This comprehensive certified paralegal course will equip you with
the essential skills and knowledge required to excel as a
paralegal—in just 12 months! Whether you want to work in a
traditional law office, corporate, government, or public arena.
You will learn how to conduct legal research, legal interviews,
and legal analyses, among other important tasks. Additionally,
you will receive soft skills training to enhance your workplace
effectiveness, which is essential for a successful career in the
legal profession.
The paralegal course concludes with a capstone project, where you
will create a complete litigation file that includes a legal
analysis brief, an investigative report, client interview
checklist, intake memo, complaint, legal research, and
interoffice memorandum of law. This project will help you
showcase your skills and give you a comprehensive understanding
of the paralegal’s role in the legal process.
As a bonus, you will also receive membership and access to NALA’s
Certified Paralegal (CP) Exam Review courses through our
partnership with the National Association of Legal Assistants
(NALA). This paralegal certification course offers enrollment
with or without a voucher. The voucher is prepaid access to sit
for the CP exam through the NALA upon eligibility. Proctor fees
may apply, which are not included.
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Job Outlook for Paralegals
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for
paralegals will grow by 4% through 2032. On average, around
38,000 jobs for paralegals are expected annually.
Salary.com reports that the average salary for a paralegal in the
U.S. is between $60,300 and $121,420, depending on your law
specialty and experience level.
U.S. News & World Report ranks paralegals #7 in the “Best Social
Services Jobs” and #74 in the “100 Best Jobs.”
Paralegals FAQs
What does a paralegal do?
Paralegals perform many duties that attorneys also perform
themselves. Paralegals can conduct legal research; draft
contracts, pleadings, and other legal documents; answer client
questions and help prepare for trial.
Can paralegals specialize?
Yes. Paralegals can choose to specialize in different types of
law such as criminal, family, immigration, real estate, etc.
Is a paralegal the same as a legal secretary?
No. Paralegals are responsible for performing many of the tasks
an attorney would do otherwise, such as conducting legal research
or preparing a case file. They are often viewed as an extension
of the attorney. Legal secretaries fill a more administrative
role within the law firm.
Can paralegals work in any state?
Yes. Paralegals can work in any state because unlike attorneys,
paralegals are not bound to a specific state licensing board. In
other words, a paralegal certification is valuable nationwide.
Can you go from being a paralegal to a lawyer?
Yes, you can go from a paralegal to a lawyer. Starting as a
paralegal can provide great insight into how the legal system
works. However, you will need a bachelor’s degree before you can
apply for law school and pass a state bar exam.
Course Objectives
- Learn the fundamentals of the U.S. legal system
- Master how to perform legal research and interviews
- Prepare yourself to take the Certified Paralegal
certification exam through the National Association of Legal
Assistants (NALA)
- Understand the basics of litigation communication skills
- Soft skills for workplace effectiveness
- Learn necessary skills required to thrive within the legal
industry
- Learn legal research skills with access to Westlaw
Prerequisites and Certification Requirements
There are no prerequisites to take this course. However, you will
need a high school diploma or GED equivalent to start a career as
a paralegal. It is also recommended that you have basic computer
skills, including proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite and
fundamental keyboarding skills. A strong grasp of English grammar
conventions, such as spelling, punctuation, and composition, is
also recommended.
To meet the eligibility requirements to sit for the NALA
Certified Paralegal exam, you must meet one of
the following requirements: You must have 60 semester hours, of
which at least 15 hours* (225 clock
hours) are from paralegal studies or hold an
associate’s degree in paralegal studies, or a bachelor’s degree
in any field, or have seven years of experience as a legal
assistant under the supervision of a member of the Bar. Please
review the exam requirements before enrolling in this course.
Certification Requirements:
If you plan to pursue the National Association of Legal
Assistants (NALA) Certified Paralegal (CP) credential, you must
meet one of the NALA Certification Eligibility Requirements. We
recommend determining eligibility before enrolling in this
course. If you do not meet the eligibility requirements, a Legal
Secretary course will prepare you for an entry-level legal career
that can build up to the paralegal role. Please review the
certification requirements before enrolling in this course by
visiting https://nala.org/certification/eligibility-requirements/.
Instructors
Casey Thompson
Casey Thompson is a licensed attorney in Texas. Before he started
teaching, his major areas of practice were business and corporate
law, entertainment law, and intellectual property rights. He
received his Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas Tech
University and holds a law degree from the Texas A&M School
of Law. Along with his online paralegal courses, Thompson also
teaches in the areas of state and federal government at the
college level.
Registration and Enrollment
This course is 100% online. Start anytime.
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