Becoming a Paralegal is a great way to start!

Paralegals perform many of the same duties as lawyers, but becoming a paralegal takes considerably less time and financial commitment.

What are the duties of Paralegals?

Paralegals conduct legal research, draft legal documents, interview clients and witnesses, investigate the facts of a case, attend and summarize depositions, and assist at trial. Paralegals can specialize in litigation, corporate law, criminal law, family law, real estate, oil and gas, intellectual property, immigration law, and much more.

Excited by the possibility of becoming a paralegal and working in a law firm or corporate legal department? Qualified applicants can earn their Paralegal Certificate in as little as 10 months.

What are important qualities of Paralegals?

Paralegals should possess strong communication skills and be able to document and present their research and work product clearly to attorneys. Successful paralegals have good interpersonal qualities to build relationships and work well as part of a team. Effective paralegals are detail-oriented and have great organizational skills to help manage busy case dockets and adapt quickly to changing deadlines. Most importantly, paralegals are dependable and adhere to high ethical standards. *

Our Paralegal Programs

Center for Advanced Legal Studies is a nationally accredited college and has specialized exclusively in paralegal education and training since 1987.

The accredited Paralegal Certificate program is designed to provide the essential knowledge and skills required to work as a paralegal. It is perfect for those who already have a college degree or are currently working as a paralegal. The Paralegal Certificate program includes 30 semester hours of college credit.

The accredited Paralegal Associate Degree program is designed for students without prior paralegal work experience or who are seeking their first college degree. It provides a comprehensive paralegal curriculum, including the core subjects in the certificate with the addition of specialized law electives and essential general education courses. This comprehensive Paralegal Degree program consists of 60 semester hours of college credit and meets the industry-recognized standards for program length recommended by leading paralegal authorities and organizations.

The Bachelor of Arts: Law and Business program provides students with the additional knowledge and skills required to further their chosen careers. Whether they seek to enhance their existing paralegal career, qualify for jobs that require a 4-year degree, or want to pursue opportunities in the business sector, this degree plan can help further their career objectives.

All credits earned in either the Paralegal Certificate or Paralegal Associate Degree programs transfer directly into this bachelor’s degree program.