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Career and School Info for Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Texas



  School and Career Overview

Paralegals And Legal Assistants photo

 

Here are some tips for selecting schools, based on an analysis comparing each school to all others across dozens of factors:

Schools Concentrating On Paralegals And Legal Assistants

  • Focus: For schools with a focus on this career area, look at LSCS, San Antonio College, TCC, and HCC.

Fastest Response From Schools

  • Request Info: For the fastest information for prospective students, look at the Spotlight schools on this page.

Student Body

  • Part-Time: For schools emphasizing part-time studies, consider Texas Woman's University, Texas A&M Commerce, Texas State, and Stephen F Austin State University.
  • Female: For schools particularly welcoming to female students, consider Texas Woman's University and Center for Advanced Legal Studies.
  • Diverse: For a diverse student body, consider South Texas College, El Paso Community College, HCC, and El Centro.
  • Adult Learners: For lots of adult learners, consider Texas Woman's University, University of Houston-Clear Lake, Lee College, and El Centro.

School Setting

  • Out of State: For geographic diversity, take note of Central Texas College, Texas A&M Commerce, HCC, and Austin Community College District.
  • Dorms: For a residential campus environment, take note of McMurry, Stephen F Austin State University, Texas A&M Commerce, and Texas State.

Excellence

  • % Accepted: For selective institutions, look at Texas A&M Commerce, Center for Advanced Legal Studies, and McMurry.
  • Class Size: For small class sizes, look at Lamar State Port Arthur, McMurry, Del Mar College, and Kilgore College.

Working as a Paralegal and Legal Assistant in Texas

Paralegals and legal assistants provide support to lawyers by helping in tasks like conducting research for ongoing legal cases, preparing for meetings and court-room sessions. They also provide assistance in the court. Read a detailed Paralegals and Legal Assistant job description and schools overview.

Paralegals and legal assistants may find useful career related resources through Texas affiliates of the National Association for Legal Assistants (NALA), such as North Texas Paralegal Association, Capital Area Paralegal Association, and Alamo Area Paralegal Association. Other Texas affiliates of NALA can be found on NALA's listing of state affiliate organizations.

State Requirements

The State of Texas does not regulate the practices of paralegals and legal assistants.


 

Read Reviews of Schools for This Career and State

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Spotlight Texas Schools Related to This Career

Strayer University

  • Locations: Austin, Cedar Hill, Dallas, Houston, Irving, Plano
  • Programs: One relevant program; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Bachelor

ITT Technical Institute

  • Locations: Arlington, Austin, DeSoto, Houston, Richardson, San Antonio, Webster
  • Programs: 3 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate

Everest College

  • Locations: Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth
  • Programs: One relevant program; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate, Bachelor, Diploma

Brown Mackie College

  • Locations: San Antonio
  • Programs: 3 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate, Bachelor, Certificate, Diploma

Kaplan College

  • Locations: San Antonio
  • Programs: 2 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate, Certificate

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Study from Anywhere at Online Schools Related to This Career

Kaplan University

  • Programs: 6 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate, Master

Keiser University eCampus Online

  • Programs: 2 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate, Bachelor

South University

  • Programs: 2 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate, Bachelor

ITT Technical Institute

  • Locations: Arlington, Austin, DeSoto, Houston, Richardson, San Antonio, Webster
  • Programs: 3 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate

Everest University Online

  • Programs: One relevant program; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate, Bachelor

Anthem College

  • Programs: One relevant program; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate

Student/Alumnus Reviews of Schools for This Career and State

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Lamar University • Beaumont, TX
Studying English (completion in 2010)

