September 22, 2023

Coastal Bend College

The latest official news from CBC!

Paralegal Certificate

This non-credit course is 100% online. | Start anytime.

Job Outlook for Paralegals

Paralegalism is one of the fastest growing careers in the country.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the number of paralegals to increase 15% between 2016 and 2026, much faster than the national average for all occupations.

The national median earnings for paralegals is currently $50,940.00/Year and freelance paralegal professionals average significantly more across the board.

Paralegal Course FAQs

How long is the Paralegal program?

The paralegal program is 14 weeks long, broken down into two 7-week sessions.

 

Do I need a High School Diploma or GED to take the course?

The paralegal program is designed for adult students and are taught on a college level. Minimum requirement to take any of our courses is a high school diploma or GED and 18 years of age prior to enrollment.

 

Do I have to be a paralegal or law student to take legal courses or buy course materials?

No. Anyone can take the paralegal courses provided they have basic education. Please bear in mind that this is a college-level course and students are expected to perform accordingly.

 

Do I have to be online at a specific time every day to take the online course?

No. Students may login at their convenience but are required to submit tests and assignments by a specified date and time. Tests and assignments may be submitted prior to that specified date and time.

 

Is the paralegal program accessible 24/7, all the time?

YES! Registered students may access the paralegal online courses any time in the comfort of your home or office 24/7 within the session dates. 

 

Do you have a payment plan option?

Yes! Affirm is a financing option method available to U.S. residents and territories, excluding Iowa and West Virginia. Using this payment method allows you to make easy monthly payments. Just select Affirm as your payment method on the ‘Buy Now’ screen and follow the instructions given. You must have a minimum balance of $845 and can use this service for tuition and books. For more details, please reach out to us.

Paralegal I Objectives:

  • The origins and history of the American legal system
  • The meaning and application of important legal terminology
  • Attorney and paralegal ethics
  • Techniques of jury selection and the jury selection process
  • How to prepare legal documents including demand letters, pleadings, discovery documents, motions and memos
  • Significant elements of the substantive law of torts, contracts
  • The important rules of civil procedure and evidence
  • How to conduct a legal interview
  • How to conduct legal investigation
  • How to conduct legal analysis and perform legal problem solving

Paralegal II Objectives:

  • The importance of precedence
  • What legal authority is, and which authority is the most important
  • How to conduct legal research and learn how to use the 4 most effective legal research tools found in virtually every law library
  • How to Shepardize your authority
  • How to properly cite your authority
  • How to conduct computerized legal research used extensively in law offices throughout the country.
  • Proper and effective legal writing style
  • The basic documents for several important substantive areas of law
  • Advocacy techniques for usage in formal or informal settings, and
  • How to begin your job search and perhaps begin a freelance paralegal business after your education