According to a May 2020 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 4,350 paralegal jobs in Indiana. During this time, paralegals here earned an average salary of $48,550, or $23.34 per hour, while those with considerable experience and specialized knowledge earned upwards of $73,480, or $35.33, which represents the profession’s top 10%.
Paralegals are in demand in law firms, with in-house legal departments, and even in the education field. Not only are there numerous jobs for individuals with paralegals skills, but the law is so diversified that paralegals can often land positions in areas that specifically interest them, whether in a government agency, an NGO, environmental law, or any of the many industries that need legal services.
Indiana Paralegal Certification
There is no mandatory certification or paralegal licensing in Indiana. In 2008 the Indiana Supreme Court rejected a proposal for regulation of paralegals. The Indiana Rules of Professional Conduct governs attorneys’ supervision of paralegals.
Where to Earn Your Paralegal Certificate or Degree in Indiana
Paralegal Certificates
University of Evansville
Evansville University was named one of the nation’s 100 best-value private colleges by Kiplinger’s. Its certificate in legal studies program requires 30 hours of core legal courses. Students learn basic legal theory and how it applies in the practical applications of document preparation, legal research, and analytical thinking. The program has an Advisory Board, comprised of local attorneys and paralegals, to give students the opportunity to become acquainted with legal professionals.
- Estimated Program Cost: $24,900 (based on 2013-2014 per-credit tuition)
- Prerequisites: College prep curriculum, ACT or SAT scores
- ABA Approved: No
- Format: On campus
Sample required courses:
- Legal Drafting
- Legal Research
- Law in Society
Paralegal Associate Degrees
Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College (ITCC) offers cost-effective, flexible programs at over two dozen locations across the state of Indiana. ITCC offers both an Associate of Applied Science and an Associate of Science in paralegal studies, programs that are designed to give students knowledge in substantive areas of law and hone their practical skills in legal research, effective communication, ethical reasoning and critical and creative thinking. Each 60-credit hour program is comprised of approximately 30 percent general education courses and 70 percent core legal courses. Both can be completed in two years, or spread out over a longer period of time if the student is working or has other obligations.
- Estimated Program Cost: $7,269 for state residents in face-to-face courses; $15,024 for out-of state students in face-to-face courses; $9,270 for out-of-state students taking online courses; $6,669 for military members and state employees (based on spring 2014 per-credit tuition)
- Requirements: High school diploma, GED or age 18 and able to benefit from the education offered
- ABA Approved: No
- Format: On campus or online
Sample required courses:
- Legal Research
- Introduction to Paralegal Studies
- Civil Procedure
- Litigation
- Law Office Technology
The ITCC Paralegal Program is available at the following locations:
- Bloomington
- Central Indiana (Indianapolis)
- Columbus/Franklin
- East Central (Anderson, Marion, Muncie, New Castle)
- Kokomo (Kokomo, Logansport, Wabash)
- Lafayette (Crawfordsville, Lafayette)
- North Central (Elkhart County, South Bend, Warsaw)
- Northeast (Fort Wayne)
- Northwest (East Chicago, Gary, Michigan City, Valparaiso)
- Richmond (Connersville, Richmond)
- Southeast (Lawrenceburg, Madison)
- Southern Indiana (Sellersburg)
- Southwest (Evansville)
- Wabash Valley (Terre Haute)
Vincennes University
The paralegal program at Vincennes University is a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAFPE) and has been graduating paralegals since the class of 1979. Through its two-year Associate of Science program, students gain an understanding of the law and court system, learn legal reading, writing and research, hone analytical and critical thinking skills and become knowledgeable in the proper and ethical use of changing technology.
- Estimated Program Cost: $15,644 for residents of Crawford, Richland, Lawrence and Wabash Counties; $24,514 for students outside of the aforementioned counties; $11,361 for Illinois residents taking distance learning courses; $14,192 for out-of-state students taking distance learning courses (based on 2013-2014 per-credit tuition)
- Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED
- ABA Approved: Yes
- Format: On campus
Sample required courses:
- Paralegal Profession & Ethics
- Land Transactions
- Investigation & Tort Law
- Legal Research & Writing
- Family Law
Paralegal Bachelor’s Degrees
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
In 2014, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College‘s (SMWC), a non-profit, Catholic women’s college, moved into the top 20 schools in U.S. News & World Report’s rankings of the best regional colleges in the Midwest. One reason was that 93 percent of SMWC’s classes had under 20 students, which translates to individualized attention. This school’s paralegal bachelor’s degree requires 125 credits, and includes an optional internship. This program emphasizes not only law, but its relation to politics, society and history.
- Estimated Program Cost: $60,250 (based on 2012-2013 per credit tuition)
- Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED
- ABA Approved: Yes
- Format: On campus or online
Sample required courses:
- Law, Ethics, and Society
- Legal Research
- Advanced Legal Research & Writing
- Computers in the Law
- Legal Communication
- Interviewing and Investigation
Ball State University
Ball State University‘s bachelor’s degree in legal studies program gives students two options. The business option is designed for individuals interested primarily in business, insurance, finance and accounting, as well as for those interested in managing a law office. The public law option is designed for those interested in government, politics and public policy.
- Estimated Program Cost: $28,816 for state residents; $88,762 for out-of-state students (based on 2013-2014 per-semester tuition for full-time students)
- Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED; Ball State evaluates students for admissions based on a number of factors, and is committed to offering education to qualified adults 23 years of age or older.
- ABA Approved: Yes
- Format: On campus
Sample required courses:
- Info Tech for Paralegals
- American National Government
- Family Law
- Legal Research and Writing
Additional Paralegal Educational Programs
Calumet College of Saint Joseph
Whiting, Indiana
Degrees Offered: Associate of Science, Bachelor of Science
International Business College – Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Degree Offered: Associate of Applied Science
International Business College – Indianapolis
Indianapolis, Indiana
Degree Offered: Associate of Applied Science
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Saint Mary of the Woods, Indiana
Degrees Offered: certificate, Associate of Arts
University of Evansville
Evansville, Indiana
Degree Offered: Bachelor of Science
Professional Organizations
- The Indiana State Bar Association (ISBA) was founded in 1896; it promotes reforms in the laws, furthers education in the profession and serves the public. Paralegals may join its membership.
- The Indiana Paralegal Association (IPA) is based in Indianapolis; it fosters fellowship between paralegals, the legal community and the public. Members receive updates on local and national news affecting the profession, have access to a job bank, can network with other legal professionals, receive several newsletters and may attend continuing legal education (CLE) seminars.
- The Northeast Indiana Paralegal Association, Inc. (NIPA) is based in Fort Wayne. It promotes paralegal growth through education, offers networking opportunities and maintains a job bank for its members. Through NIPA, members have access to educational seminars and receive several informational publications. NIPA also offers awards and scholarships.
2020 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data and job market trends for paralegals reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2022.