Corporate & Continuing Education
The paralegal course will help you gain the skills you need to enter the paralegal workforce. You will learn how to conduct legal research and legal interviews, how to perform legal analyses, and more. As you prepare for your paralegal career, you will also receive soft skills training through simulations in the course that will help sharpen your customer services skills and increase workplace effectiveness.
The course concludes with a capstone project. You will first 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. Then, you will learn how to create a strong resume that encompasses your specialized skill set and showcases the impact you would make for your next employer.
Registration and Enrollment
This course is 100% online. Start anytime.
Job Outlook for Certified Paralegal
Paralegals are front-line advocates for their clients and the backbone of legal operations. It’s a great entry point to the legal world, offering a chance to help others. If you have a natural ability to stay organized and desire to serve the greater good, this role aligns perfectly with your strengths.
Certified Paralegal FAQs
What are the NALA certification exam requirements?
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 semester hours (or 225 clock hours) are from paralegal studies. This course, combined with 45 semesters, will meet this requirement. Or you can also meet eligibility by holding 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 prior to registering for this course.
Course Objectives
- The fundamentals of the U.S. legal system and how to perform legal research and interviews
- Understand the basics of litigation communication skills and soft skills for workplace effectiveness
- Necessary skills required to thrive within the legal industry
- Learn legal research skills with access to Westlaw
Prerequisites and 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, punc-tuation, and composition, is also recommended.
Curriculum
- The Paralegal in the Legal System
- Paralegal Employment
- On-the-Job Realities and Soft Skills
- Regulations of Paralegals
- Attorney and Paralegal Ethics
- Introduction to the Legal System
- Introduction to Legal Analysis
- Legal Interviewing
- Investigation in Law Office
- Litigation Case Management