Paralegal Schools in Oregon

This overview of paralegal schools in Oregon is designed to help you find the information you need to make an informed decision on where to go to school. The universities and colleges in Oregon offer a range of paralegal programs that include certificate programs, associate’s, and master’s degrees. Some schools offer paralegal studies programs either partially or fully online, which can also be a suitable alternative for some students. Please visit our paralegal careers in Oregon page to find out more information on paralegal job opportunities in the state.

Quick Facts

• There are 4 colleges and universities that offer paralegal/legal assistant degree programs in Oregon.¹
• 2 schools offer a certificate program for paralegals/legal assistants.¹
• 2 schools offer an associate’s degree program for paralegals/legal assistants.¹
• No schools offer a bachelor’s degree program for paralegals/legal assistants.¹
• 1 school offers a master’s degree for paralegals/legal assistants.¹
• No schools ranked in Paralegal411’s Top Online Paralegal Programs.²
• 2 schools ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Law Schools in 2022.³
• 1 school ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Legal Writing Programs in 2022.⁴
• 1 ABA-approved paralegal degree program is in Oregon.⁵

For not-for-profit colleges and universities with paralegal/legal assistant degree programs.

Table of Contents

• Comparison of Paralegal Programs
• Top-Ranked Schools with Paralegal Programs in Oregon
• Select Schools in Oregon with Paralegal Degrees

Comparison of Paralegal Programs

The table below will help you compare not-for-profit paralegal and legal studies programs in Oregon based on various factors. The table includes paralegal program-specific information such as the programs offered and whether there are any online options. It also includes general school information to help you compare the colleges and universities that host these programs, including overall acceptance rate, graduation rate for first-time bachelor’s degree seekers, median debt for graduates, and net tuition per year for full-time undergraduate study. We have also included information on approval by the American Bar Association (ABA). While ABA approval is not required in order to work as a paralegal, it is a mark of program quality that is preferred by many employers.

• — indicates none.
• N.Av. indicates no data available.

Top-Ranked Schools with Paralegal Programs

US News & World Report’s Best Law Schools 2022

• University of Oregon (#72 tie)
• Willamette University College of Law (#147-193)

US News & World Report’s Best Legal Writing Programs 2022

• University of Oregon (#1 tie)

Select Schools in Oregon with Paralegal Degrees

Traditional Programs

Portland Community College

Portland Community College (PCC) offers two paralegal program options, the Paralegal Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and the Paralegal Certificate, both approved by the ABA. The associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies is a 90-credit degree program that incorporates required paralegal courses, elective legal courses, general education requirements, and other electives. Students who have previously completed a two- or four-year degree may wish to pursue the certificate program in Paralegal Studies, a 59-credit program that includes the same required paralegal courses and elective legal courses as the associate’s degree program without the general education requirements. Required paralegal coursework includes classes such as Professions in Law, Legal Ethics, Litigation, and Paralegal Capstone. Courses like the Paralegal Community Law Clinic and Cooperative Education: Paralegal offer students hands-on experience by working in a legal position. Admission to the Paralegal program is limited to 50 students each term; therefore, meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance into PCC’s Paralegal program. Students must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher and receive a grade of “C” or better in all paralegal coursework in order to graduate.

University of Oregon

The University of Oregon (UO) offers an undergraduate minor in Legal Studies that requires 24 credit hours to complete and can help students prepare for careers as paralegals, legal assistants, mediators, and law firm administrators. The curriculum includes eight credits of core courses in law and conflict resolution and electives in non-legal subjects such as philosophy, ethics, and communication. The required courses include Introduction to American Law, Introduction to Conflict Resolution, Introduction to Criminal Law, and Public International Law. UO recommends that students take at least one class in law or conflict resolution before declaring the minor. Students may use courses from their major towards the Legal Studies Minor. Although the program does not offer an internship course, students may work with the UO Career Center to pursue independent internship opportunities.

Willamette University

The College of Law at Willamette University offers a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) that can be completed in as little as one year. The 26-credit program will help students develop a deep understanding of the law without becoming a lawyer. Students may study full-time or part-time. The MLS allows students to take most of the classes at Willamette’s College of Law. Students will declare a concentration to support their individual career goals. Concentrations are available in Business Law; Employment Law; Environmental Law; Family Law; Healthcare Law; Real Estate; State and Local Government; and Taxation. All students must take at least one of the following first-year law courses: Contracts, Civil Procedure, Property, Torts, Criminal Law, or Constitutional Law. In addition to the required courses, graduation requires the completion of a research paper and department exams. Applicants to the MLS program must have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Admission is based on previous academic performance, work experience, and commitment to the MLS program.

Hybrid and Online Programs

Umpqua Community College

Students can earn an online Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Paralegal Studies through Umpqua Community College (UCC). This two-year program prepares graduates to work in entry-level positions as paralegals or legal assistants. The curriculum includes general education, business, and paralegal courses. The paralegal curriculum includes practical skills education as well as different legal specialty classes, such as Business Law; Civil Procedure; Family Law; and Torts, Pleading, and Practice. Students receive instruction in practical areas such as computer, legal research, legal writing, and other necessary skills for success in the legal field. Graduates from the AAS program may find positions in a wide range of legal environments, such as law firms, businesses, financial institutions, or government offices. Students in the paralegal program must attain a grade of “C” or higher in all major courses and demonstrate satisfactory skills in typing, MS Word, and writing. UCC also offers a one-year Legal Assistant Certificate program that can be completed online.

References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Paralegal411’s Top Online Paralegal Programs: https://www.paralegal411.org/degrees/bachelors/online/
3. US News & World Report Best Law Schools 2022: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/law-rankings
4. US News & World Report Best Legal Writing Programs 2022: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/legal-writing-rankings
5. American Bar Association Approved Paralegal Programs: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/paralegals/
6. Niche: https://www.niche.com/
7. Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, Ranking ROI of 4,500 US Colleges and Universities: https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/CollegeROI/