and can easily find work this way.
Lewis and Clark Community College
At the Lewis and Clark Community College, students can earn a paralegal degree.
This program leads to an associate of applied science (AAS) in paralegal studies.
The course takes one year to complete and is $128 per credit hour.
Paralegal Schools in Oregon – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Portland Community College | 705 N Killingsworth St, Portland, OR 97217 |
| Umpqua Community College | 1140 Umpqua College Rd, Roseburg, OR 97470 |
| University of Oregon | 1585 E 13th Ave, Eugene, OR 97403 |
| Willamette University | 900 State St, Salem, OR 97301 |
| Lewis and Clark Community College | 615 SW Palatine Hill Rd, Portland, OR 97219 |
Salary
In Portland, Oregon, the salary for a paralegal is $62,444, which is slightly higher than in the rest of the states.
In the rest of the US, the salary for paralegals averages $60,148 a year.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Portland | $62,619 |
| Eugene | $58,820 |
| Salem | $59,392 |
| Gresham | $62,539 |
| Beaverton | $62,619 |
| Hillsboro | $62,418 |
| Medford | $57,553 |
| Springfield | $58,688 |
| Bend | $58,151 |
| Corvallis | $58,537 |
Regional Salary in Oregon
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany, OR | 40 | $56,270 | $27.05 | $74,430 | $35,610 |
| Bend-Redmond, OR | ** | $67,450 | $32.43 | $83,650 | $46,180 |
| Corvallis, OR | 50 | $58,530 | $28.14 | $76,840 | $45,760 |
| Eugene, OR | 430 | $58,580 | $28.16 | $77,710 | $44,990 |
| Grants Pass, OR | 40 | $71,230 | $34.24 | $135,200 | $41,280 |
| Medford, OR | 120 | $57,470 | $27.63 | $74,610 | $40,530 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | 3,510 | $73,220 | $35.2 | $101,970 | $50,340 |
| Salem, OR | 470 | $60,740 | $29.2 | $82,640 | $45,630 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications should I have to be a paralegal in Oregon?
Since certification is not required, you want to maintain certain skills needed by paralegals and have advanced knowledge in the legal field.
Qualifications include excellent verbal and written skills, the ability to think fast, and great communication abilities.
What is the weather like for Oregon paralegals?
The weather in Oregon is windy and wet on the coastal side of the state, and dry and arid on the west side.
If you love the ocean, live in Aurora, Newport, or one of the other coastal cities, such as Tillamook, where they make great cheese.
What should I do to become a paralegal in OR?
The job of a paralegal is very particular with regard to job tasks and expectations.
Hands-on experience or classroom training is important for individuals to learn about how to do these tasks.
There are a couple of directions to take in order to learn how to be a paralegal in Oregon.
This involves being an apprentice with a lawyer or attorney or going through a certification program to be a paralegal.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Paralegal
Paralegal Schools by State