Winona State University Paralegal Program

The Paralegal Program enables students to develop both intellectual and professional skills in the law. The program is designed to meet the needs of students wishing to enter into a career that demands knowledge and experience with legal systems and institutions. This includes careers working for law firms, government agencies, insurance companies, banking institutions, and more. It also serves as an excellent preparation for law school.

The WSU Paralegal Program is one of relatively few American Bar Association (ABA) approved four-year Paralegal Programs in the nation. The Program is subject to an ABA on-site re-evaluation every seven years. A report on the various Paralegal Programs in the United States and their status with the ABA is available from the ABA Office located at 750 North Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60611.

The program is an interdisciplinary program within the College of Liberal Arts that develops skills in legal research, writing and investigation alongside a deeper understanding of the substance, politics and history of the law.

The core of the program is the legal specialty sequence. These courses are taught by practicing attorneys and judges. After these courses students complete a 10-week internship, through which they gain practical experience in paralegal work.

A Paralegal Institute is offered each spring. This is a one-day seminar focusing on a different aspect of the paralegal field each year. Speakers are professionals from various areas of the paralegal field. Students may earn one credit each year they attend the Institute.

A high school diploma and admission to WSU are required for admission to the program. It is recommended those candidates for admission be in the upper half of the class or have a score of at least 20 on the ACT. Students wishing to enter the program must seek advising from the Director of the Paralegal Program.

Dr. Kurt Hohenstein, Director
Paralegal Program
Minne Hall 209
Winona State University
Winona, MN 55987
(507) 457-5411
khohenstein@winona.edu or swheat@winona.edu (office manager)

Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.