This course is designed to train individuals to work as paralegals, provide advanced legal workers with additional skills, and educate individuals in the American legal system.

This is a two-part course--Paralegal I and Paralegal II. You are automatically enrolled in both sections (Paralegal I and Paralegal II) when you register for this course.  Upon successful completion of both sections, you will receive a Paralegal Certificate from NC State University. (California paralegals may need to complete advanced coursework to meet the requirements of new legislation, California Business and Professional Code §6450. Please click here for more information. New Mexico paralegals need to fulfill additional education requirements as set forth in Rule 20-115 NMRA. Please click here for more information.)

You have 14 weeks to complete the course (7 weeks for Paralegal I and 7 weeks for Paralegal II).

Paralegal I:

Introduction to Paralegal Studies will provide the foundation for the study of paralegalism. You will gain an understanding of the American legal system and learn how you can be of assistance in the exciting field of law. You will be provided with comprehensive knowledge of the American judicial system and learn practical skills such as how to assist trial attorneys, interview witnesses, investigate complex fact patterns, research the law, and assist in preparing cases for courtroom litigation. Coursework in Paralegal I is equivalent to 45 class hours of study.

Paralegal II:

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Paralegal I.

The second half of the course will build on the skills gained in Paralegal I and will provide you with a working knowledge of legal authority: how it is used in the litigation process and how to locate it through legal research. You will learn the advanced skills of legal research and writing, formal and informal advocacy, and appellate procedure. You will also learn the basics of law office management, substantive law (such as criminal law, domestic relations, real property law, and bankruptcy), and informal and formal advocacy. Coursework in Paralegal II is equivalent to 45 clock hours of study.

This is an accelerated course. You will be expected to spend an average of 8-12 hours per week reading and completing writing assignments. Assignments are due once a week.

Required Textbooks

The following texts are available to order from The Center for Legal Studies. Some of the texts may be available in libraries, but most students prefer to own these texts because they are great references even after the course has ended. Please note that these same texts will also be used for the second half of the course, Paralegal II.

• Paralegal Career for Dummies, 2nd Edition. Hoboken: Wiley Publishing, Inc., 2019 by Scott A. Hatch and Lisa Zimmer Hatch
• Paralegal Certificate Course^© Workbook, Golden: The Center for Legal Studies, 2010 by Margaret J. Kirk
• Legal Document Preparation Manual for the Paralegal Certificate Course©, Golden: The Center for Legal Studies, 2013
• Introduction to Paralegalism: Perspectives, Problems and Skills, 8th Edition. Clifton Park: Cengage Learning, 2016 by William Statsky
• Federal Civil Rules Booklet, most recent edition, Dahlstrom Legal Publishing, Inc.
• Uniform System of Citation (aka “The Bluebook”), most recent edition, Harvard Law Review

Highly Recommended Legal Resource

• Oran’s Dictionary of the Law, 4th Edition, by Daniel Oran. Clifton Park: Delmar Cengage Learning

• WESTLAW, legal research access, available during the online session (maximum of seven weeks) for only $89

For more information, call CLS by BARBRI at 800.522.7737 or visit their Online Store to order.

Those who successfully complete both Paralegal I and Paralegal II will be awarded a Certificate of Completion from NC State University.