Certified paralegals play an extremely important role in the legal industry. This 100% online course, which can be started and finished at any time, prepares individuals for the Certified Paralegal exam, offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants.
Students 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 telephonic appeals."
– Sonjie A.
According to the U.S. 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 law specialty and experience level.
For more information on Wake Tech's program, email [email protected].
Industry-recognized credential: National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA),Certified Paralegal/Certified Legal Assistant (CP/CLA)
Complete in: Six month or less
Paralegal Courses
Certified Paralegal (Voucher Included)
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
Understand the basics of litigation communication skills
Outline of Instruction
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 Case Management
Legal Research 101 and 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
NALA Certified Paralegal Exam Preparation
Capstone
Contact Hours
225
CEUs
No
Industry Standard, State or National Certification
Certification
Certified Paralegal (CP) exam. Through a partnership with National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), you will also receive membership and access to NALA's CP Exam Review courses should you choose to take the NALA exam.
Website
None
Certification Learning Outcomes/Requirements
You must meet one of the following requirements outlined in Categories 1, 2 or 3 at the time of filing an application form to be eligible for the CP certification exam through NALA.
Graduation from or completion of a paralegal program that is approved by the American Bar Association or is an associate degree program or is a post-baccalaureate certificate program in paralegal studies or is a bachelor's degree program in paralegal studies or is a paralegal program that consists of a minimum of 60 semester hours (or equivalent quarter hours) of which at least 15 semester hours (or equivalent quarter hours) are substantive legal courses.
If it's a post-baccalaureate certificate program, in addition to the official school transcript, a candidate must submit an original course catalog or an original letter from the school registrar or program director attesting that the program is a post-baccalaureate certificate program requiring a bachelor's degree as a prerequisite.
If a candidate states he or she completed a paralegal program of at least 60 semester hours (or equivalent quarter hours), the candidate may combine college hours from more than one institution and the legal courses must be a minimum of 15 semester hours (or 225 clock hours or 22.5 quarter hours). Evidence of the minimum hours required must be provided with the application form.
A bachelor's degree in any field plus one year of experience as a paralegal or successful completion of at least 15 semester hours (or equivalent quarter hours) of substantive paralegal courses. Anyone applying additional course work in lieu of the one-year work experience must submit an official school transcript showing completed course work.
A high school diploma or equivalent plus seven years' experience as a legal assistant/paralegal plus a minimum of 20 hours of continuing legal education completed within a two-year period prior to application for the examination. Evidence of continuing legal education credit is documented by the attorney/employer attestation that must be signed as part of the application form or by submitting a certificate of completions of CLE taken.
CE or CU Articulation
No
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites to take this course. However, you 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.
Learning Supplies Needed
Hardware Requirements:
This course can be taken on either a PC, a Mac or a Chromebook.
Software requirements:
PC: Windows 8 or later
Mac: macOS 12 or later
Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
Microsoft Office (not included in enrollment)
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
Other:
Email capabilities and access to a personal email account
Instructional material requirements:
The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment. The following textbooks will be shipped to you approximately seven to 10 business days after enrollment:
"Introduction to Paralegalism," "Paralegal Today: The Legal Team at Work," "Access to Westlaw: Legal Solutions"
After successful completion of the course and financial obligation, you will receive access to the Certified Paralegal Exam review self-study courses, which includes membership.
NOTE: You will receive a digital book if the physical book is on back order.
Clinical Site/Special Facilities
N/A
Requirements for Successful Completion
85% attendance
Students are required to pass 10 quizzes with a score of 75% or the final exam with a score of 85% or better. Only the first two quiz attempts will be used when reviewing the passing of 10 quizzes.
Accreditation/Special Approval Requirements
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, this Legal Secretary course will prepare you for an entry-level legal career that can build up to the paralegal role.
NALA Certification Eligibility Requirements
You must meet one of the following requirements outlined in Categories 1, 2 or 3 at the time of filing an application form to be eligible for the CP certification exam through NALA.
1. Graduation from or completion of a paralegal program:
(a) approved by the American Bar Association or
(b) an associate degree program in paralegal studies or
(c) a post-baccalaureate certificate program in paralegal studies or
(In addition to the official school transcript, a candidate must submit an original course catalog or an original letter from the school registrar or program director attesting that the program is a post-baccalaureate certificate program requiring a bachelor's degree as a prerequisite.)
