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Paralegal

Why should you become a Certified Paralegal?

Certified paralegals play an extremely important role in the legal industry. This 100% online course will prepare you for the Certified Paralegal (CP) exam, offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). You’ll learn how to perform a variety of tasks that paralegals experience every day, such as legal research, interviews, analysis and more.

“It was different than going to a classroom, but I really enjoyed this course! Now that I‘ve finished, I help file motions for everything from reopening cases to filing for telephonic appeals,” Sonjie A.

Job Outlook for Administrative Professionals

  • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for paralegals will grow by 15% through 2026, which is faster than most other positions.
  • The BLS states that the average annual salary for paralegals is $50,000. However, salary can increase depending on your law specialty and your experience level.

Paralegal

  • Course Code: GES2034
  • Course Hours: 225
  • Allotted Time to Complete Course: 12 Months
  • Prerequisites: None

Instructor

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.

Course Objectives

  • Learn the common responsibilities and duties of paralegals within the US legal system.
  • Be fully prepared to sit for the Certified Paralegal certification exam, offered by NALA.

Course Curriculum

  • Paralegal in the Legal System
  • Paralegal Employment
  • On-The-Job Realities
  • Regulationon of Paralegals
  • Attorney and Paralegal Ethics
  • Introduction to the Legal System
  • Introduction to Legal Analysis
  • Legal Interviewing
  • Investigation in a Law Office
  • Litigation Management
  • Legal Research 101
  • Advanced Legal Research
  • Legal Writing
  • Introduction to the Use Of Computers
  • Introduction to Law Office Administration
  • Tort Law, Product Liability, and Consumer Law
  • Contracts, Insurance, and Property Law
  • Estates and Family Law
  • Laws Affecting Business
  • Criminal Law
  • Capstone
  • Portfolio Lesson
  • Final Exam

Paralegal FAQ

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.

Is Paralegal a good job?

U.S. News and World Report listed paralegal as #2 on its list of “Best Jobs that Don’t Require a College Degree.” Paralegals were also included on the “The 100 Best Jobs” list overall based on the salary, job market, potential growth and work-life balance.

Can Paralegals specialize?

Yes. Paralegals can choose to specialize in different types of law such as criminal, family, immigration, real estate, etc.

Is 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.

Continuing Education

Global Initiatives' Continuing Education offers and administers a variety of credit and non-credit programs that broaden the traditional Miami classroom experience for learners of all ages.