Prepare for a Rewarding Legal Career as a Paralegal

Have You Been Interested in the Legal Field? A Career As a Paralegal Could Be Just For You!

Now Offering the AAS Degree in Paralegal Studies Online

Enrolling Now

Paralegals are an integral part of any successful firm.  Also known as Legal Assistants, paralegals work in various legal environments and assist lawyers in many stages of the litigation process, including preparation for trials, hearings, closings and corporate meetings.  Paralegals research and analyze information, draft documents, obtain affidavits, and identify laws while working under the supervision of an attorney. 

Paralegals are not allowed to give legal advice or present cases, but in an effort to cut costs in law offices and make more services available, more responsibility that was previously held by lawyers is being given to paralegals. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition)

If you have previous college experience, give us a call today to learn more about our Paralegal Program that can be completed in as little as 10 months.  If your educational goals are set on a degree, Sumner College offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Paralegal Studies.

Employment Opportunities

  • Law Firms
  • Corporate Legal Departments
  • Title Companies
  • Financial Institutions
  • State, Federal & Government Offices

Specialty Areas of Employment:

  • Litigation
  • Personal Injury
  • Corporate Law
  • Criminal Law
  • Employee Benefits
  • Intellectual Property
  • Labor Law
  • Bankruptcy
  • Immigration
  • Family Law
  • Real Estate…

Paralegal Program Overview

Sumner College offers two program options for Paralegal Studies:

Associate of Applied Science Degree (60 Weeks): 6 Terms

Paralegal Diploma Program (40 Weeks): 4 Terms

The Paralegal Program at Sumner College will help prepare you to enter the legal field assisting attorneys in a variety of legal areas.  You will study the basic foundation and structure of the American legal system and become proficient with the litigation and legal research process.  You will also be prepared to use computer programs as they apply to the practice of law. Instructors are either currently or have worked in the legal field and know exactly what Paralegals should know and what employers are looking for.

Curriculum Includes Courses In:

  • Legal Research
  • Estate Law
  • Intellectual Property Law
  • Environmental Law
  • Family Law
  • Civil Litigation
  • Constitutional Law
  • Labor & Employment Law
  • Bankruptcy
  • Real Property
  • Contracts…

The 40 week Diploma Program is ideal for students that already possess a Degree from an accredited institution or have had some prior college-level coursework or related work experience.  An assessment test must be completed prior to enrollment.

Career Training to Fit Your Life
2 Convenient Schedule Options to Choose From

As a student in the Sumner College AAS Paralegal Degree program you can choose to attend:

  1. Traditional Classroom Learning or
  2. Online Distance Learning

Traditional Classroom Learning is well-suited to individuals who live in the Portland Oregon area and who like the structure of a set class schedule. Online Training is an excellent option for people who can't or don't want to commute to campus, and people whose situations don't allow for conventional class schedules. The online program can be completed in 70 weeks. A friendly and knowledgeable Sumner Admissions Representative would be happy to help you explore your options and figure out which program/schedule is right for you.

Career Placement

Sumner College has been successfully preparing students for stable and exciting career fields since 1974.  The dedicated faculty and staff at Sumner College are committed to helping you complete your education and that you succeed in your chosen career field. Our programs are designed with your busy and demanding life in mind. We value your time and we know that not only is it important to offer a quality education, but ultimately it's about you working in a rewarding career you deserve. The Career Services Department provides guidance with résumé, cover letter writing, job searching, and interviewing.

Just A Few Places Our Paralegal Graduates Are Working:

- Oregon Law Center (as a Legal Secretary)
- Peterson & Prause, LLP
- John A. Rankin, LLC
- Robert Wolfe & Associates
- Litigation Information Management
- Multnomah County Public Defenders Office (as a Legal Secretary)
- Immigrant Law Group

Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal

To find out if a career as a Paralegal is right for you and to receive specific information on the Paralegal Program, schedule a FREE appointment with a friendly and knowledgeable Admissions Representative today. You can discuss your career plans, tour the campus, meet an instructor and even sit in on a class. Your Admissions Representative can also schedule a time for you to meet with a Financial Aid Representative to discuss your financial aid options that will work best for you. (Financial Aid is available for those who qualify)

To prepare for a new and rewarding Paralegal career, use the online information request form or call us at 877-682-5601. Appointments are available: Monday – Thursday: 8 AM – 7 PM & Friday: 8 AM – 4 PM.

Program Disclosure Information

Paralegal Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree Program:

Occupational Name: Paralegal
U.S. Dept of Labor O*NET Standard Occupational Classification Codes and Links to Occupational Profiles:

23-2011.00 Paralegals and Legal Assistants  www.onetonline.org/link/summary/23-2011.00
23-2092.00 Law Clerks www.onetonline.org/link/summary/23-2092.00
23-2093.00 Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers  www.onetonline.org/link/summary/23-2093.00
23-2099.00 Legal Support Workers, All Other www.onetonline.org/link/summary/23-2099.00
On-Time Graduation Rate: New Program - No Data Available
Job Placement Rate (For Students Completing the Program 7/1/09 - 6/30/10): New Program - No Data Available
Median Loan Debt Incurred (For Students Completing the Program 7/1/09 - 6/30/10): New Program - No Data Available
Tuition: $20,925
Additional Fees: Application Fee: $50
Registration: $100
Books and Supplies: $2,500
Graduation Fee: $40

Paralegal Diploma Program:

Occupational Name: Paralegal
U.S. Dept of Labor O*NET Standard Occupational Classification Codes and Links to Occupational Profiles:

23-2011.00 Paralegals and Legal Assistants  www.onetonline.org/link/summary/23-2011.00
23-2092.00 Law Clerks www.onetonline.org/link/summary/23-2092.00
23-2093.00 Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers  www.onetonline.org/link/summary/23-2093.00
23-2099.00 Legal Support Workers, All Other www.onetonline.org/link/summary/23-2099.00
On-Time Graduation Rate: 100%
Job Placement Rate (For Students Completing the Program 7/1/09 - 6/30/10): 79.2%
Median Loan Debt Incurred (For Students Completing the Program 7/1/09 - 6/30/10): Title IV: $6,336
Private Loans: $0
Institutional Loans: $0
Tuition: $15,525
Additional Fees: Application Fee: $50
Registration: $100
Books and Supplies: $2,000
Graduation Fee: $40
Educating Students in the Portland Area Since 1974