• 5/5/2011

"I don't think that I would have been able to earn a BA if I had attempted to attend a different university. It was very difficult, and Lamar was small enough so that I did not have undue stress."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?maybeI've known a number of English and Communications majors who went on to be paralegals and legal assistants. If someone is really interested in that career, a degree from Lamar would certainly be useful.
Program Reputation5Lamar's main focus is in Nursing and Engineering. As a result, other departments do not receive the research funding that would have allowed them to grow.
Program Quality5Lamar University is a good school. Most of their funding goes to Nursing and Engineering and as a result, most other departments suffer.
Instruction7Although the English Department does not receive a lot of funding, they do have several excellent instructors. Several of my professors were award winning authors.
How Difficult10I did not have familial support during my college career. I worked the full-time graveyard shift as a security guard.
Hands-On vs. BookishThe English program focuses mainly on reading and writing about literature, but research is encouraged.
Schedule Flexibility5Like all schools, there are some evening classes, but no weekend classes. The best options are usually internet classes.
Academic Facilities4The library is small, and the writing center is available to all Lamar students. There are only about two hundred computers for several thousands of students, unfortunately.
Social Life8I met a lot of interesting people. I made friends with a number of professors and grad students.
Placement Services10The career center helps a lot of students find jobs. They host a number of job fairs and have an excellent job-match website.
Alumni Network5There are a few people who participate as alumni. There is not enough support to make very much difference.

Southeastern Career Center • Dallas, TX
Studying Paralegal Studies (completion in 2004)

• 7/4/2011

"I was pleased with the program and the teachers. However, the career placement department was of not help."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?maybeIt depends on the person. There are many paralegal programs in my area.
Program Reputation5I am not sure how they rank. It is a Kaplan Education-run school.
Program Quality7The teachers were all knowledgable lawyers. The school could have helped with more career placement services.
Instruction8I feel I was prepared for my career. The curriculum was relevant.
How Difficult7The program had its challenging moments. The program workload was balanced.
Hands-On vs. BookishThere was a mix of book learning and hands-on learning. While learning about real estate, we went to foreclosure auctions in front of the court house.
Schedule Flexibility2I was in a set program. I went to school Monday through Friday from 9 am to 2:30 pm for six months.
Academic Facilities4The small legal library was located in a different building, which was hard to access. The classroom space was good and class size was not too big.
Social Life2There was no school spirit. There were no sports, parties, or social events.
Placement Services1I did not receive any help in finding my current position. There were no placement services.
Alumni Network1There is no alumni network, and therefore no support.

University Of Houston • Houston, TX
Studying Paralegal Certificate Program (completion in 2007)

• 7/1/2011

"I would do it again for a different program. It was a very pleasant experience."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesI would and have recommended it. It never hurts to go back to school!
Program Reputation5Not many people know that they offer it. In Texas, you are not required to go to school to be a paralegal.
Program Quality8It was fast, affordable and easy. I think I may have benefited from a little more learning, but I've made up for it in the field.
Instruction7The class size was decent, so you didn't feel lost in a crowd. You were taught good relevant information for the field.
How Difficult3I had been working as a legal assistant prior to that, so it was all pretty easy to me. I actually enjoyed the challenge!
Hands-On vs. BookishNot much hands on you can do for the legal field while in class. You have to be in the field to get the hands on.
Schedule Flexibility10They offered day, night, online work.. it was great. I really appreciated that part because I have 3 kids!
Academic Facilities9From what I saw, it was great. Very pretty, fully functional locations to learns.
Social Life1I'm married with 3 kids... I definitely didn't go for that stuff. I did see and hear about some stuff, so I guess it was okay.
Placement Services5I didn't use that, so I'm not sure I can really rate it. I do know that someone in my class was place pretty quickly, but not for sure if it was the school's doing.
Alumni Network5I do not really participate in any of that. If I did, I think it would be okay.

Virginia College • Austin, TX
Studying Paralegal Studies (completion in 2000)

• 6/28/2011

"I enjoyed my time at the school and learned a lot. It was a good school and the people and facilities helped me learn better."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesThe school's program is well-established and should be pursued by others in this field. It should be said that the school is a successful training ground.
Program Reputation7The school has had successful graduates from my major; therefore, they have a good reputation.
Program Quality7The schooling I received helped me to better myself. It helped me to be efficient in my work and studies.
Instruction8It was a learning experience for me and I feel that I got really prepared for my work thanks to my studies. The instruction was well worth the time and effort.
How Difficult9The program was difficult because it entailed many things. It was harder at first but I started to grasp it better later in the course.
Hands-On vs. BookishMy program was mostly book study-oriented. It consisted less of hands on activities because of the nature of the job.
Schedule Flexibility7The school let you work around your schedule. It was easy to find classes that worked for you.
Academic Facilities8The school's library and computer resources were plentiful to aid me in the completion of my program. I was able to be tutored and talked to my professor frequently.
Social Life6It seemed the school focused less on parties and organized school spirit and more on academics. It was important for them to uphold their high academic standards.
Placement Services7The school helped steer me into my career during my final year of study. They cared about getting me into the workforce successfully.
Alumni Network5The group of alumni I knew helped to guide me throughout my years. I learned a lot from their experiences.

