by 
Candidates who would like to pursue a career in the legal field as a paralegal will be faced with many challenges but will also experience a high degree of job satisfaction.
Candidates are required to be familiar with the legal system, laws, and procedures in the state and country that they operate in so as to be contributing members of their legal team.
There are several paralegal programs available in the state of South Carolina, from a certificate program to a master’s degree program.
The first step is to attend a school with an ABA-approved course that will help set candidates on the right path with the right education.
Article Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements to Become a Paralegal in the State of South Carolina
The state of South Carolina does not require that candidates obtain a formal education before entering the field as a paralegal.
Neither does the state have any licensure requirements to hold this position.
Candidates may seek employment that offers on-the-job training.
Alternatively, candidates may pursue an education prior to entering the field.
There are a variety of schools in the state of South Carolina that offer certificates, associate degrees, bachelor of science degrees, bachelor of art degrees, as well as master’s degrees in the field of paralegals.
As part of the entry-level requirements, however, candidates are required to be at least 18 years of age, a citizen, or have the legal right to work in the US, as well as have some form of education.
5 Paralegal Schools in South Carolina
1. Horry Georgetown Technical College
The school is located in Conway, South Carolina, and offers students an Associate in Applied Science Paralegal Degree program.
The program consists of 40 credit hours and is ABA-approved.
The 66-credit-hour program may be completed over six semesters.
Students cover a range of topics in this course that relates to the legal field, including, legal writing, business law, as well an introduction to law and ethics.
Students at this school may expect to pay $2,565.00 per semester for 15 credits.
This course prepares students to work under a licensed attorney.
2. Midlands Technical College
Midlands Technical College is based in Columbia, South Carolina.
This two-year public institution offers a certificate program for candidates who have already obtained a bachelor’s degree.
The program is offered on-campus with a select few courses being offered online.
In addition, the program is ABA-approved.
Students will be prepared to work directly under a licensed attorney, drafting legal documents, conducting legal research, and interviewing clients and candidates, amongst other things.
Upon completion of the course, students are able to work in a diverse range of settings, including lawyers’ firms, insurance, mortgage companies, real estate, etc.
The estimated cost for two full-time semesters at this school is $4,512.00 without fees.
The estimated fees are the same for part-time students.
3. Central Carolina Technical College
Central Carolina Technical College is a public, two-year institution that offers an ABA-approved Associate of Applied Science degree program in Paralegal studies.
The program consists of 66 semester hours.
The program may be completed over four semesters.
The course is made up of a combination of general studies, specialized studies, and paralegal studies.
The estimated cost per year for in-district students is around $20,000, while out-of-state students will pay around $25,000 per year.
4. Greenville Technical College
Greenville Technical College offers a 64-credit Associate of Applied Science degree program in Paralegal studies that may be completed over four semesters.
The program is ABA-approved.
The program is developed to offer project-based courses with an emphasis on hands-on experience.
Students are offered courses on-campus where they are taught about oral and written communication as a paralegal, ethical requirements, legal knowledge, and the use of technology in the field.
The school offers a fast-track program that may be completed within 12 months.
Tuition for this course per credit hour is approximately $310.
5. Trident Technical College
This school offers an associate degree program.
The program is ABA approved and may be completed in four semesters.
The school is located in Charleston, South Carolina.
Students receive a mixture of general education, legal education, and special education that all come together to offer the student a holistic approach to this field and this industry.
Students learn about laws, where they originate from, how they are formed, and what purpose these laws serve.
In order to qualify for this course, students must hold a high school certificate or GED.
Students will cover a broad range of topics including, criminal law, legal investigation, legal writing, and introduction to law and ethics.
Tuition and fees per credit hour are $205.99.
Paralegal Schools in South Carolina – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Horry Georgetown Technical College | 2050 US-501, Conway, SC 29526 |
| Midlands Technical College | 151 Powell Rd, Columbia, SC 29203 |
| Central Carolina Technical College | 506 N Guignard Dr, Sumter, SC 29150 |
| Greenville Technical College | 506 S Pleasantburg Dr, Greenville, SC 29607 |
| Trident Technical College | 7000 Rivers Ave, North Charleston, SC 29406 |
Salary
There are three salary ranges as candidates progress in this industry and in this field, with varying levels of experience:
- Entry level – $43,863
- Mid-career – $56,298
- Experienced – $70,183
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Columbia | $55,891 |
| Charleston | $57,278 |
| North Charleston | $57,277 |
| Greenville | $57,294 |
| Rock Hill | $59,369 |
| Mount Pleasant | $57,278 |
| Spartanburg | $56,371 |
| Sumter | $53,935 |
| Hilton Head Island | $56,310 |
| Florence | $54,369 |
Regional Salary in South Carolina
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC | 1,550 | $51,190 | $24.61 | $68,540 | $37,230 |
| Columbia, SC | 1,770 | $55,170 | $26.52 | $73,460 | $38,270 |
| Florence, SC | 200 | $48,820 | $23.47 | $72,320 | $35,050 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, SC | 1,330 | $50,470 | $24.27 | $65,780 | $35,690 |
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort, SC | 330 | $50,220 | $24.14 | $69,100 | $34,230 |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC-NC | 600 | $46,860 | $22.53 | $61,510 | $34,180 |
| Spartanburg, SC | 240 | $50,890 | $24.47 | $70,770 | $35,740 |
| Sumter, SC | 80 | $43,510 | $20.92 | $58,950 | $28,880 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the paralegal organizations in South Carolina?
There are two paralegal organizations in South Carolina:
- NALA Certification
- Charleston Association of Legal Assistants
Is attending an ABA-approved program in South Carolina a requirement to get a job as a paralegal?
No, it is not required to attend an ABA program in this state.
However, it does greatly improve a candidate’s chances of securing a job.
Do paralegals have to pass a background check in South Carolina?
More and more employers are requiring a background clearance from paralegals in South Carolina.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Paralegal
Paralegal Schools by State