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.

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.

This course is 100% online. Start anytime.

Curriculum

• Paralegal in the Legal System
• Paralegal Employment
• On-The-Job Realities
• Regulation 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

Job Outlook for Paralegals

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.

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.

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 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.