Paralegals and legal assistants in Tennessee play an important role in the legal system — from preparing legal documents to supporting attorneys in trial preparation and research.
With steady job growth, competitive salaries, and opportunities in law firms, corporate offices, and government agencies, this is a career that offers both stability and advancement.
One of the best ways to begin your career is by enrolling in an accredited paralegal program.
Below you’ll find top local and online schools near Cleveland, plus helpful info on certification and career paths.
Flexible Paralegal Programs
Now Accepting Students in Cleveland, Tennessee:
Paralegal Schools near Cleveland
#1
Chattanooga State Community College
📍
Chattanooga, TN
•21.6 miles away
Located in Chattanooga, TN Chattanooga State Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Automotive Technician, Criminal Justice, and Dental Assistant.
Located in Harriman, TN Roane State Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement Technology, and Dental Assistant. The campus serves roughly 3,203 learners.
Located in Dahlonega, GA University of North Georgia is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement Technology, and Cybersecurity.
Located in Knoxville, TN South College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Accounting Technology, Bookkeeper, and Computer Programming.
Located in Knoxville, TN Pellissippi State Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Accounting Technology, Bookkeeper, and Construction Management. The campus serves roughly 6,391 learners.
Based on BLS occupation: Paralegals and Legal Assistants (23-2011)
Data Year: 2024 • Tennessee
💰Median Pay (2024)
$55,270
$26.57 per hour
💼
Mean Pay (2024)
$57,360 per year$27.58 per hour
🏁
Wage Percentiles
10th Percentile$37,810
$18.18 per hour
25th Percentile$46,350
$22.28 per hour
75th Percentile$63,860
$30.70 per hour
90th Percentile$76,510
$36.79 per hour
🌎
Tennessee vs U.S.
Median Wage-9.4%
$55,270
$26.57 per hour
Mean Wage-13.8%
$57,360
$27.58 per hour
Percent difference vs U.S.
📊
Employment Outlook
20245,890
Employment: 5,890 jobs
🎯
Additional Details
👥
Employment per 1,000 Jobs
1.80
📐
Employment RSE
9.2%
📦
Total Employment (BLS sample)
5,890 jobs
How to Become a Paralegal in Tennessee
Complete an ABA-approved paralegal certificate or associate degree program.
Build experience through internships or entry-level roles in law firms, courts, or corporate legal teams.
Earn credentials by sitting for exams such as the NALA Certified Paralegal (CP) or NFPA Paralegal CORE Competency Exam (PCCE), then maintain continuing education.
How to Choose the Right Paralegal School
Confirm the program is ABA-approved or recommended by your state bar association.
Review coursework for legal research, litigation, contracts, and law office technology.
Compare career services and internship placement to build connections in Tennessee.
Look for flexible online, evening, or accelerated formats that align with your schedule.
Ask about certification prep for NALA, NFPA, or NALS credentials.
Meet the author:Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.
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