(d) a bachelor's degree program in paralegal studies or
(e) a paralegal program that consists of a minimum of 60 semester hours (or equivalent quarter hours) of which at least 15 semester hours (or equivalent quarter hours) are substantive legal courses
(Candidates applying under Category 1(e) may combine college hours from more than one institution. The candidate must have graduated from a paralegal program consisting of a minimum of 15 semester hours (or 225 clock hours or 22.5 quarter hours). Evidence of the minimum hours required under Category 1(e) must be provided with the application form.)
2. A bachelor's degree in any field plus one year of experience as a paralegal or successful completion of at least 15 semester hours (or equivalent quarter hours) of substantive paralegal courses
(Those applying under the provision allowing for additional course work in lieu of the one-year work experience must submit an official school transcript showing completed course work.)
3. A high school diploma or equivalent, plus seven years of experience as a paralegal plus a minimum of 20 hours of substantive continuing legal education completed within the two-year period prior to application for the examination. (Evidence of substantive continuing legal education credit is documented by the supervising attorney/employer attestation that must be signed as part of the application form or by submitting certificates of completions for CLE taken. No further documentation is required.)
Intended Audience
This course is intended for individuals interested in becoming a paralegal.
Specific Industry or Business Support Needs
N/A
Wake County Need for Industry Positions
N/A
Industry or Job Titles Related to Training Outcomes for Employment
Related Courses
Course Contact Information
Non-Credit Online Learning https://ceonline.waketech.edu
919-532-5847
[email protected]
| Details | Section | Date(s) | Location | Price | Seats | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 329832 | 07/06/26 - 07/06/27 | Online | 3168.00 | 19 | Register |
If you would like to be notified when additional sections become available, please use Wake Tech’s Notify Me service for SEF-3001AJG-Certified Paralegal (Voucher Included) .
Certified Paralegal
The Paralegal course helps you gain the skills you need to enter the paralegal workforce. You learn how to conduct legal research and legal interviews, how to perform legal analyses and more. As you prepare for your paralegal career, you also receive soft skills training to increase workplace effectiveness.
The course concludes with a capstone project: You first create a complete litigation file that includes a legal analysis brief, an investigative report, a client interview checklist, an intake memo, a complaint, legal research and an interoffice memorandum of law. Then, you learn how to create a strong resume that encompasses your specialized skill set and showcases the impact you would make for your next employer.
Upon completion of the course, you will be prepared to sit for the Certified Paralegal exam through the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) upon eligibility. Please review the exam requirements prior to registering for this course. Through a partnership with NALA, you also receive membership and access to NALA's Certified Paralegal (CP) Exam Review courses should you choose to take the NALA CP exam in the future.
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)
Learn necessary skills required to thrive within the legal industry
Outline of Instruction
Paralegal in the Legal System
Paralegal Employment
On-the-Job Realities and Soft Skills
Regulation of Paralegals
Attorney and Paralegal Ethics
Introduction to the Legal System
Introduction to Legal Analysis
Capstone Project
Legal Interviewing
Investigation in a Law Office
Litigation Case Management
Legal Research 101 and 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
NALA Certified Paralegal Exam Preparation
Submit Capstone
Contact Hours
225
CEUs
No
Industry Standard, State or National Certification
Certification
Certified Paralegal (CP) exam
Website
None
Certification Learning Outcomes/Requirements
CE or CU Articulation
No
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites to take this course. However, you 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 Microsoft Office Suite and fundamental keyboarding skills. A strong grasp of English grammar conventions, such as spelling, punctuation and composition, is also recommended.
Learning Supplies Needed
Hardware requirements:
This course can be taken on either a PC, a Mac or a Chromebook.
Software requirements:
PC: Windows 8 or later
Mac: macOS 12 or later
Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
Microsoft Office (not included in enrollment)
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
Other:
Email capabilities and access to a personal email account
Instructional material requirements:
The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment. The following textbooks will be shipped to you approximately seven to 10 business days after enrollment: "Introduction to Paralegalism," "Paralegal Today: The Legal Team at Work," and "Access to Westlaw: Legal Solutions."
