Paralegals play a key role in the practice of law. They provide invaluable assistance to attorneys and lawyers, helping them prepare for trials and hearings, developing important documentation and paperwork, and communicating with clients. Paralegals' work is essential for lawyers and their clients, and as such, they are in high demand, making this an excellent career path for those interested in legal work without having to spend years in law school. Though paralegals are not permitted to practice law without the direct supervision of a licensed attorney or represent clients in court, as a paralegal, you can play a variety of roles in legal settings.
Oakton's Paralegal Studies Program can get you started in this career or upgrade your skills so you can pursue new opportunities.
In our paralegal courses, you will take on coursework designed to prepare you for roles in a variety of legal settings such as law, business or government offices. You can pursue an associate in applied science (A.A.S.) degree in paralegal studies or a paralegal studies certificate. The paralegal studies certificate is intended for students who have already successfully completed an Associate of Arts or Bachelor of Arts degree.
Our Paralegal Studies Program offers the A.A.S. Degree in paralegal studies, requiring 60 semester credit hours of paralegal studies courses and general education courses.
The employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 12 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 43,000 openings for paralegals and legal assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
The median annual wage for paralegals and legal assistants was $52,920 in May 2020.
Ashley Jackson Associate Professor of Paralegal Studies B.S. University of Southern California J.D. Boston University School of Law ajackson@oakton.edu 847.635.1477 Office: B220, Skokie
Merilee K. Slipenko, Esq. Professor of Paralegal Studies B.A. Loyola University of Chicago M.Ed. Loyola University of Chicago M.A. Dominican University M.S. Dominican University J.D. The John Marshall Law School slipenko@oakton.edu 847-376-7809 Office: B212, Skokie
Meet our part time faculty:
Patricia Cintron-Bastin Lecturer B.A. DePaul University J.D. Valparaiso University pcintron@oakton.edu 847.635.1910 Office: B206, Skokie
Samantha B. Myers Lecturer Certificate Oakton College A.A.S. William Rainey Harper College B.S. Kaplan University Executive J.D. Concord Law School smyers@oakton.edu 847.635.1910 Office: B206, Skokie
Samantha Sindles Lecturer B.A. Northwestern University J.D. DePaul University School of Law ssindles@oakton.edu 847.635.1910 Office: B206, Skokie
Larry Cohen Attorney Cohen & Assoc.
Farren, Nicole Family Advocate Student Alumni Early Head Start of Goodwill Industries of Chesapeake, Inc
Gonzales, Alexis Paralegal Alliance Title Corporation
Lembessis, Maria Counselor Law Offices of M. Lembessis
Tanner, Bryn Sr. Paralegal CVS Health
Mitchell Witkov Reference Librarian Cook County Law Library
Zaia, Zaia Real Estate Paralegal DKM&O Attorneys
Ex-Officio Members:
Marc Battista AVP of Workforce Ed/Dean of B&CT Division Oakton College
Mitch Mancione Program Coordinator Oakton College
Merilee Slipenko Full-time Faculty Oakton College
What's Next?
We are glad you are considering attending Oakton College. No matter where you are in your decision-making process, we are here to help you with your next steps. Whether you're ready to apply now, need information on paying for college or have questions and want to contact someone, we're here to help.
