Illinois paralegals aren’t required to be certified or registered, but they must follow the Illinois Code of Paralegal Ethics established in 1996. You can start your career through on-the-job training or by earning a certificate or degree from one of Illinois’ many ABA-approved paralegal programs, particularly in the Chicago metro area.
The major metropolis of Chicago, one of the nation’s largest metropolitan economies, is the primary contributor to Illinois’ strong paralegal profession. With 12,430 paralegals employed as of May 2024, Illinois ranks seventh in the country forparalegal employments.
Paralegal opportunities in Illinois can be found at major employers such as Deere in Moline and other large corporations. However, companies like Boeing have relocated their headquarters, and Sara Lee and OfficeMax no longer operate as standalone firms. State agenciessuch ase the Illinois Attorney General’s Office and regional law firms with national reputation,ssuch ase Kirkland & Ellis, Mayer Brown, Winston & Strawn, and Sidley Austi,n alsooffere strong career prospects.
Whether you’re an aspiring paralegal or an established one with specialized knowledge in estate law, real estate law, immigration law, or intellectual property law, understanding how to become a paralegal in Illinois means ensuring you have the credentials that today’s lawyers demand.
Illinois Paralegal Requirements
While paralegals in Illinois are not required to be certified or registered, they must follow the rules of professional conduct and ethics as set forth by the state. In 1996, the Illinois Supreme Court defined a standard of conduct for paralegals known as the Illinois Code of Paralegal Ethics. This code spells out the expectations for paralegals. In particular,, they must not misrepresent themselves as lawyers oras able to offer legal counsel, and they must follow standards of confidentiality, ethic,s, and other proper conduct.
Additionally, Rule 5.3 sets forth guidelines for “nonlawyer assistants” thatrequire lawyersto supervise and accept responsibility for the professional actions of their legal assistants.
Without registration or educational requirements, Illinois paralegals may begin their careers by finding employment that offers on-the-job training or by pursuing education in paralegal studies.
Paralegal Certification in Illinois
Paralegals may choose from several types of educational programs designed to prepare them for their careers in the legal field. Certificate programs can be helpful for those with no prior education who wish to immerse themselves solely in paralegal studies without general education classes.
Certificate programs are also offered to aspiring paralegals who hold a degree in another field and want to add a focus to their studies. Instead of completing a second bachelor’s degree, they can earn a certificate in paralegal studies. Certificated paralegals are not the same as certified paralegals, who have passed a national certification exam.
For aspiring paralegals who wish to earn a degree, many programs offer associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in paralegal studies, and a few pven offer mmaster’s-levelwork. For any education program, from certificate through master’s, it’s essential to investigate whether the paralegal program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) and whether the educational institution is accredited. You can explore ABA-approved paralegal programs across the United States.
As attorneys, corporations,, and government agencies work within an increasingly complex legal framework, the level of responsibility they expect paralegals to take on has also increased. Law offices and other employers in Illinois have come to rely on paralegals with the kind of expertise that can only come from earning a certificate or degree in paralegal studies.
National Certification Options
Paralegals who wish to distinguish themselves in their field may choose to sit for national paralegal certification exams. To be eligible to take the exams, they must meet education and work experience requirements. Currently, the three professional paralegal organizations offer four national exams from which paralegals may select:
- The PACE and PCCE offered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)
- The CLA/CP offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
- The PP offered by the Association for Legal Professionals (NALS)
Illinois Paralegal Salary Data
Long recognized as the financial, manufacturing, and logistics hub of the U.S. and home to some of the nation’s largest law firm,s,includinge Chicago’s Baker McKenzie LLP, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, and Sidley Austin LLP, Illinois continuesto bes one of the top states for paralegal jobs.
Home to 12,430 paralegal jobs as of May 2024, Illinois ranks seventh in the nation forparalegals employmens. The average paralegal salary in Illinois is $68,960, or $33.15 per hour. That’s about $2,000 more than the national average. For a broader context on how Illinois compares nationally, see our comprehensive paralegal salary data.
