Northwestern Business College

NBC is unique in its career focused programs, flexible schedules, devoted faculty, and externship opportunities. Of course, you have probably already heard about it already. But you may not know the reason for this. In all honesty our exclusiveness is from our history, our mission, our whole philosophy. To make it understood as simply as possible, NBC is about business. We're good at teaching people how to be ready for the opportunities that they'll come across, and we're proud of our accomplishments. You're really missing out if you've never visited any of our campuses. Stop by to see what you're missing!

Northwestern Business College, one of three campuses to serve more than 2100 students, is located in the greater Chicago area and provides a solid, career-focused education in some of the fastest growing professions. NBC students can earn their certificate or degree and gain employment in their desired field in about one or two years.

A Place to Prepare for the Future

NBC was established in 1902 to allow men and women the chance to train in a specialized area so that they could acquire success in business and to support Chicago's quickly growing business community. Even today, NBC still strives to maintain their reputation by sticking to their principles, in which they were founded on, which are to satisfy the requirements of each student that share a career-oriented goal.

J.F. Fish established Northwestern Business College because he was able to foresee business later needing competent, well-trained workers. The College still references his philosophy.

Mr. Fish, along with his successors, understood that a career education should prepare students for major, accountable lives and prepare them with the academic and common skills essential to be successful. The relationship between a good general education and specialized study is emphasized at NBC. NBC students are ready for a career or more education when they graduate. You might decide to continue your education, or you can begin work in your field.

ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE: PARALEGAL

Does the workings of the legal system intrigue you? They will have access to a complete law library, and electronic access to legal practice technology such as LexisNexis®, Shepard's® Citations, Legal SolutionsT and more. The only way that paralegals can provide legal services to the public is if they are permitted by law to do so. Paralegals are only permitted to offer legal services as described by the law and cannot exceed those boundaries. If you've decided to have a fulfilling career in the legal profession, you should start with the Paralegal program at Northwestern Business College (NBC).

Program Objectives:

Along with the general objective, students will be able to do the following once the complete the Paralegal Program:

• Understand and exhibit the expected ethical behavior.
• Be able to both list and explain the steps necessary to take a case to trial through the preparation of pleadings as well as other documents related to litigation.
• Investigate and outline contract provisions and contracts which conform to legal precedents.
• Show the skills to independently research legal issues.
• Express the ability to perform various forms of legal writing and prepare legal documents.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the paralegal's role in the resolution of tort/personal injury matters by defining causes of actions, identifying the types and amounts of damages, which may be awarded, and demonstrating proper tort research techniques.
• Show judgment, understanding, and analytical ability in categorizing legal issues and data.
• Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills.
• Exhibit computer proficiency and knowledge of computer software used in the legal profession.
• Demonstrate that you can competently complete a paralegal internship.

How much can you make?

The U.S. Department of Labor lines the paralegal profession as one of the greatest expanding careers of the United States, and expects its rapid growth will continue to surpass other occupations through the year 2014. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-2007 editions, the average annual salary for a paralegal is between $31,040 and $49,950.

Career Opportunities:

Becoming a paralegal is an exciting career choice for someone who wants to learn how the legal system works. There is a high demand for Paralegals. There are several organizations, including law firms, court systems, and government agencies at all levels, corporations, non-profit organizations, insurance and health care companies, real estate title companies, and financial services organizations that employ paralegals.

Accreditation Info:

Northwestern Business College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, 30 North LaSalle Street, Room 2400, Chicago, Illinois 60602, (312) 263-0456, www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org.

Our Paralegal program carries the approval of the American Bar Association.

CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS: PARALEGAL

Has your curiosity geared towards how the legal system functions? Becoming a paralegal can be an excellent career choice for those students who wish to know more about the law.

As a paralegal, under the supervision of attorneys, you will be providing services in all phases of the legal system, which include courts, law firms, and government agencies. The law for paralegals to provide legal services directly to the general public does not permit it. The Paralegal program at Northwestern Business College (NBC) is a great place to start your journey towards a job in the legal field.

Program Objectives:

Graduates of the Paralegal Certificate program are capable of:

• Understanding and displaying the expected ethical behavior.
• Explain the necessary steps involved in preparing pleadings and litigation documents needed to take a case to trial.
• Presenting the ability to research legal issues on their own.
• Showing the ability to write by using the proper legal forms and properly create legal documents.
• Demonstrating that they comprehend the paralegal's role in the resolution of tort/personal injury matters by the following
• Defining causes of actions - identifying the types/amounts of damages that may be awarded
• Demonstrating the tort research techniques.
• Categorizing legal data and issues in a way that exhibits your judgment, comprehension and analytical abilities.
• Demonstrating excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Exhibiting a proficiency in the use of, and a working knowledge of, the computer software used in the legal field.
• Performing, through an externship, paralegal skills that are needed to perform competently in a legal environment.

What is Your Earning Potential?

The United States Department of Labor perceives the paralegal profession to be one of the fastest-growing jobs in the United States, and expects its extremely fast growth rates will continue to go beyond that of other occupations through the year 2014. The average annual salary for a paralegal varies from $31,040 up to $49,950.*

*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-2007 editions.

If you want to know more about the legal system, then a career as a paralegal is the perfect choice. There are many organizations who engage paralegals like government agencies at all levels, law firms, corporations, court systems, non-profit organizations, real estate title companies, financial services organizations and insurance and health care companies.