Want a career in law without spending years (and a fortune) in law school? The Southwest Tennessee Community College Paralegal Program might be the perfect fit. Whether you’re fresh out of high school or changing careers, this ABA-approved program offers a practical, affordable, and respected path into the legal field.
Located in Memphis, Southwest’s program helps you develop the skills employers want — from legal writing to case preparation — all in under two years.
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Why Choose Southwest Tennessee Community College
Here’s why this program stands out in West Tennessee and beyond:
- ABA Approval – Fully approved by the American Bar Association, giving your credentials nationwide credibility.
- Affordable Tuition – One of the most budget-friendly options for legal education.
- Flexible Class Schedules – Day, evening, and hybrid options available.
- Practical Training – Curriculum built around real-world legal tasks and software.
- Experienced Faculty – Taught by working attorneys and seasoned paralegals.
Southwest Tennessee Community College Paralegal Program Overview
Southwest Tennessee Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Paralegal Studies through its Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences.
The program is designed with input from legal professionals in the Memphis area, ensuring the coursework reflects the skills and tasks used in real legal settings. It’s a hands-on, skills-first approach, combining foundational legal theory with intensive training in documentation, research, and legal tech.
Curriculum Details
Here’s a breakdown of the coursework in the AAS degree program:
| Course Name | Credit Hours | Course Description |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Law | 3 | Survey of the legal system, including ethics and legal roles. |
| Legal Research | 3 | Focus on legal databases, statutes, case law, and citations. |
| Legal Writing | 3 | Drafting memos, pleadings, and other legal documents. |
| Civil Litigation I | 3 | Introduction to the litigation process, court structure, and rules. |
| Civil Litigation II | 3 | Trial prep, discovery, and post-trial procedures. |
| Torts | 3 | Overview of personal injury and negligence laws. |
| Contracts | 3 | Elements of contract formation and enforcement. |
| Family Law | 3 | Marriage, divorce, custody, and related legal procedures. |
| Criminal Law and Procedure | 3 | Substantive criminal law and constitutional safeguards. |
| Paralegal Internship | 3 | Hands-on legal experience in a supervised setting. |
Total Credit Hours: Approx. 60 (including general education requirements)
Admission Requirements
Southwest has open enrollment, but here’s what’s required for the paralegal program:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Apply for Admission via the Southwest official site
- Submit Transcripts from high school or any colleges attended
- Placement Testing (unless waived by ACT/SAT scores)
- Meet With Advisor to declare Paralegal Studies as your major
Admission to the Paralegal Program does not require a separate application, but ABA guidelines require that at least 9 legal specialty credit hours be completed in a traditional classroom format.
Program Formats & Schedule
Southwest caters to working adults, parents, and full-time students by offering flexible class formats:
- Day and Evening Classes – Schedule options vary each semester.
- Hybrid Options – Some courses combine in-person and online instruction.
- Full-Time or Part-Time Study – Students can complete the program at their own pace.
This flexibility means you can build your education around your life — not the other way around.
Southwest Tennessee Community College Faculty Spotlight
The paralegal instructors at Southwest Tennessee Community College are more than just teachers:
- Practicing Attorneys – Bring current legal insights from courtrooms to classrooms.
- Experienced Paralegals – Share decades of on-the-job experience.
- Personalized Instruction – Small class sizes encourage one-on-one guidance.
Faculty often help students find internships, prep for interviews, and even write recommendation letters.
Facilities & Resources
Students enrolled in the paralegal program benefit from:
- Access to Law Library & Online Legal Databases – Including Westlaw and LexisNexis.
- Career Services Center – Resume help, job search assistance, and mock interviews.
- Computer Labs with Legal Software – Practice using real-world tools.
- Writing Assistance – Help with grammar, legal citations, and formatting.
Internship & Field Experience
A major strength of Southwest’s program is the required internship, where students spend approximately 135 hours working in a legal environment.
Placement partners include:
- Local law firms
- Government legal offices
- Public defender and prosecutor offices
- Corporate legal departments
- Nonprofit and legal aid services
Students perform real tasks like drafting documents, conducting client intake, and assisting attorneys with case prep.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Southwest Tennessee Community College’s Paralegal Program are prepared to:
- Work in law firms, courts, and government agencies
- Assist in corporate legal departments
- Take on roles in nonprofit or legal aid organizations
Some also go on to pursue NALA’s Certified Paralegal (CP) designation for additional credentials.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 4% growth rate for paralegal jobs through 2032. In Tennessee, demand is rising due to a steady caseload across multiple counties.
Typical salary ranges:
- Entry-Level: $36,000–$42,000/year
- Experienced Paralegal in Memphis: $48,000–$58,000/year
More info here: Paralegal Salary | Paralegal Job Market
Tuition & Financial Information
Here’s a look at costs:
- In-State Tuition: About $175 per credit hour
- Out-of-State Tuition: Higher, but waivers may apply
- Books & Materials: Estimate $700–$1,000 for the program
Financial support includes:
- Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA)
- State Grants and Scholarships
- Institutional Scholarships
- Work-Study Programs
Need more help? Visit NALA for external scholarship opportunities.
Student Success Stories
Tyler M. – Legal Assistant in Memphis
“The internship set me up for success. I was hired before I even graduated.”
Sandra R. – Court Clerk in Shelby County
“The faculty genuinely care about your progress. The mix of classroom and hands-on learning made all the difference.”
Dominic L. – Entry-Level Paralegal at Private Firm
“The legal writing course was tough, but it taught me everything I now use daily in my job.”
Southwest Tennessee Community College Paralegal Program: How to Apply
Getting started is simple:
- Visit Southwest Tennessee Community College’s Website
- Complete the online application
- Submit your high school or college transcripts
- Take placement tests if required
- Choose “Paralegal Studies” as your major
- Meet with an advisor and register for courses
Spots can fill up fast — it’s a good idea to apply early, especially for popular legal classes.
Contact Information
Paralegal Studies Program Coordinator
Southwest Tennessee Community College
5983 Macon Cove
Memphis, TN 38134
Phone: (901) 333-5000
Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Southwest Tennessee Community College paralegal program ABA-approved?
Yes, it is fully approved by the American Bar Association.
How do I apply for the Southwest Tennessee Community College paralegal program?
Just apply to the college, submit your transcripts, and declare paralegal studies as your major.
Can international students apply to Southwest Tennessee Community College’s paralegal program?
Yes, international students are welcome and should consult with the admissions office for visa requirements.
What skills will I learn at the Southwest Tennessee Community College paralegal program?
You’ll learn legal writing, research, litigation prep, interviewing, document drafting, and more.