Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the Paralegal Program ABA-approved?

Yes. The Inver Hills Paralegal Program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) and has been since 1975. The approval process requires excellence in paralegal education and training, and is very important to everyone involved in our program.

The American Bar Association - Standing Committee on Paralegals provides detailed guidelines that our paralegal program must follow which helps us keep current and in-touch with the best educational methods for our students.

Read the ABA guidelines.

2. Where is the Paralegal Program located?

Inver Hills Community College is located in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota which is 10 miles from downtown St. Paul. We are near the intersection of Highway 52 and 80th Street East just three exits south of Interstate 494.

Map and directions.

3. Do I need to be accepted into the Paralegal Program?

All you need to do is apply to the college, pay a small application fee, take assessments in English, Reading and Math, send in official college transcripts if desired, include a high school diploma or GED if required, and attend a college orientation. Inver Hills Community College is an equal opportunity educational institution and is open to everyone.

Download an application form that can be mailed in.

Apply for admission online.

4. Can someone help me plan my schedule?

Yes. Part of the registration process involves meeting with a college counselor to plan a schedule. Also, the Paralegal Program Director has the paralegal students prepare degree or certificate plans that map out which courses to take when. This worksheet assists students to keep on the right track, with a good load of classes for success, and a goal towards graduation.

Counseling help.

Information about the Paralegal Program Director.

5. What is the cost of tuition and books?

Tuition and fees for 2004-5 for Minnesota residents is $130.80 per credit. Books run approximately $500 per 12 credits. Legal books are more expensive than other general liberal arts text but used books can sometimes be found at the Inver Hills Bookstore.

More information on tuition and fees.

6. Are there prerequisites for courses?

Yes, definitely! Each course description will indicate if there is a prerequisite, and the prerequisite course must be taken in advance. For example, if you assess into ENG 99 you must take ENG 99 prior to taking ENG 1108. This is also true of the paralegal courses.

The Introduction to Law and Contracts class (PA 1102) is a prerequisite to most of the paralegal coursework. So, take Intro first! Legal Research (PA 1110) is a prerequisite to Legal Writing and Analysis (PA 1112) and the Paralegal Internship (PA 1189) and should be taken after other paralegal coursework. If you have questions, contact a college counselor or the Paralegal Program Director.

7. Are the legal instructors lawyers or paralegals?

Most of the paralegal instructors are licensed attorneys and all practice or have practiced law during their careers. Also, there are two experienced paralegals; one who holds a law degree. Our teachers attend continuing legal education courses regularly as part of their state licensure or work requirements. Just as important, instructors are educated in up-to-date teaching methods, resources and technology.

8. Does the Paralegal Program offer placement services?

Yes. Inver Hills has a full-time Placement Coordinator, Brent Glass who helps students look for work. Employers contact both the Placement Coordinator and the Paralegal Program Director, and together we post advertisements and recommend to students and graduates to seek these opportunities.

More information about placement services.

9. What are the Paralegal Program placement rates?

On average, approximately 73-80% of our graduates report finding paralegal or law-related positions within the first year of graduation from our paralegal program. Our placement rates vary each year with the state of the economy and the availability of paralegal positions.

10. Does the Paralegal Program offer computer training?

Not exactly. We have Keyboarding, Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Internet courses available through the college. These courses are highly recommended but are not a formal part of the required paralegal program curriculum. Every student and paralegal should have these computer skills and know how to use them to be successful in the profession!

For more information, contact the Paralegal Program Director or call 651-450-8567.