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Paralegal Instructor Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Paralegal Instructor information

See Portland, OR salary details

$43.5K

$67.8K

$88K

How much do paralegal instructor jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for paralegal instructor in Portland, OR is $67,792.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,400.00 and $88,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Paralegal Instructor Do?

A paralegal instructor trains students in a paralegal education program. You usually teach in a paralegal degree or certificate program at a vocational or technical school, but some paralegal instructors teach students who are in a legal studies degree program at a university. Your duties include preparing a syllabus for each course, covering all necessary subject matter during class, and providing exams to assess students’ performance. Your responsibilities sometimes include offering career or developmental advice to students. You teach a variety of topics, including legal writing and document preparation, law library research, legal procedure, and other relevant subjects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Paralegal Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Paralegal Instructor, you need a strong background in legal studies, practical paralegal experience, and often a bachelor's or master's degree in law or a related field. Familiarity with legal research databases, course management systems like Blackboard or Canvas, and relevant teaching certifications is highly beneficial. Exceptional communication, mentorship, and organizational skills help engage students and foster an effective learning environment. These skills ensure that instructors can deliver high-quality education, prepare students for real-world legal work, and adapt to evolving educational standards.

What are some common challenges Paralegal Instructors face when transitioning from legal practice to teaching?

Paralegal Instructors who move from legal practice to teaching often encounter challenges such as adapting their communication style for diverse learners, developing engaging lesson plans, and balancing curriculum requirements with practical skill-building. Instructors must also stay updated on both legal developments and effective teaching methods. Building rapport with students and managing classroom dynamics are key to creating a positive learning environment, which may differ from traditional law office interactions.

What are Paralegal Instructors?

Paralegal Instructors are educators who teach courses related to paralegal studies, preparing students for careers as paralegals or legal assistants. They typically have extensive experience in the legal field and provide instruction on legal research, writing, ethics, and various areas of law. Paralegal Instructors may work at community colleges, universities, or specialized training programs and are responsible for developing curriculum, assessing student progress, and staying updated with legal trends. Their goal is to equip students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the legal profession.

What is the difference between Paralegal Instructor vs Paralegal?

AspectParalegal InstructorParalegal
Required CredentialsParalegal certification, teaching credentials (if applicable)Paralegal certificate or degree, sometimes certification
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, classrooms, online teachingLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageColleges, universities, vocational schoolsLegal industry, corporate sector, government
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

In summary, Paralegal Instructors primarily teach and train students in educational settings, often requiring teaching credentials alongside paralegal certification. Paralegals work within legal environments providing support to attorneys. While both roles require paralegal certification, their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Paralegal Instructor jobs in Portland, OR? For Paralegal Instructor jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Paralegal Instructor jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Paralegal Instructor jobs in Portland, OR are:
Infographic showing various Paralegal Instructor job openings in Portland, OR as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% Full Time, 78% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,792 per year, or $32.6 per hour.
Part Time Faculty Interest Pool - Paralegal

Part Time Faculty Interest Pool - Paralegal

Portland Community College

Portland, OR • On-site

Part-time

Retirement

Posted 21 days ago


Portland Community College rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

106th of 528 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Join our Team at Portland Community College
Please Note: PCC currently limits employment to individuals residing in Oregon and Washington. Employment offers are contingent upon the ability to establish residence in Oregon or Washington. Portland Community College will also ensure that applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for the hiring process are provided for. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the PCC Talent Acquisition Team at pccjobs@pcc.edu.
Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and 19th largest in the nation, serving approximately 80,000 full- and part-time students. With four comprehensive campuses, five workforce training and education centers, and 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area, our unique role is to make high-quality education accessible to everyone, creating opportunities for our students and contributing to the economic development of our community.
Portland Community College is accepting applications to be considered for Part-Time Faculty assignments in the Paralegal Department at the Cascade Campus. The Department will review applications in this pool as the need arises for new part-time faculty in this area.
This is NOT an announcement of a specific open position, but a Part-time Faculty Interest Pool, from which the department will identify applicants based on course assignment needs during the Academic Year. Your application may be considered for substitute assignments as well as full term class assignments.
Our Program and Who We Are Looking For
Learn more about our program here https://www.pcc.edu/programs/paralegal/
Please also review the PCC Course Catalog for this subject area. As part of this application, you will be asked to list the current PCC courses which you would be able to teach.
If this sounds like a learning community that you would like to be a part of, and an important role that you would like to play at PCC, please complete your application today to be considered.
Instructor Qualifications
  • JD or PhD in law and two years work experience in law or related field

