Legal Support Services
Quick Facts: Legal Support Services Training
Where it's offered
Legal Support Services programs are offered at 127 schools across 32 states. Most students attend a school within driving distance of home — use the state picker below to see programs near you.
Earnings expectations
Graduates earn approximately $36,992/year on average one year after completion, per the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard. Pay scales with experience, certifications, and regional cost-of-living.
Apprenticeship pathways
The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes 2 registered apprenticeship pathways related to Legal Support Services — earn-while-you-learn alternatives to traditional schooling. See apprenticeship.gov for the federal registry.
Program quality benchmark
Across the 127 schools we analyze, the average TradeSchoolOutlook Score is 36/100. Higher-scoring programs combine strong graduate earnings, manageable cost, and strong job-market demand — see the leaderboard further down for the highest-rated options.
What Legal Support Services Graduates Do
Your work will be at the heart of the legal process. As a paralegal, you’ll spend your days in a law office, drafting motions, organizing evidence for trial, and using research databases to find case-critical information. You might also work as a legal assistant, managing an attorney's busy calendar, electronically filing documents with the court, and serving as the primary point of contact for clients during stressful times.
Read more
Most graduates start in junior roles, handling document management and supporting senior staff. With experience, you can become a senior paralegal, managing complex cases independently or specializing in a high-demand area like litigation or real estate, which brings greater responsibility and earning potential. While overall demand is mixed, the need for skilled paralegals who can handle complex tasks remains steady.
Software and AI are changing this field by automating routine work like basic document review and scheduling. This shifts your focus to tasks requiring a human touch: building client relationships, helping attorneys develop case strategy, and navigating the nuances of the court system. Successful professionals adapt by mastering these new tools, allowing them to work more efficiently and become indispensable members of the legal team.
Students considering Legal Support Services also weigh Legal Studies, Data Entry & Applications, and Special Education — see each trade's earnings and school count side by side.
Registered Apprenticeship Pathways
The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes 2 registered apprenticeship occupations related to Legal Support Services. Apprenticeships let you earn while you learn — most have zero tuition costs and pay wages from day one.
| Apprenticeship | Training Hours | Type | Salary RangeSalary | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Legal Secretary
RAPIDS 800 |
2000 hrs
~1.0 yrs |
Time | $43K – $54,140 – $72K | -5.8% |
|
Paralegal (Alternate Title: Paralegal Specialist)
RAPIDS 1003 |
6000 hrs
~3.0 yrs |
Time | $48K – $61,010 – $78K | 0.2% |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Database (RAPIDS). Wages and job growth from Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024–2034 projections.
Find Legal Support Services Programs in Your State
Trade and community college programs are local decisions — most students pick a school within driving distance. Legal Support Services is offered at 127 schools across 32 states. Pick your state to see a local comparison (states with fewer programs link to the state hub).
Top Legal Support Services Programs Nationally
For context, here are the highest-scoring Legal Support Services programs in the country. Most students attend a school within 60 miles of home, so your state list above is usually more actionable — but these are the benchmarks others compete against.
Top 20 of 127 schools ranked by TradeSchoolOutlook Score. Click any row for full earnings projections and career analysis.
Highest Earning Legal Support Services Programs
Schools where Legal Support Services graduates earn the most in their first year after graduation.
| School | 1-Year Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Tacoma Community College | $50,681/yr | 66 |
| Inver Hills Community College | $49,694/yr | 56 |
| Des Moines Area Community College | $49,137/yr | 56 |
| North Hennepin Community College | $48,960/yr | 57 |
| Loyola University Chicago | $48,819/yr | 45 |
| North Hennepin Community College | $48,599/yr | 65 |
| MTI College | $47,535/yr | 51 |
| Palm Beach State College | $46,622/yr | 61 |
| Austin Community College District | $46,216/yr | 64 |
| Northern Virginia Community College | $45,915/yr | 53 |
Best ROI for Legal Support Services
Schools with the highest earnings-to-tuition ratio for Legal Support Services.
| School | ROI Multiple | Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix College | 263.9x | $38,910/yr | 65 |
| Johnson County Community College | 213.4x | $44,921/yr | 67 |
| Central Piedmont Community College | 200.2x | $44,012/yr | 67 |
| Hillsborough Community College | 174.1x | $43,871/yr | 66 |
| Mt San Antonio College | 163.1x | $29,569/yr | 57 |
| Johnston Community College | 148.8x | $41,278/yr | 65 |
| Tarrant County College District | 140.6x | $38,404/yr | 62 |
| Oakland Community College | 138.9x | $42,262/yr | 65 |
| Lone Star College System | 117.7x | $36,678/yr | 61 |
| William Rainey Harper College | 114.1x | $43,980/yr | 65 |
Related Majors
Explore similar fields of study.
Considering a 4-Year Degree?
Compare the trade route with a bachelor's degree. See how Legal Support Services degree programs stack up on earnings and ROI.