But the most impressive salaries go to paralegals who have risen through the ranks, combining experience with specialized knowledge and skills in a legal focus such as criminal litigation, family law, estate law, or commercial litigation. As of May 2024, the top 10% of paralegals in Illinois earn a salary that starts at $102,270, or $49.17 per hour, which is about $33,000 more annually than the state average.
Average Paralegal Salary in Illinois by City
The Chicago and Decatur metro areas outpaced Illinois’ other metro areas in average paralegal salaries as of May 2024. The Chicagoland area is also ranked seventh among all cities in the nation for its number of paralegals: 10,250 professionals. Major corporations like Boeing, Accenture, and Hyatt Hotels have helped keep paralegal jobs and salaries strong in Chicago.
| Metropolitan Area | Average Salary | Top 10% Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $71,960 ($34.60 per hour) | $104,190 ($50.09 per hour) |
| Decatur | $67,100 ($32.26 per hour) | $90,160 ($43.35 per hour) |
| Springfield | $60,670 ($29.17 per hour) | $82,790 ($39.80 per hour) |
| Peoria | $60,040 ($28.87 per hour) | $89,020 ($42.80 per hour) |
| Bloomington | $58,440 ($28.09 per hour) | $82,080 ($39.46 per hour) |
| Champaign-Urbana | $55,210 ($26.54 per hour) | $76,310 ($36.69 per hour) |
| Rockford | $54,400 ($26.15 per hour) | $76,140 ($36.61 per hour) |
Paralegal Schools in Illinois
Recent high school graduates, career-changers, and second-income seekers alike flock to Illinois with dreams of entering the booming paralegal field. And why not? Chicago is one of the biggest cities in the entire country, home to millions of people residing within and beyond its city limits. Because of Chicago’s expansive economic and cultural reach, educational institutions must hustle to remain competitive in attracting new students.
This competitive atmosphere benefits aspiring paralegals tremendously, as it opens up a seemingly infinite number of diploma, certificate, and degree options in legal studies. Illinois offers numerous ABA-approved paralegal programs across the state, from community colleges to major universities.
City Colleges of Chicago – Harold Washington College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
City Colleges of Chicago – Wilbur Wright College
AAS in Paralegal – Campus
College of DuPage
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Certificate – Campus (undergraduate, post-associate)
College of Lake County
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Certificate – Campus (post-associate, post-baccalaureate)
Dominican University
BPS in Legal Studies – Campus, online
Elgin Community College
Certificate in Paralegal Studies – Campus (post-associate, post-baccalaureate)
Illinois Central College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Certificate – Campus (post-associate, post-baccalaureate)
Illinois State University
BA/BS in Legal Studies – Campus
Joliet Junior College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Certificate of Achievement in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Kankakee Community College
AAS in Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies – Campus
Advanced Certificate in Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies – Campus
Kaskaskia College
AAS in Legal Office Assisting – Campus
Certificate in Legal Office Personnel – Campus (undergraduate, pre-degree)
Lake Land College
AAS in Office Assistant-Legal – Campus
Lewis & Clark Community College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Certificate of Proficiency in Paralegal Studies – Campus (undergraduate)
Lewis University
BA in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Studies-Minor – Campus
Loyola University Chicago
BA in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Certificate in Paralegal Studies – Campus, online
MacCormac College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
McHenry County College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Studies Certificate – Campus (post-associate, post-baccalaureate)
Moraine Valley Community College
Certificate – Legal Office Assistant – Campus (undergraduate, pre-degree)
Northwestern University
Bachelor’s Degree in Legal Studies – Campus
Minor in Legal Studies – Campus
Oakton Community College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Studies Certificate – Campus (undergraduate, pre-degree)
- ABA-Approval: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Rasmussen College-Illinois
Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies – Online
Paralegal Certificate – Online
Roosevelt University
BA in Paralegal Studies – Campus
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Minor in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Certificate – Campus (post-baccalaureate)
South Suburban College
AAS in Paralegal/Legal Assistant – Campus
Paralegal/Legal Assistant Certificate – Campus (post-associate, post-baccalaureate)
Southern Illinois University – Carbondale
BS – Paralegal Studies – Campus
Southwestern Illinois College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus, hybrid
Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Online
Paralegal Diploma – Online
University of Illinois – Springfield
MA in Legal Studies – Campus and/or Online
BA in Legal Studies – Campus
Waubonsee Community College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Post-Associate Certificate of Achievement in Paralegal Studies – Campus
William Rainey Harper College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Studies Certificate – Campus (post-associate, post-baccalaureate)
Paralegal Associations
Illinois offers two professional paralegal associations: The Illinois Paralegal Association, affiliated with the NFP,A and the Central Illinois Paralegal Association, affiliated with NALA.
