Paralegal South Bend - Sandra Stratton, sstratton1@ivytech.edu, (574) 289-7001 ext. 6373

If you like writing, research and problem-solving, you’ll love a career as a paralegal. Our Paralegal Program provides students with the wide variety of skills needed to handle duties such as performing legal research, drafting legal correspondence, interviewing clients and managing trial exhibits. Courses are taught by attorneys who are experienced in the subject matter and familiar with the important role paralegals play as members of the legal team.

Degrees certificates and specialties

Paralegal/Associate of ScienceTransfers to Ball State University
South Bend Curriculum 07-08

Paralegal/Associate of Science (via Distance Education)

Transfers to Ball State University
South Bend Curriculum 07-08Elkhart Curriculum 07-08Warsaw Curriculum 07-08

Paralegal/Associate Applied of ScienceSouth Bend Curriculum 07-08

Paralegal/Associate Applied of Science (via Distance Education) South Bend Curriculum 07-08Elkhart Curriculum 07-08Warsaw Curriculum 07-08

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Program description Paralegals handle a wide range of duties, from performing legal research and drafting legal correspondence, to interviewing clients and managing trial exhibits. The Paralegal Program provides students with the wide variety of skills necessary to succeed in this complex field. The curriculum emphasizes written and oral communication skills and provides in-class opportunities for technical skill development. Courses are taught by attorneys who are experienced in the subject matter and familiar with the function of paralegals as part of the legal team.Program optionsOptions include the Associate of Science (AS) and the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees. The AS degree transfers into the bachelor’s degree program in legal assistance studies at Ball State University. Transfer-of-credit opportunities to other four-year institutions including IU South Bend also are available.
PrerequisitesStrong reading, writing and oral communications skills are essential for this career field. To begin paralegal studies, students must be program-ready in English (ready to enter ENG 111, English Composition). Students do not need to be program-ready in math to begin paralegal courses; however, students should heed math prerequisites when enrolling in general education courses like science, economics and psychology.
Typical work activities• Investigate facts and laws
• Prepare written reports summarizing research
• File pleadings with the court clerk
• Direct delivery of subpoenas to witnesses
• Write contracts and real estate payment plans
• Appraise and inventory property for estate planning
• Organize and maintain law libraries
• Direct and coordinate office activities or workersEmployment outlookEmployment opportunities for paralegals are expected to grow faster than average (21 to 35 percent) in Indiana and nationally through 2010.Occupational areas• Law firms
• Governmental agencies
• Publicly funded legal service centers
• Corporations
• Banks
• Real estate development companies
• Insurance companiesEarningsNational: Average wage $18.65 an hour
Indiana: Average wage $15.90 an hour
South Bend: Average wage $15.89 an hour
Sources: Indiana Career and Postsecondary Advancement Center (ICPAC); Department of Labor Occupational Handbook

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