Texas A&M University • College Station, TX
Studying English (completion in 2010)

• 6/27/2011

"Overall, it prepared me very well for any field I would go into. I believe that was more important than preparing me for a specific field."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?maybeIt depends on whether you like to be challenged or paid well. I prefer challenging work, and it gives me a platform from which to launch if I chose to become a lawyer.
Program Reputation5It is known more of a business and agriculturally- themed school with a strong engineering program. It's liberal arts program is very underrated.
Program Quality10It did not offer a degree in any area of law, but it did prepare me for writing and researching which is most of my work. The Rhetoric concentration helped me focus on forming an argument which also helps.
Instruction10Professors were very willing to help with research projects. The material I learned didn't translate to work, but the tools of research and writing I learned did.
How Difficult7It was very heavily based on writing and research. I was good at writing long papers, so it didn't feel too difficult to me, but others struggled.
Hands-On vs. BookishMostly books and lectures. There are some classes that are specifically devoted to developing writing and research skills.
Schedule Flexibility6They offer a lot of summer classes. They do not offer much for weekend and evening options.
Academic Facilities8A new building was just built for the English department. The professors are very helpful and care about your learning.
Social Life10Students all feel like they are connected to their school. Sports are heavily promoted and attended.
Placement Services8The counselors work with you if you ask them to. The alumni system helps a lot.
Alumni Network10TAMU has the best alumni system in the world. No matter where I go, I always run into somebody who went to TAMU.

Center For Advanced Legal Studies • Houston, TX
Studying Paralegal Certification (completion in 2009)

• 6/25/2011

"I left knowing how to draft pleadings, responses, create trial notebooks, and use power-point to prepare cases for courtroom use. I feel I only lacked in some on-line research and certain areas of law, like contracts and immigration."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesThe school was very organized and very focused on training for actual job skills. The cost and after graduation support makes me proud to have gone there.
Program Reputation10They are supported by the ABA. The school continues to meet the highest standards possible to set itself apart from the "on-line training" type of programs, which are not schools.
Program Quality10The school is accredited by the ABA and all the teachers/professors are lawyers. The types of courses and on-line support were excellent.
Instruction8The majority of my curriculum was above average. However, two courses were subpar. They did not utilize the newest or most realistic law firm practices; no computer research, only law books. Law book research is valid, but I felt unprepared not knowing how to look up sources on the computer.
How Difficult6I feel that if you were motivated it was semi-challenging. I know that some book-smart students had difficulties with the office interaction training/practice, which is VERY necessary.
Hands-On vs. BookishThe professors are practicing lawyers, so they tried to impart practical, hand-on learning. Book learning is used and it is necessary, but knowing how to actually perform as a legal assistant is more important.
Schedule Flexibility5I do not know how flexible the other programs are or are not. My school offered a mix of on-line, in class, day, and evenings. I was easily able to switch from day to evening courses as needed.
Academic Facilities10The classroom locations were centrally located and were near several major bus routes. The library was excellent, but the computer resources were slower at being built up. During my last class, the computers were being upgraded and they were creating at least triple the computers in the classroom set-ups. I'm jealous because I only got to enjoy the new computer classrooms for two courses.
Social Life2This school is designed more for the working individual. They focus on schooling and alumni support which I feel is more important than trying to force sports or similar activities.
Placement Services7The first placement director helped me with any aspect of the job search I needed. When she retired, the new placement person only bothered me to ask if the firms I was currently working at were hiring others - VERY annoying.
Alumni Network10There are several functions and updates provided monthly or semi-monthly. When I moved to WA I still received support in employment placing.