After successful completion of the course and financial obligation, you will receive access to the Certified Paralegal Exam review self-study courses, which includes membership and access to the self-study courses.
NOTE: You will receive a digital book if a physical book is on back order.
Clinical Site/Special Facilities
N/A
Requirements for Successful Completion
85% attendance
Students must score 85% or better on the final exam.
Accreditation/Special Approval Requirements
Exam and certification requirements:
You must meet one of the following requirements outlined in one of the three categories below at the time of filing an application form to be eligible for the CP certification exam through NALA:
Category 1: Graduation from or completion of a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association, an associate degree program in paralegal studies, a post-baccalaureate certificate program in paralegal studies (In addition to the official school transcript, a candidate must submit an original course catalog or an original letter from the school registrar or program director attesting that the program is a post-baccalaureate certificate program requiring a bachelor's degree as a prerequisite.), a bachelor's degree program in paralegal studies, or a paralegal program that consists of a minimum of 60 semester hours (or equivalent quarter hours) of which at least 15 semester hours (or equivalent quarter hours) are substantive legal courses. (Candidates applying under this provision may combine college hours from more than one institution. The candidate must have graduated from a paralegal program consisting of a minimum of 15 semester hours (or 225 clock hours or 22.5 quarter hours.) Evidence of the minimum hours required under the provision must be provided with the application form.)
NOTE: This course is 225 clock hours (equivalent to 15 semester hours) and can be combined with 45 semester hours to meet the 60 semester hours required. If you do not have 45 semester hours, you will need to meet eligibility with Category 2 or Category 3.
Category 2: A bachelor's degree in any field plus one year of experience as a paralegal or successful completion of at least 15 semester hours (or equivalent quarter hours) of substantive paralegal courses. (Those applying under the provision allowing for additional course work in lieu of the one-year work experience must submit an official school transcript showing completed course work.)
Category 3: A high school diploma or equivalent plus five years of experience as a legal assistant/paralegal, plus a minimum of 20 hours of continuing legal education completed within a two-year period prior to application for the examination. (Evidence of continuing legal education credit is documented by the attorney/employer attestation that must be signed as part of the application form or by submitting a certificate of completions of CLE taken.)
Intended Audience
This course is intended for individuals with an interest in becoming a paralegal.
Specific Industry or Business Support Needs
N/A
Wake County Need for Industry Positions
N/A
Industry or Job Titles Related to Training Outcomes for Employment
Related Courses
Course Contact Information
Non-Credit Online Learning https://ceonline.waketech.edu
919-532-5847
[email protected]
No active courses available at this time.
To be notified when this course becomes available, please use
Wake Tech’s Notify Me service
for SEF-3001AIG-Certified Paralegal
.
Certified Legal Secretary
Course Objectives
Learn useful and practical office and administrative skills
Gain legal research and writing skills
Gain exposure to a range of law topics and fields
Outline of Instruction
Ethics for Paralegals
Law Office Management
Introduction to Accounting
Grammar Essentials
Legal Writing
Legal Research and the Law Library
Introduction to the Legal System
Administrative Law
Civil Litigation
Contracts
Torts
Criminal Law and Procedure
Family Law Outline
Business Entity Formation
Real Estate Law
Probate Law and Estate Planning
Bankruptcy Law
Contact Hours
444
CEUs
No
Industry Standard, State or National Certification
Certification
None
Website
None
Certification Learning Outcomes/Requirements
CE or CU Articulation
No
Prerequisites
While there are no prerequisites to complete this course, it is designed to prepare you to pass the ALP exam. In order to sit for the exam, students need to meet the following exam eligibility requirements independent of this course: Completion of an accredited business/legal course, or completion of a NALS Legal Training Course, or
one year of general office experience.
Learning Supplies Needed
Hardware requirements:
This course can be taken on either a PC or a Mac.
Software requirements:
PC: Windows 7 or later
Mac: macOS 12 or later
Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
Microsoft Office or equivalent (not included in enrollment)
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
Other:
Email capabilities and access to a personal email account
Instructional material requirements:
The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment. The following textbooks will be shipped to you approximately seven to 10 business days after enrollment: "Accounting for Managers" and "Bookkeeping Made Simple."