OR
  • BA or BS and four years work experience in law or related field

For PL101, 102, 103, 107, 201, 202, 204:
  • JD or PhD in law
  • Two years work experience in law or related field.

Why You'll Love Working Here
The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning. As part of our College community, you'll enjoy:
  • A collaborative and inspiring campus community
  • Opportunities for learning and professional development

Portland Community College embraces equity and inclusion as a priority. We are committed to building a community with a variety of backgrounds, skills, views, and life experiences. The more we value equity and inclusion, the more we will add value to the work we do and how we serve our students, engage with each other, and the Oregon Community that we serve. Creating a culture that honors equity and inclusion is our objective and the smart path forward.
Note Regarding Academic Credentials
  • Official transcripts are required to be submitted within 2 weeks of offer date for degrees required in the stated Instructor Qualifications.
  • Instructors shall have earned required academic credentials at a regionally accredited US institution or a foreign institution having the equivalent of regional accreditation. Instructors with credentials from other countries will have their transcripts evaluated by agencies that have good standing with the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services to establish fulfillment of this standard. (for more information see http://www.pcc.edu/hr/employment/faculty-information.html)
  • For more information on PCC's General Instructor Qualifications Policy I301 visit: http://catalog.pcc.edu/handbook/i301-instructorqualifications/

These positions are included in the bargaining agreement between Portland Community College and the Portland Community College Faculty Federation Employees.
See the PCC Instructor Qualifications webpage for more information.
Total Rewards Package / What We Offer
As a new Part-Time Faculty employee, you may be eligible for certain benefits through PCC, such as Oregon Sick Leave and retirement savings plans.
More detailed information on the benefits plans, who is eligible, and how to enroll or make changes can be found at pcc.edu/hr/benefits. Please email PCCBenefits@pcc.edu if you have any questions.
Part-time Faculty Compensation at PCC
Newly hired Part-time Faculty at PCC will generally start at Step 1 of the current salary schedule.
Hourly rates are determine based upon the type of course taught (Lecture, Lab, or Lecture/Lab).
For more information please review the Part-time Faculty Salary Schedule on PCC's Compensation page:
https://www.pcc.edu/hr/compensation/
Oregon Veterans' Preference in Public Employment
Portland Community College complies with the Oregon Veterans' Preference in Public Employment law which provides qualifying veterans and disabled veterans with preference in employment. You will be given instructions during the application process to claim Veterans' Preference in the recruitment of this position, and to provide the documents required for verification of eligibility. Please do not send your documentation to the hiring manager directly. For verification of eligibility, please submit the following documentation:
  • Veterans: DD214
  • Disabled Veterans: DD214 and Letter from the Department of VA

Notice of the Availability of the Annual Security Report
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), you may view Portland Community College's (PCC) most recent Annual Security Report (ASR) on the Department of Public Safety website. The ASR contains current security and safety-related policy disclosure statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and sexual assault prevention information and resources, and drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains crime statistics for Clery Act crimes which occurred on PCC properties for the last three calendar years. Paper copies of the ASR are available upon request at all Department of Public Safety offices.
PCC Employment Offers are Contingent Upon the Successful Completion of a Criminal Background Check
Please note that Portland Community College is not currently able to provide visa (e.g. H1-B Visa) sponsorship for potential employees.
Contact PCC at pccjobs@pcc.edu if you have questions