Lonestar College • Houston, TX
Studying Business (completion in 2011)

• 6/25/2011

"I enjoyed going to Lonestar because it was close and the classes were small. I don't enjoy the drive to U of H, but I like the campus overall."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?maybeIt depends. For a career in legal I'm not sure, I have not looked into that at U of H. I know Lonestar offers certificates and degrees in that field. I would recommend U of H for Business Majors, though.
Program Reputation9U of H has an amazing business program called "Bauer" - however, it is not a legal program.
Program Quality5At Lonestar I took business classes, and they were interesting. But I'm now at U of H and they are very different. They are more intense at U of H, which is to be expected though.
Instruction5I learn more at work than at school, but I'm also not going to school necessarily for legal. Just business.
How Difficult8It's hard to stay in my program because you have to keep a high GPA.
Hands-On vs. BookishIt's just a mix.
Schedule Flexibility5The classes fill up quickly. I've been able to take Tuesday/Thursday classes, though, and go to work on the other days.
Academic Facilities8We have computers in almost every building, which is really great.
Social Life4Everybody seems to keep to themselves overall. I'm usually very outgoing, but at school I keep to myself because there are cliques.
Placement Services8I've heard it's really good for job placement, however I have not been there yet.
Alumni Network9I know they work a lot with the alumni. I have not been around them yet, though.

Central Texas Commercial College • Dallas, TX
Studying Legal Assistant Program (completion in 2014)

• 8/2/2011

"I have a job that I love that I learned how to do while attending this school. It's every bit as challenging as I wanted it to be."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesIf they want to actually learn in small classes how to work in the real world, I would absolutely recommend this school.
Program Reputation5I've heard both good and bad things about the school I attended. If you work hard and do the work, the school will be a wonderful environment. If you don't do the work, then you will not succeed.
Program Quality10The teacher that had instructed us had an immense background working for law firms. She was able to give us real life examples of how certain things would occur in the real world.
Instruction10I was prepared for work when I graduated from class. The time it took to train me was less than a week because I knew almost all the procedures that needed to be done.
How Difficult10Memorization was the key to passing these classes. The difficulty in that was learning all the "legalese" and remembering it for tests.
Hands-On vs. BookishIt was a mix of the two. This helped me learn more than I should have, and my employers were very impressed with what I am able to do.
Schedule Flexibility1The school operates year round with a two week break during winter. The classes were day time only with the last class ending at 3. There was no flexibility in taking evening/weekend vs. day classes.
Academic Facilities10Accessibility was good, all you had to do was ask. The teachers were very helpful for students needing information.
Social Life5We had no sports teams or anything like that. We did celebrate holidays.
Placement Services5It could have been better. I did have help in finding a job, but neither of the two jobs I did get were through them.
Alumni Network6When I graduated, I had found a job quickly. When I was let go from that job, I was able to go back to the school to see if they had an offers from companies they partner with.

University Of Houston • Houston, TX
Studying Business Management (completion in 2007)

• 10/21/2011

"I liked the school but if I had to do it over again I would choose another university."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?maybeI would have to think twice about it. I feel students should have more "hands on” experience.
Program Reputation8The reputation of my University is great. They rank #2 in the state of Texas, behind UT.
Program Quality10My school's program was great. I wish the program did a better job of helping graduates find more secure employment.
Instruction7The instruction and teaching models where very efficient. Much of the curriculum is very relevant in my current life.
How Difficult8The program was fairly challenging but I made it. It only took patience and perseverance.
Hands-On vs. BookishThe programs' curriculum was 'very book.' I wish there was more hands on experience.
Schedule Flexibility8The class schedules were very flexible although the work load was heavy.
Academic Facilities9The academic facilities where state of the art. I can not think of one problem.
Social Life9My social experience at U of H was very memorable. I would do it all over again.
Placement Services1The career Services are pitiful. They are the reason I am working in this law office.
Alumni Network8The school's alumni network is huge but inactive. I wish they helped out more.

