Paralegal Studies The University of Toledo

Overview

Paralegals support attorneys in their work. They research cases, prepare legal briefs and even interview clients and witnesses. Paralegals work in private law firms, corporate law departments, nonprofits and government agencies.

Paralegal studies offers a pathway to a legal career and is an outstanding pre-law track.

Paralegal Studies bachelor's degree highlights

• One of the nation’s best paralegal programs. The University of Toledo’s program is ABA-approved. Only about 20% of U.S. paralegal programs earn that distinction, which employers prefer. We also have been designated a national demonstration program.
• Outstanding pre-law track. 93% of UToledo paralegal studies graduates who go to law school pass the bar exam on their first attempts — a considerably higher rate than the state average. Students do better in law school if they have an understanding of the legal system and good communication, logic and analytical skills. UToledo’s paralegal studies program helps students master all of these skills.
• Law school guarantee. Graduates of UToledo’s paralegal studies bachelor’s degree program who have GPAs of 3.5 or better and score in the top 50 percent on the LSAT are guaranteed admission to The University of Toledo College of Law.
• A one-of-a-kind courtroom/classroom. UToledo is one of the only paralegal programs in the country with its own teaching courtroom. This state-of-the-art facility offers hands-on training in courtroom technology and includes:
  • Laptops loaded with litigation, law practice management and other software
  • Flat-screen monitors in the jury box, counsel tables, witness stand and bench
  • Two recording cameras
  • Portable camera in the judge’s chambers for remote witnesses
• Experiential learning
  • Unique criminal forensics and trial practice class. This popular, hands-on course is the first of its kind in the country. The class is a collaboration between paralegal studies and UToledo’s criminal justice program. Students are placed on prosecution and defense teams and assigned as crime scene investigators, paralegals and attorneys. They investigate a homicide and conduct a jury trial.
  • Nationally-recognized mock trial team. Join this competitive, prestigious team that sets UToledo’s paralegal studies program apart. The mock trial team has been national champion 10 times and qualified for the finals 13 times.

• Expert faculty. UToledo paralegal studies courses combine legal theory and practical "how-to" techniques. They are taught by lawyers and judges who specialize and publish in the areas they teach.

Career opportunities

Paralegal jobs are growing faster than the national average for other careers. Students of the Paralegal Studies program at University of Toledo learn the strong technology and database management skills employers seek.

Nearly all of our students go on to professional or graduate schools, or take jobs in private law firms, corporations, nonprofits and government agencies.

Paralegal studies graduates also are well prepared for alternate careers that include law enforcement, politics, compliance, human resources and others.