The body of knowledge required to effectively perform legal support services can only come from a formal education in paralegal studies. As attorneys, corporations and government agencies work within an increasingly complex legal framework, the level of responsibility they expect paralegals to be able to take on has also increased. Law offices and other employers in Minnesota have come to rely on paralegals with the kind of expertise that can only come from earning a certificate or degree in paralegal studies.
There’s a reason why Minnesota ranks eighth in the nation for highest average paralegal salary (US Department of Labor, 2016). That’s because it’s home to some really talented paralegals working in finance and business and, of course, for top law firms in the Twin Cities
One of the best kept secrets in Minnesota is that we rank among the top in the nation for having the most Fortune 500 companies headquartered here– 19 of them. This means a lot of busy legal departments with a lot of high-powered corporations – and a lot of talented paralegals to staff them.
Saint Paul-based Ecolab is one of those companies, and when its CEO was asked how the Land of 10,000 Lakes earned the privilege of playing host to so many major corporations he said, “We have a highly educated workforce; we have a great work ethic.” Well that just says it all.
While you take care of building a strong work ethic, we’ve taken care of assembling our recommendations for the best paralegal schools, both online and throughout the state.
The schools we recommend offer paralegal certificates and degrees for aspiring professionals at all stages in their career, ranging from those who’ve just graduated from high school, to those who already have experience in the field and want to boost their credentials.
Alexandria Technical & Community College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus and online
Anoka Technical College
AAS in Legal Assisting – Online
Legal Assistant Diploma – Online
Legal Assistant Certificate – Online
Bethany Lutheran College
Bachelor’s Degree in Legal Studies – Campus
Minor in Legal Studies – Campus
Certificate in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Dakota County Technical College
AAS in Legal Administrative Assisting – Campus, online
Legal Administrative Assistant Diploma – Campus, online
Hamline University
Legal Studies Bachelor’s Degree – Campus
Paralegal Certificate (post-bac) – Campus
Inver Hills Community College
AS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Certificate (post-associate) – Campus
Lake Superior College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus and online
AS in Paralegal Studies – Campus and online
Paralegal Studies Certificate – Campus and online
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus and online
Minnesota State University – Moorhead
BS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
North Hennepin Community College
AS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Certificate (post-associate) – Campus
Rasmussen College-Minnesota
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus, online, and blended
Paralegal Certificate (post-associate) – Campus, online, and blended
Ridgewater College
AAS in Legal Assisting – Campus
Legal Assistant Diploma – Campus
Legal Assistant Certificate – Campus, online
Winona State University
BS in Legal Studies – Campus