Illinois Paralegal Career and Salary Guide
Although Illinois does not regulate the paralegal profession, earning a degree or certificate in paralegal studies can help you stand out in a competitive job market. Learn more about how to become a paralegal in Illinois by starting with the easy-to-navigate directory below.
Table of Contents
- How to Become a Paralegal in Illinois
- Paralegal Certification
- Paralegal Career and Salary Outlook
- Paralegal Resources
How to Become a Paralegal in Illinois
Because there are no formal requirements to become a paralegal in Illinois, aspiring paralegals have multiple pathways to enter the profession. Most paralegals possess a combination of education, experience (which can include internships), and on-the-job training. Here are the basic steps to becoming a paralegal in Illinois:
1. Earn a degree or certificate in paralegal studies.
Many individuals hoping to work as paralegals in Illinois complete an associate degree in legal studies, certificate in paralegal studies, or bachelor’s in paralegal studies from one of the numerous paralegal schools in Illinois. Paralegal programs introduce the legal system and the typical tasks performed by paralegals in various legal settings. There are 14 paralegal schools in Illinois approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).1
2. Gain experience.
Beginning as a document preparer or legal secretary in a law office and earning a promotion to a paralegal position is another way to enter this career. Many paralegal education programs offer hands-on experience as a part of the program. Real-world experience through a supervised program can help paralegal students or trainees gain confidence in specific areas of the law, such as litigation or probate. This experience can be attractive to potential employers.
3. Seek certification, if desired.
Voluntary certification is available, which can help demonstrate your competency and strengthen your job application. You can read more about certification below.
Paralegal Certification in Illinois
Like most other states, Illinois does not require paralegals to be certified to work in the profession. Paralegals, as defined under Illinois law, must have sufficient knowledge of legal concepts through education, training, or work experience, and must work under the direction of an attorney. While some law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies offer on-site training, employers generally prefer applicants with a certificate or associate degree in paralegal studies. A paralegal studies degree or certificate is also a requirement for voluntary certification through the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA, the Paralegal Association), the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA), or the American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc. (AAPI). For further information on voluntary certification opportunities, see our Steps to Become a Paralegal guide.
Illinois Paralegal Career and Salary Outlook
Projected Job Growth
4.4%
Paralegals in Illinois from 2022-20322
Recently, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimated that 15,780 paralegals and legal assistants were employed in the state of Illinois, the fifth-highest employment level of all states.3 They earned an average annual salary of $63,340.3 13,520 paralegals and legal assistants worked in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro area alone, the third-highest employment level of all metro areas in the country.3 Projections Central estimates a 4.4% increase in paralegal and legal assistant jobs, which is on par with the national projection of 4.2% during the same period.2
Illinois Paralegal Salary by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Number Employed4 | Average Annual Salary4 |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 15,780 | $63,340 |
| Bloomington | 240 | $59,430 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | 13,520 | $64,820 |
| Peoria | 290 | $55,630 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | 3,030 | $62,840 |
| Springfield | 220 | $57,630 |
Paralegal Employers in Illinois
Law firms employ most paralegals in Illinois. Internships and networking through college and university career centers are effective methods of connecting with local law firms and can be especially useful for recent graduates. Additionally, many national law firms maintain offices in Chicago and need local paralegals.
Given the number of government institutions and corporate headquarters in Illinois, paralegals may find employment opportunities in government agencies or in-house corporate legal departments. LinkedIn is a good research resource where you can search on geography (Illinois or city-level) for “paralegal” to find networking opportunities, job postings, and the companies most associated with users identifying as paralegals; companies in Illinois with the most LinkedIn users as paralegals include:
- AbbVie
- Fragomen
- Jenner & Block
- Kirkland & Ellis
- McDonalds
- Robert Half
- Sidley Austin LLP
- Winston & Strawn LLP
For more information about paralegal careers, take a look at our careers page.
Paralegal Resources
Here are some resources to help paralegals in Illinois with professional development, networking, and career growth.
Paralegal Associations in Illinois
These are volunteer organizations, typically with elected boards, that focus on professional development and networking for a specific geographical location and/or area of law.
- Chicago Bar Association (CBA): Offers paralegals access to an exclusive on-demand training video library, technology training programs, and networking outings, among other benefits.
- Illinois Paralegal Association (IPA): Provides paralegals and legal assistants across the state with access to career seminars, a jobs board, and professional mentoring.
Additional Resources
- Cook County Law Library: Provides access to print collections across all areas of law as well as electronic database access for research across six branches in Cook County.
- Illinois Legal Aid Online (ILAO): Offers professional resources and a jobs board with opportunities for paralegals in nonprofit organizations.
- Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA): Provides a Career Resource Center listing paralegal and legal assistant jobs across the state, including paralegal jobs in Chicago.
- Illinois Supreme Court Library: Allows visitors access to a comprehensive collection of over 100,000 volumes on-site.
- Paralegal411 Jobs Board: For additional paralegal jobs in Illinois, visit our jobs board.
- State of Illinois Office of the Illinois Courts: Links to Circuit, Appellate, and the Supreme Courts as well as standardized forms and documents for court use and career opportunities for the judicial branches statewide.
- Style Manual for the Supreme and Appellate Courts of Illinois: Formatting assistance useful for paralegals working with cases in the Supreme or Appellate Courts of Illinois Supreme or Appellate Courts of Illinois or who find it necessary to format citations for these courts.
References:
1. American Bar Association Directory of ABA Approved Paralegal Education Programs: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/paralegals/paralegal-resource-directory/
2. Projections Central Long Term Occupational Projections, 2022-2032: https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wages, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes232011.htm
4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm