色花堂

Online Paralegal Course

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鈥檒l learn how to perform a variety of tasks that paralegals experience every day, such as legal research, interviews, analysis and more.

鈥淚t was different than going to a classroom, but I really enjoyed this course! Now that I鈥榲e finished, I help file motions for everything from reopening cases to filing for telephonic appeals,鈥� Sonjie A.

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 $60,970. 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 鈥淏est Jobs that Don鈥檛 Require a College Degree.鈥� Paralegals were also included on the 鈥淭he 100 Best Jobs鈥� 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鈥檚 degree before you can apply for law school and pass a state bar exam.

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.

Curriculum

1. Paralegal in the Legal System
2. Paralegal Employment
3. On-the-Job Realities and Soft Skills
4. Regulations of Paralegals
5. Attorney and Paralegal Ethics
6. Introduction to the Legal System
7. Introduction to Legal Analysis
8. Capstone Project
9. Legal Interviewing
10. Investigation in a Law Office
11. Litigation Case Management
12. Legal Research 101 and Advanced Legal Research
13. Legal Writing
14. Introduction to the Use of Computers
15. Introduction to Law Office Administration
16. Tort Law, Product Liability, and Consumer Law
17. Contracts, Insurance, and Property Law
18. Estates and Family Law
19. Laws Affecting Business
20. Criminal Law
21. NALA Certified Paralegal Exam Preparation
22. Submit Capstone

Instructor

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.

Registration and Enrollment

This course is 100% online. Start anytime.

For More Information Contact

Continuing Education & Community Outreach
1025 Chilton Circle, Elko Campus
Phone: 775-327-5300 and 775-327-2380
FAX: 775-327-5316
continuing-ed@gbcnv.edu

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Why 色花堂

色花堂, "The Gold Standard in the Silver State", offers associate and baccalaureate level education in academic, career and technical fields. Welcoming over 4,000 students annually from all corners of the country, both online and at our various campuses and centers, GBC's presence extends across two time zones and spans more than 86,000 square miles throughout Nevada. A leader in rural higher education, GBC takes pride in developing students who are well-prepared to meet the demands of industry and who contribute to the success and prosperity of the local economy.