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Paralegal Instructor Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Paralegal Instructor information

See Washington, DC salary details

$46.4K

$72.4K

$94K

How much do paralegal instructor jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for paralegal instructor in Washington, DC is $72,401.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,900.00 and $94,000.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Paralegal Instructor jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Paralegal Instructor jobs in Washington, DC are:
What are popular job titles related to Paralegal Instructor jobs in Washington, DC? For Paralegal Instructor jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Paralegal Instructor jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Paralegal Instructor jobs in Washington, DC are:
Infographic showing various Paralegal Instructor job openings in Washington, DC as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,401 per year, or $34.8 per hour.
Adjunct Professor Criminology

Adjunct Professor Criminology

University of the District of Columbia

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Number of Vacancies: 1
Area of Consideration: Open to the Public
Employment Status: Part -Time, Temporary
Pay Plan, Series & Grade: ES0000/0000/01
Salary Range: minimum of $950 per credit hour
Closing Date: Open to the Public
Location: 5171 South Dakota Avenue, N.E. Washington, DC 20017
Brief Description of Duties
The University of the District of Columbia is a public land grant institution of higher learning dedicated to providing quality, career focused undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to launch, enhance, or change careers.
The University of the District of Columbia Community College (UDC-CC) a branch campus of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) is seeking enthusiastic and qualified part-time instructors interested in teaching courses in the following; Criminal Behavior, Investigations, Geo-Spatial Analysis, Criminal Justice Systems, Criminology, Community Policing.
Classes will be scheduled to meet throughout the week (MW or TR with the possibility of Friday and Saturday classes) and start as early as 8:00 am and end at 8:20 p.m. Saturday classes will end at 3:00 p.m.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • All incumbents must teach all assigned classes and hours as determined by semester course schedule;
  • Hold office hours for student conferences (each 3 credit hour course taught requires one hour of student conference time);
  • Plan for instructional activities to include, but not limited to, lecture, experiential learning; class discussion, demonstration labs, and projects;
  • Submit in a timely manner and maintain in electronic format accurate records of attendance and grades;
  • Provide a classroom environment conducive to learning; establishing and maintaining classroom control;
  • Attend all meetings, ceremonies and official functions as specified by the Chief Academic Officer and/or Dean
  • Adhere to University policies and guidelines in all matters concerning academics, student and staff conduct.

Minimum Job Requirements
  • Master's degree or JD in subject area
  • Part-time faculty in Criminology, majors in Criminology are Law Enforcement, Corrections Administration, Legal Assistant/Paralegal
  • Must maintain expertise and technical competencies in applicable field of study.
  • Must maintain all certifications and satisfy all requirements of the field of study

Information to Applicant
Condition of Employment:
Temporary employment may be ended at anytime with or without cause.
Collective Bargaining Unit: Dependent upon certain criteria, this position may be eligible for representation and require payment of union fees through direct payroll deduction.
Employment Benefits: Due to the temporary nature of this appointment, this position is ineligible for benefits.
Equal Opportunity Employer: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.
Notice of Non-Discrimination: In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Official Code, Section 2-1401.01 et. seq., (Act) the University of the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is also prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.
Veterans Preference: Applicants claiming veteran's preference must submit official proof at the time of application.
Visa Sponsorship: At this time, the University of the District of Columbia does not provide sponsorship for visas (e.g. H-1B). This job is also ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Drug-Free Workplace: Pursuant to the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the individual selected to fill this position will, as a condition of employment, be required to notify his/her immediate supervisor, in writing, not later than five (5) days after conviction of any criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace.
Background Investigation: Employment with the University of the District of Columbia is contingent upon a satisfactory background investigation. The determination of a "satisfactory background investigation" is made at the sole discretion of the University of the District of Columbia. The University may refuse to hire a finalist, rescind an offer of employment to a finalist or review and may terminate the employment of a current employee based on the results of a background investigation.
Disposition of Resume: Resumes received outside the area of consideration and/or after the closing date will not be given consideration. You must resubmit your resume to receive consideration for any subsequent advertised position vacancies. For the purpose of employment, resumes are not considered job applications. Therefore, if selected for employment a UDC application will be required.
Job Offers: Official Job Offers are made by the University of the District of Columbia, Office of Human Resources Only.
Contact Information: All inquiries related to employment and job applications should be directed to UDC Office of Talent Management at (202) 274-5380.
The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a full version of the University's EO Policy Statement, please visit: http://www.udc.edu/equal opportunity/.