Illinois Paralegal Association (IPA)
The Illinois Paralegal Association (IPA) began in Chicago in the early 1970s andhas sinces grown to include and support members from throughout Illinois. Its main goals include facilitating communication between paralegals and other individuals and organizations within their professional community, providing opportunities for continuing education and professional development and promoting the visibility and growth of the paralegal profession. Additionally, the IPA offers a mentoring program to new paralegals, regular meetings to help paralegals keep informed of developments in the legal field, and access to many online resources.
The IPA sponsors its own paralegal credential and offers these four levels of membership:
- Regular – Open to anyone who meets one of these requirements:
- A paralegal employed in Illinois
- An Illinois resident employed as a paralegal in any of Illinois’ neighboring states
- Associate – Open to anyone who meets one of the following:
- Illinois paralegals working part-time in the state
- Those formerly employed as paralegals
- Graduates of paralegal programs
- Student – Open to temporary or permanent Illinois residents enrolled in a formal paralegal studies program, as well as residents of neighboring states attending paralegal programs in Illinois
- Sustaining – Open to any person or entity that is interested in furthering the purposes of the IPA
The IPA sponsors the voluntary credential, Illinois Accredited Paralegal (ILAP). To be eligibl,e paralegals must be IPA Regular Members and meet one of the following conditions:
- Master’s degree in paralegal studies and one year of paralegal experience
- Master’s degree in any subject, a paralegal certificate, and one year of paralegal experience
- Master’s degree in any subject plus three years of paralegal experience
- Bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies plus one year of paralegal experience
- Bachelor’s degree in any field, a paralegal certificate, and one year of paralegal experience
- Bachelor’s degree in any field plus three years of paralegal experience
- Associate’s degree in paralegal studies plus two years of paralegal experience
- Associate’s degree in any field, a paralegal certificate, and two years of paralegal experience
- Associate’s degree in any field plus three years of paralegal experience
- Paralegal certificate plus four years of paralegal experience
- Five years of paralegal experience
- The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)’s Certified Paralegal (CP)/Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) credential, or the NFPA’s Registered Paralegal (RP) credential
Central Illinois Paralegal Association (CIPA)
The Central Illinois Paralegal Association (CIPA) sponsors monthly meetings throughout central Illinois to offer support, networki,ng and education titsir members. CIPA encourages its members to learn and grow, therebyadvancinge andexpandingd the paralegal profession. CIPA offers an Annual Educational Seminar with continuing legal education units available to paralegals and attorneys.
