Virginia Paralegal Schools

In 2018 about 9,960 paralegals were employed in Virginia, with most working in the Richmond and Virginia Beach-Norfolk metropolitan areas.¹ A wealth of federal and state government agencies with offices in Virginia require the services of paralegals. Virginia paralegal schools offer specialized training with paralegal degree programs that prepare graduates to launch careers in this fast-growing field.

How to Become a Paralegal in Virginia

As in most other states, paralegals in Virginia are required by law to work under the supervision of a licensed lawyer and are not permitted to give legal advice to the general public. While the state does not have any specific requirements to practice as a paralegal, the Virginia Alliance of Paralegal Associations does recommend guidelines for employers regarding hiring paralegals, which include completing an ABA-approved paralegal program before being hired. As a result, aspiring paralegals in the state can become more competitive by completing a formal degree program.

Virginia Paralegal Salary and Job Outlook

Virginia paralegals earn higher than average salaries for the profession, at $51,600 statewide in 2018.¹ Paralegals in the northern part of the state, particularly in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro area, earn a significantly higher average, at $68,820 as of 2018.¹ With a relatively low state unemployment rate of 2.9% as of March 2019, Virginia provides a strong market for legal professionals.^2,3 Paralegal aspirants can find a number of government openings throughout the state, especially near Washington, DC and Hampton Roads. With high salaries and good employment prospects, Virginia is a good place for prospective paralegals to get a paralegal degree and start their careers.

Profiles of Well-Known Schools in Virginia

Northern Virginia Community College: An American Bar Association-approved Associate of Applied Science in paralegal studies is offered at Northern Virginia Community College. This 65-credit hour course of study typically takes two years to complete. 33 credit hours are dedicated to major courses. Fundamental paralegal studies courses include Introduction to Law and the Legal Assistant, Family Law, Legal Research, and Legal Writing. The internship course is an elective, but few students forgo the opportunity to obtain hands-on law office experience.

University of Richmond: The University of Richmond offers a Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies - Paralegal Studies as well as an undergraduate Certificate in Applied Studies in Paralegal Studies. The bachelor's degree program requires 120 credit hours to complete, of which 30 credit hours are earned through courses in the paralegal major. Core courses include Introduction to Paralegal Studies, The Judicial System, Legal Research, and Legal Writing. Students who have previously earned college credit may transfer up to 60 credit hours towards the degree program. The undergraduate certificate in paralegal studies requires 21 credit hours to complete. To be eligible for admission to the certificate program, students must already hold a bachelor's degree.

Thomas Nelson Community College: Thomas Nelson Community College (TNCC) offers an Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies that prepares graduates for careers as paralegals and in related legal support roles. The degree requires 66 credit hours to complete. Courses in the paralegal major include Trial Preparation and Discovery Practice; Estate Planning and Probate; Legal Transactions; and Legal Research. A required internship is included in the program curriculum. A legal assistant certificate program is also offered at Thomas Nelson Community College. The certificate program is focused on courses related to legal assisting and requires 30 credit hours to complete. Courses earned from the legal assistant curriculum can be transferred towards the TNCC paralegal studies associate's degree.

Top Law Firms for Paralegal Graduates in Virginia

• Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen, PC, also called The Allen Law Firm, has eight offices across the state of Virginia. A personal injury law firm, The Allen Law Firm has been recognized by US News as a top tier firm and has also been ranked as one of the best places to work in Virginia. The firm has an excellent reputation and provides competitive salaries and benefits to its staff.
• Albo & Oblon, LLP has five offices in Virginia, from which it provides a full spectrum of legal representation to businesses and individuals. The firm is looking to expand its practice areas, and as a continually growing firm regularly recruits for paralegals.
• Woods Rogers PLC is one of the largest law firms in Virginia west of Richmond and specializes in business and litigation. Woods Rogers offers paralegals the opportunity to work in a sophisticated office in a local environment that contributes to a high quality of life.

Paralegal Schools and Programs in Virginia

An asterisk indicates that one or more of the school's programs have been approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).

Germanna Community College (Locust Grove)
Career Studies Certificate | Legal Assistant

Hampton University (Hampton)
Bachelor of Arts | Paralegal Studies
Bachelor of Arts | Paralegal Studies (online program)
Certificate | Paralegal Studies

James Madison University (Harrisonburg)
Certificate | Paralegal Studies

John Tyler Community College (Chester)
Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal Studies
Career Studies Certificate | Paralegal Studies

J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College (Richmond)*
Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal Studies

Lord Fairfax Community College (Middletown)
Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal Studies

Marymount University (Arlington)
Pre-Professional Studies | Pre-Law

Mountain Empire Community College (Big Stone Gap)
Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal Studies

New River Community College (Dublin)
Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal Administrative Support
Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal Studies

Northern Virginia Community College (Annandale)*
Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal Studies
Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal Studies (online)

Patrick Henry Community College (Martinsville)
Associate of Applied Science | Legal Assistant/Paralegal

Regent University (Virginia Beach)
Bachelor of Science | Paralegal Studies
Master of Arts in Law | Advanced Paralegal Studies

Southwest Virginia Community College (Cedar Bluff)
Certificate | Legal Assistant/Paralegal

Thomas Nelson Community College (Hampton)
Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal Studies
Certificate | Legal Assistant

Tidewater Community College (Norfolk)
Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal Studies
Certificate | Legal Assistant
Certificate | Litigation Specialist
Certificate | Paralegal General Practice Specialist

University of Richmond (Richmond)
Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies | Paralegal Studies
Certificate in Applied Studies | Paralegal Studies

Virginia Western Community College (Roanoke)
Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal Studies

Wytheville Community College (Wytheville)
Career Studies Certificate | Legal Assistant/Paralegal

*Approved by the American Bar Association (ABA)

Additional Resources

• Virginia Alliance of Paralegal Associations - VAPA was established in 1989 and represents over 1,500 paralegals and students of the profession in the state of Virginia.

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References:
1. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2018 Occupational Employment and Wages, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes232011.htm
2. Bureau of Labor Statistics Local Area Unemployment Statistics, Unemployment Rates for States: https://www.bls.gov/web/laus/laumstrk.htm
3. Projections Central Long Term Occupational Projections: https://www.projectionscentral.com/Projections/LongTerm