• Paralegal Schools
• ABA vs Non-ABA Paralegal Schools
• NFPA PACE Exam Eligibility

Paralegal Programs in Hawaii

There are no education, certification or experience regulations for paralegals in Hawaii that restrict certain people from practicing as a paralegal in Hawaii under the supervision of an attorney. This information is important to know prior to choosing a paralegal program to attend. One of your most important considerations will be what type of degree, certificate, work experience or paralegal related qualities your desired employer is looking for.

There is only one American Bar Association approved paralegal program in Hawaii, located in Honolulu. Obviously, your geographical location may limit your ability to enroll in this program. There are many online paralegal program alternatives accredited by national and regional accrediting agencies, that are recognized by the United States Department of Education.

Find Nationally and Regionally Accredited Online Paralegal Programs
Find Campus Based Paralegal Programs

Choosing a Paralegal Program: Things to Consider

As mentioned above, one of the most important things to do before choosing a paralegal program is to evaluate what your career goals are and where you want to work as a paralegal. Larger law firms desire paralegals with work experience in an area of their practice, such as real estate, bankruptcy, condominium law, foreclosure or commercial litigation. Smaller firms in Honolulu and other parts of the state desire experienced paralegals as well, but will consider entry-level candidates that demonstrate competence in communication, organizational and research skills, that they are a self-starter, and familiarity with MS Word and legal related databases. Government agencies, real estate and title companies, and some law firms will hire entry-level paralegals and will provide training.

Janet Robertson, an Assistant Hiring Manager at a top litigation law firm on the West Coast, suggests, "Choose a paralegal program that requires an externship and if your program doesn't require one go out and get an unpaid internship at a law firm. Most firms would be happy to offer you an unpaid internship. The experience gained working 15 to 20 hours a week in a law firm is invaluable and will help you meet work experience requirements that many law firms require of paralegal job candidates."

Choose a paralegal program that is regionally or nationally accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education or approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). These programs and schools have been reviewed and offer some credence to their quality of education. There are some definite upsides to attending a program approved by the ABA, however there are some downsides as well. Read an article about ABA versus non-ABA programs.

The paralegal program you choose should offer student services such as job placement assistance, academic counseling and financial aid. When you speak with representatives from the school you choose, ask these questions and any others you have. This is a big financial and time investment. Make sure choose the program that meets your needs. Listed below are nationally or regionally accredited paralegal programs offered online as well as campus based programs offered in Hawaii.

Paralegal Degree Programs Offered Online in Hawaii

= Editor Recommended Program

Bryant & Stratton College : Bryant & Stratton College Online is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, one of the six regional accreditation agencies recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies

Virginia College: Virginia College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), which is an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies

Kaplan University - School of Legal Studies: The Paralegal Studies Department at Kaplan University, is nationally recognized and offers the top paralegal programs in the country, including one of the leading paralegal associate degree programs. Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Graduates with work experience are eligible to sit for the NFPA Pace exam.

AAS in Paralegal Studies
BS in Paralegal Studies
Post-Baccalaureate Pathway to Paralegal Certificate
Advanced Start in BS Paralegal Studies
Advanced Start in BS Legal Studies
BS in Legal Studies

Herzing University Online: Herzing University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, which is an accrediting body recognized by the US Department of Education. Graduates of the AS in Legal Assisting and Paralegal program are eligible to sit for the Certified Legal Assistant and Certified Paralegal exams administered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).

AS in Legal Assisting and Paralegal
BS in Legal Studies

Colorado Technical University/Stonecliffe College: Stonecliffe College Online offers one of the most up to date and accredited paralegal associate degree programs in the country. Students are educated in document organization systems, handling document production, how to write legal correspondence and other relevant skills necessary for paralegal career preparation. Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

A.S. Paralegal Studies

Everest University Online: The Everest University Online paralegal associate degree program is widely recognized for graduating some of the most qualified and successful paralegals in the country. Let Everest help you pursue your paralegal education and career goals. Request information today! Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Paralegal Associate's Degree
Paralegal Bachelor's Degree

George Washington University: This program is identical to the on-campus master's program offered at GW, but offered entirely online..

Master of Professional Studies in Paralegal Studies

Keiser University: E-Campus Online Programs. Accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, which is recognized as a national accrediting agency by the United States Department of Education.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies
Bachelor's in Legal Studies

Minnesota School of Business: Request information from the online paralegal program today. Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Certificate in Paralegal
Associate's in Paralegal
Bachelor's in Paralegal

Rasmussen College: Accredited by the The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools a national accrediting agency recognized by the United States Board of Education.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies

Southwest Florida College Online: Request information from the associate's in Paralegal Studies program today. Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies

Paralegal Degree Programs in Hawaii - Campus Based

Kapi'olani Community College: This is an ABA approved program.

Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal

4303 Diamond Head Road
Honolulu, HI 96816
PH: 808-734-9100