CIPA offers four levels of membership:
- Associate – Open to members of the bar association and the educational field who promote the paralegal concept
- Student – Open to full and part-time students enrolled in a paralegal studies program
- Sustaining – Open to anyone not directly involved in the paralegal profession, but who supports the promotion of the field
- Active – Open to anyone who meets one of the following:
- Paralegal studies program graduate – certificate or bachelor’s degree
- Has at least six months of in-house paralegal training
- Has passed NALA’s Certified Legal Assistant (CLA)/Certified Paralegal (CP) exam
Major Law Firms in Illinois
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the metropolitan area surrounding Chicago employs the greatest number of paralegals. The majority of these paralegals are employed by the large law firms that Chicago is home to, including:
- Baker & McKenzie
- Sidley Austin
- Mayer Brown
- Kirkland & Ellis
- McDermott Will & Emery
- Winston & Strawn
- Seyfarth Shaw
- Katten Muchin Rosenman
- Hinshaw & Culbertson
- Jenner & Block
- Dykema Gossett
- Schiff Hardin
- Vedder Price
- Chapman and Cutler
- Neal Gerber and Eisenberg
Important Contacts for Illinois Paralegals
- Illinois Paralegal Association, affiliated with NFPA
- Central Illinois Paralegal Association, affiliated with NALA
- Illinois Code of Paralegal Ethics
- Illinois State Bar Association
- Illinois State Courts
- Illinois Secretary of State
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need certification to work as a paralegal in Illinois?
No, Illinois does not require paralegals to be certified or registered. However, you must follow the Illinois Code of Paralegal Ethics established by the Illinois Supreme Court in 1996. While certification isn’t mandatory, earning credentials like the Illinois Accredited Paralegal (ILAP) or national certifications can help you stand out to employers.
What’s the average paralegal salary in Illinois?
As of May 2024, the average paralegal salary in Illinois is $68,960 per year, or $33.15 per hour. This is about $2,000 more than the national average. The top 10% of paralegals in Illinois earn $102,270 or more annually. Salaries vary by location, with Chicago offering the highest average at $71,960.
What education do I need to become a paralegal in Illinois?
Illinois doesn’t have mandatory education requirements for paralegals. You can start through on-the-job training or by earning a certificate, associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or even a master’s degree in paralegal studies. Many employers prefer candidates with formal education, especially from ABA-approved programs. Illinois offers numerous paralegal programs at community colleges and universities throughout the state.
What’s the Illinois Accredited Paralegal (ILAP) credential?
The ILAP is a voluntary credential sponsored by the Illinois Paralegal Association (IPA). To qualify, you must be an IPA Regular Member and meet specific education and experience requirements, ranging from a master’s degree with one year of experience to five years of paralegal experience alone. The credential helps you stand out in Illinois’ competitive legal market.
Which Illinois cities pay paralegals the most?
Chicago leads with an average paralegal salary of $71,960 per year. Decatur follows at $67,100, and Springfield comes in third at $60,670. The Chicago metro area employs 10,250 paralegals, making it the seventh-largest market for paralegals in the nation. Major corporations and prestigious law firms in Chicago contribute to these higher salary levels.
Are there professional paralegal associations in Illinois?
Yes, Illinois has two main professional associations. The Illinois Paralegal Association (IPA), affiliated with NFPA, serves members throughout the state and offers the ILAP credential, mentoring programs, and continuing education. The Central Illinois Paralegal Association (CIPA), affiliated with NALA, focuses on the central Illinois region and provides networking, monthly meetings, and annual educational seminars.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois doesn’t require paralegal certification or registration, but you must follow the Illinois Code of Paralegal Ethics established in 1996
- With 12,430 paralegals employed, Illinois ranks seventh nationally for paralegal employment
- The average paralegal salary in Illinois is $68,960 annually, about $2,000 above the national average
- Chicago offers the highest salaries at $71,960 on average, with the top 10% earning over $104,190
- Illinois offers numerous ABA-approved paralegal programs at community colleges and universities across the state
- The Illinois Paralegal Association (IPA) offers the voluntary ILAP credential for qualified members
- Major law firms in Chicago, including Kirkland & Ellis, Mayer Brown, and Sidley Austin, employ thousands of paralegals
Ready to Start Your Illinois Paralegal Career?
Explore ABA-approved paralegal programs across Illinois and take the first step toward joining one of the nation’s top legal markets.
Salary Disclaimer: 2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job market figures for Paralegals and Legal Assistants reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed December 2025.
