What if your path to a meaningful legal career didn’t have to start with law school? At Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC), the TMCC paralegal program offers a practical, affordable, and respected option for entering the legal field without years of debt or uncertainty. With experienced instructors, flexible class formats, and a solid reputation in Nevada’s legal community, TMCC sets students up with the right skills to succeed as paralegals.
Whether you’re coming straight from high school or making a career change, TMCC’s paralegal program could be the turning point that opens doors in law offices, government agencies, or corporate legal departments.
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Why Choose Truckee Meadows Community College
- Affordable tuition compared to four-year universities
- ABA-approved program, meeting national standards
- Strong local reputation among law firms and legal employers in Reno and beyond
- Flexible formats, including evening and online courses
- Hands-on experience through internships and applied coursework
TMCC Paralegal Program Overview
The Paralegal/Law Program at Truckee Meadows Community College is part of the Business and Social Sciences Division. Established to meet the growing need for trained legal professionals in northern Nevada, the program is built around the standards set by the American Bar Association.
TMCC’s mission is to provide students with marketable legal knowledge, practical training, and ethical grounding. The faculty includes attorneys and legal professionals with years of courtroom and legal office experience. Classes are kept small to encourage participation and personal support.
TMCC Paralegal Program Curriculum Details
Below is a sample of TMCC’s paralegal curriculum:
| Course Name | Credit Hours | Course Description |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Law and the Legal Process | 3 | Overview of U.S. legal systems, terminology, and court structure. |
| Legal Research and Writing I | 3 | Techniques in legal research and writing legal memoranda. |
| Civil Litigation | 3 | Covers court procedures, pleadings, and litigation processes. |
| Law Office Management | 3 | Daily operations and software used in law firms. |
| Legal Ethics | 3 | Emphasizes ethical issues and rules of conduct for paralegals. |
| Family Law | 3 | Issues such as divorce, custody, and support. |
| Criminal Law and Procedure | 3 | Examines criminal statutes and courtroom procedures. |
| Paralegal Internship | 3 | Supervised fieldwork in a real legal setting. |
Students must complete general education requirements and paralegal core courses. Total credit hours for the AAS degree usually range between 60 and 64.
TMCC Paralegal Program Admission Requirements
To apply for the paralegal program at TMCC, you’ll need:
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
- Application to TMCC via their official site
- Placement testing or ACT/SAT scores (if applicable)
- Completion of English 101 or placement into it
- Official transcripts from prior institutions
- Paralegal program application form (for degree-seeking students)
TMCC admits students on a rolling basis, but paralegal courses fill quickly. Early application is encouraged.
TMCC Paralegal Program Formats & Schedule
TMCC understands that many paralegal students are working adults. That’s why the program offers:
- Full-time and part-time options
- Evening classes for working students
- Online and hybrid course availability
- Fall, Spring, and Summer semester starts
Online options are available for some general education and paralegal theory classes, but core legal skills like legal writing are usually offered on-campus or in hybrid format to maintain quality.
Faculty Spotlight
TMCC’s paralegal program features faculty with real-world legal experience. Several professors are licensed Nevada attorneys, former prosecutors, or practicing paralegals.
Small class sizes (typically under 25 students) allow for mentorship and feedback. Faculty often bring in guest speakers from the local legal community, including judges, court clerks, and law firm partners.
Facilities & Resources
Students in the paralegal program have access to:
- A dedicated law library section with legal texts and research tools
- Access to online legal databases like LexisNexis
- Computer labs with legal software training
- Writing centers and academic tutoring services
- Career services for resume help and job connections
Internship & Field Experience
TMCC requires students to complete a supervised internship to graduate from the AAS paralegal program. Internships are typically arranged through the college’s legal department and may include:
- Law firms (civil and criminal)
- Public defenders or prosecutors’ offices
- Family court support staff
- Legal aid organizations
- Government agencies like the DA’s office
This internship gives students the chance to apply their skills and build a resume before graduation.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from TMCC’s paralegal program are well-prepared for entry-level legal positions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for paralegals is projected to grow 4% through 2032.
Common job titles include:
- Legal Assistant
- Corporate Paralegal
- Litigation Support Specialist
- Law Clerk
- Court Clerk
The average paralegal salary in Nevada ranges from $50,000 to $65,000 depending on experience and location.
TMCC graduates have found employment with:
- Reno and Sparks law firms
- Washoe County courts
- Nevada Attorney General’s Office
- Private corporate legal departments
TMCC Paralegal Program Tuition & Financial Information
TMCC is known for its affordable tuition, especially for Nevada residents. As of 2025:
- In-state tuition is about $114.75 per credit hour
- Full program cost ranges from $7,000 to $9,000 (not including books/fees)
Financial assistance options include:
- FAFSA-based aid (grants, loans, work-study)
- Scholarships specific to paralegal and legal studies students
- Nevada Promise Scholarship for qualifying high school graduates
For more help, students can connect with TMCC’s Financial Aid Office directly.
Student Success Stories
Kara M., Class of 2023
“I started the program while working full-time and raising two kids. The evening and online classes made it possible. I interned with a local attorney and now have a full-time job in that office.”
Miguel R., Class of 2022
“I wasn’t sure if law school was for me, but this gave me a real look at the legal world. I’m now working as a litigation paralegal and considering law school part-time.”
TMCC Paralegal Program: How to Apply
Here’s how to get started:
- Apply to TMCC at www.tmcc.edu
- Submit transcripts and complete placement testing if needed
- Declare Paralegal/Law AAS as your major
- Fill out the Paralegal Program application form (available through the department)
- Register for core classes like Intro to Law and Legal Research
You can also call or email the department for help with choosing courses.
Contact Information
Program Coordinator: Catherine Gonzales
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (775) 673-7183
Program Page: https://www.tmcc.edu/business-and-social-sciences/paralegal-la
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long is the Truckee Meadows Community College paralegal program?
The AAS degree can be completed in about two years if attending full-time. Part-time options may extend that to 3–4 years.
Is the Truckee Meadows Community College paralegal program ABA-approved?
Yes, TMCC’s program is ABA approved, which helps meet hiring requirements in many law offices.
What type of degree will I earn from Truckee Meadows Community College’s paralegal program?
Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Paralegal/Law.