NOTE: You will receive a digital book if the physical book is on back order.
Clinical Site/Special Facilities
N/A
Requirements for Successful Completion
90% attendance
Accreditation/Special Approval Requirements
N/A
Intended Audience
Anyone interested in entering the legal profession and preparing for the NALS Accredited Legal Professional exam.
Specific Industry or Business Support Needs
N/A
Wake County Need for Industry Positions
N/A
Industry or Job Titles Related to Training Outcomes for Employment
Related Courses
Course Contact Information
Non-Credit Online Learning https://ceonline.waketech.edu
919-532-5847
[email protected]
No active courses available at this time.
To be notified when this course becomes available, please use
Wake Tech’s Notify Me service
for SEF-3001BRG-Certified Legal Secretary
.
Digital Court Reporting with Legal Transcription
NOTE: If taking the course to prepare for the exam, please research the locations you are interested in working to determine whether they use digital reporting methods and ask if they recognize AAERT certification.
Course Objectives
Learn how to create an accurate legal transcript
Explore the fundamentals of the United States legal system
Study professionalism, ethics and confidentiality
Learn legal, medical and industry terminology
Learn about digital reporting hardware and software, including practice using digital recording software
Outline of Instruction
Digital Court Reporter: The legal system, terminology, hardware, software and annotations, on the job and on the record, court work and large proceedings, professionalism in the legal system, course wrap-up
Legal Transcription: Transcriptionist software setup, English language, terminology, grammar and punctuation, building the transcript, transcription assignments and working environment, transcription assignments and course wrap-up
Contact Hours
120
CEUs
No
Industry Standard, State or National Certification
Certification
None
Website
None
Certification Learning Outcomes/Requirements
CE or CU Articulation
No
Prerequisites
To complete this course, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic computer skills (create folders/directories and save files, locate files saved on a computer and upload them to a webpage, use a web browser to search the internet and familiarity with a word processing program) and the ability to use Zoom or other videoconferencing software. You also must be eligible for notary public commissions in your state.
Learning Supplies Needed
Hardware requirements:
You may use either a PC or a Mac for this course, but support for Mac-specific issues is not provided. Additionally, if you intend to use the trial version of the digital reporting software (included), a PC is required, as it is not compatible with Mac systems. (Most software providers in this field primarily support PC platforms.)
If using a desktop with no internal sound card, it may be necessary to plug in an external microphone.
A reliable internet connection
Software requirements:
PC: Windows 11 or later
Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome is preferred. Mozilla Firefox and Safari are also compatible.
MS Word (Microsoft Word 2016, 2019 and Office 365), CAT software or any other word processing software. (Only support for MS Word is provided.)
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Free Express Scribe software. You will be provided with download instructions upon enrollment.
A free trial of digital reporting software will be provided in the software module of the course.
Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins, except for the Express Scribe and digital reporting software.
Other:
Email capabilities and access to a personal email account
Instructional material requirements:
The supplies required for this course are included in enrollment. The following will be shipped to you approximately seven to 10 business days after enrollment: AltoEdge USB foot pedal and Transcriber headphones.
Clinical Site/Special Facilities
N/A
Requirements for Successful Completion
90% attendance
Accreditation/Special Approval Requirements
N/A
Intended Audience
This course is for anyone interested in entering the court reporting field as a digital court reporter and a legal transcriber.
Specific Industry or Business Support Needs
N/A
Wake County Need for Industry Positions
N/A
Industry or Job Titles Related to Training Outcomes for Employment
No active courses available at this time.
To be notified when this course becomes available, please use
Wake Tech’s Notify Me service
for SEF-3001CEG-Digital Court Reporting with Legal Transcription
.
Frequently asked questions
Paralegals perform many duties that attorneys also perform. Paralegals can conduct legal research, draft contracts, pleadings and other legal documents, answer client questions and help prepare for trial.
U.S. News and World Report listed paralegal as No. 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 salary, job market, potential growth and work-life balance.
Paralegals can choose to specialize in different types of law, such as criminal, family, immigration, real estate, etc.
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 a law firm.
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.
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.