St. Mary's School Of Law • San Antonio, TX
Studying English (completion in 2011)

• 11/10/2011

"The school is extremely expensive. I'm not sure I'll ever get my investment back."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?maybeTo those set on becoming an attorney, I'd probably advise a cheaper school. If they wanted to network in San Antonio, then I'd recommend my school.
Program Reputation5The school used to be one of the top law schools in the state. We are now the second to last in bar passage rates.
Program Quality5The price is too high. They are running more off their reputation.
Instruction6I had some amazing instructors. Most were available outside of class for help.
How Difficult6Many students were weeded out the first year. Many professors were strict and only gave one or two A's.
Hands-On vs. BookishThe only hands-on experience was Clinic. This was not widely advertised.
Schedule Flexibility8I was able to take summer classes. We even had an evening program for those still working.
Academic Facilities6There were always available computers. Libraries were kept neat, accessible during study hours, and always quiet.
Social Life6The undergraduate program did a lot to get students involved. This was not felt on the law school side, though.
Placement Services2Career services only helps the top of the class. Others are given mock interviews that never lead to actual jobs.
Alumni Network5There are always alumni events. The school tries it's best to match students with mentors.

El Centro College • Dallas, TX
Studying Paralegal Studies (completion in 2011)

• 11/20/2011

"I'm extremely satisfied with the education I received from this school and the program. The instructors were informative and excellent."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesAbsolutely. I would tell anyone interested in perusing a career as a paralegal in Texas to attend the program at El Centro as it is the only ABA approved program offered at a community college in Texas. When looking for a job, law firms will want to see that the program was ABA approved. And by attending community college, you save a significant amount of money.
Program Reputation10The school's paralegal program has a very good reputation in being that it is the only ABA certified program offered at a community college in Texas.
Program Quality10The school I attended was the only ABA certified program within the community college district in Texas. They offered day, night, and weekend courses which allowed me to keep working full time while attending school.
Instruction10All our instructors were practicing attorneys and paralegals. We got great insight into the daily life of a paralegal and what it all entails.
How Difficult10The program was extremely challenging. Each paralegal course required me to spend at least 10 hours a week in the law library conducting research. My workload for each course was extremely high.
Hands-On vs. BookishIt was essential that we attend every class lecture as that was a major part in learning the material and everything would be covered in our exams. We were also required to read and study from the books, so I would say it was 50/50.
Schedule Flexibility8Although the classes were not available online, which would have been more convenient for me, they did offer night and weekend classes which allowed me to still work full time during the day.
Academic Facilities7Our school had a law library with a law librarian who was always available and very helpful. The only complaint would be the hours as they had to close earlier than before due to budget constraints. Our instructors gave us access to Westlaw online which was extremely helpful when conducting research and working on case briefs.
Social Life9I wasn't too involved with activities at the school as I was an older student who attended at night and on the weekends. However, I was involved with the student paralegal association which helped in meeting others in my field of interest.
Placement Services8The student paralegal association is vital in finding job opportunities through networking. The staff also keeps in touch with the students to help them in finding employment or informing them of an opening that is currently available.
Alumni Network8We have a student paralegal association group that regularly holds meet & greet sessions. This has been a good opportunity to meet others in the field and get the inside scoop in the "law world." The association fees are considerably lower than other well-known paralegal associations.

Sam Houston State University • Huntsville, TX
Studying Journalism (completion in 1980)

• 1/8/2012

"It was a small school and small program, people got to know each other. The hands on experience was very important to me later."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesJournalism is a field that prepares you for many types of careers. I think it was very important to my success in the legal assistant work place.
Program Reputation8I believe the program is still well thought of in the community. I was impressed with the students last time I was at the school.
Program Quality9Sam Houston was a practical journalism school. I learned to think and write, which has helped me in my work situations.
Instruction10The professors were interested in providing the best education opportunities to the students. We were lucky to learn from working journalists.
How Difficult6I was a competent student. The program was not difficult.
Hands-On vs. BookishIt was a practical program, with teachers who actually made a living in the field. All students were required to write for publications.
Schedule Flexibility8When I was enrolled, it was easy to find appropriate classes at convenient times. Everything looked good the last time I checked their schedules.
Academic Facilities7The professors are approachable. The library is excellent
Social Life10The university is close to major cities. There were lots of activities on campus.
Placement ServicesI am unable to rate. I have not used their services.
Alumni Network5I have not really had a reason to use the alumni network. I do get regular mailings from them, even though I haven't given much money.
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