Online paralegal certification programs

This beginner-level online class discusses:. Communication Skills and Teamwork is a free online course which is sure to prove beneficial to anyone with a career involving communication, including paralegals. This beginner-level course walks students through creating and delivering:. This intermediate-level online course covers such topics as:. This intermediate-level course is ideal for paralegals working in firms dealing with contracts and employment law. By the end of the course, participants will be able to identify the different legal principles governing various business situations and to apply those principles to an issue.

It takes approximately 23 hours to complete. This helpful online class uses:. This beginner-level course covers:. English for Effective Business Writing is ideal for the paralegal who wants to improve his or her written English. This course is taught entirely in English and is part of a larger series on Business English. Students will learn to write professional business documents while practicing correct use of vocabulary, grammar, and different business writing genres.

This beginner-level course provides students with an understanding of the critical legal, regulatory, and policy issues associated with:. This beginner-level course looks at these important issues from legal and social standpoints. Hot Topics in Criminal Justice is a free online course that is sure to appeal to any paralegal who is working in or interested in criminal justice.

Offered by Vanderbilt University via Coursera, this beginner-level course discusses hot-button topics such as:. Not everyone needs flexibility, but the biggest advantage in any kind of online training is that it offers more leeway for when and where you can tackle course content than any traditional program. You want a program that makes class content easily accessible, on your own terms. So paralegal programs online that offer asynchronous attendance, flexible class schedules, and plenty of tools for getting course content through mobile devices are the best from our perspective.

The best programs have multiple ways to get in touch with teachers and fellow students… chat rooms, email, bulletin boards, or even video conferencing! Part of flexibility is having access to everything you need on-demand, exactly when you need it.

You need a number where you can get in touch with assistance day or night, any time you might be studying. Of course, the best support phone call is one you never have to make, so programs that used proven, tried and true tech platforms with high uptime rank highly here, too.

A lot of people on the paralegal path are coming from a place with a lot more modest financial resources, and that means looking for online certificate programs that deliver a solid education at a reasonable cost.

All the programs we consider will give you the tools and training you need to break into paralegal work without breaking the bank. They are designed to be accessible to the average entry-level paralegal. The ABA maintains a list of approved programs, but it is not a recognized accrediting body for paralegal education programs.

And more relevant here is the fact that the ABA has historically denied approval to any program offering its curriculum online. They have been lightening up on the online restriction in the era of COVID, but that means that any ABA-approved programs that might now be offered remotely are completely new to the online education game.

Department of Education. These institutional accreditors are trusted to look at factors such as:. It all adds up to the kind of education that every employer is looking for in a well-prepared paralegal. Every last program on this list gets you career-ready with a respected credential in-hand, and they do it all completely online. You get dedicated support from day one. With courses rooted in real-world skills and modern legal issues, you can get through this program and into the business of law fast.

With only five core courses to get through and flexible pacing that takes up only one day per week for class, you can steamroll through this well-respected degree program… or take your time and slow it down for even more flexibility in your class structure. With start dates in February, June, or September, any time is the perfect time to get going at Hamline. Classes in civil litigation and procedure, legal writing and research, and other tech-centric, law-heavy topics prepare you for a career applying advanced legal knowledge and skills.

Fully remote paralegal students also save money by avoiding costly commutes to and from campus and incidental expenses that often arise when attending courses in person. Students often find assistance in the form of grants, loans, and scholarships.

Scholarships and grants are the most desirable forms of financial aid because they are essentially free money and do not need to be repaid. Loans, on the other hand, must be repaid with interest. Some financial awards may be reserved for learners from a specific demographic or geographic area. Other awards are merit- or need-based. Some scholarships may be designed for paralegal students specifically.

These often come from schools themselves or from professional organizations such as the National Federation of Paralegal Associations , the American Association for Paralegal Education , and state bar organizations across the country, such as this one in North Carolina.

For more scholarship and funding information, look into the STEPS financial aid guide and scholarships guide. The requirements for your online paralegal certificate program application will vary among schools. The good news is that they all will be relatively simple and require you to submit only a few documents for consideration.

Some programs, in fact, do not even require you to apply as long as you meet the admissions criteria. Yes, many colleges and universities offer their paralegal certificates entirely online.

Some programs, regardless of whether they are fully online, hybrid, or on-campus, require their paralegal students to complete an in-person internship. Before you apply, be sure to check with your prospective schools about any potential in-person requirements. While some states may be more strict than others about requirements for professionals to become paralegals, you do not need to attend an ABA-approved program to find work after finishing your program.

As of June , California is the only state that requires paralegals to have attended an ABA-approved program. All other states follow their own statewide paralegal licensing regulations, which happen to be voluntary and not a requirement for paralegals to work. The job outlook for paralegals and legal assistants in the U. This growth is, in part, due to law offices and governmental bodies trying to be more efficient and reduce their operating costs across the board.

Paralegals and legal assistants can take on many responsibilities at firms and corporations, making them valuable and versatile employees that help organizations save money in the long run. The other good news is that professionals with a paralegal certificate often secure jobs with a healthy paycheck. Continuing your education in legal studies after you complete the paralegal certificate can have numerous benefits.

First and foremost, continuing education classes help you keep up with any changes in the field, from legality and policy changes to technological improvements that make your job easier. Online Degrees in Criminal Justice. Online Degrees in Political Science. The curriculum is competitive, ABA-approved, and designed to meet the needs of a legal assistant working in California. Students also have access to alumni services and job training after they leave the program.

Another core benefit of this program is that students can complete it within three semesters by taking evening courses Monday through Thursday. Students can also complete an optional paralegal internship which may lead to job opportunities in law firms, legal departments, corporations, or government agencies.

Prospective students may wish to view the school's Paralegal Studies Certificate Program webinar to see exactly what they'll learn. The Hofstra University paralegal studies program offers a fast path towards obtaining certification in five months while offering a range of courses to choose from that are available online during the day and at night.

As one of the best online paralegal programs, the Hofstra University program has much to offer students already working in the field. Students must have 60 college credits or an associate degree to complete this path.

Many students attend school and work while completing this program given the day and evening class options, all online. The program is known for its small class sizes. Even though this is an online program, there is ample student support, including from attorney instructors. Courses include concentrations in areas such as family law, civil litigation, information technology for paralegals, and immigration law. It doesn't offer as much support from staff, however, and has fewer specialization options, but students who want a fully online program may appreciate this program.

Des Moines Area Community College offers an affordable learning path towards obtaining a paralegal certificate priced significantly lower than other programs.

This program aims to prepare students with practical instruction delivered by attorneys experienced in their field. Students can choose between several specializations and then complete an internship under the supervision of an attorney. To enroll, students need to submit official transcripts showing completion of their previous degree. To graduate, students must maintain a 2. In total, the program requires 27 credit hours. The paralegal certification program from American National University offers a flexible program with a range of innovative course delivery methods.

It also offers ample support from faculty. The certificate program for paralegal studies at American National University is one of the most versatile. This ABA-approved program aims to support both experienced professionals looking for a career change as well as students with a previous associate's or bachelor's degree.

It's taught mostly by industry professionals, including attorneys. Most importantly, those professionals are available for career services and support throughout the student's education. That personal attention can prove valuable to those entering the field. American National University offers online research tool access and an academic program created by industry professionals. The program offers flexibility with evening and weekend classes.

It also has a range of alumni benefits, including career services for ongoing support even after that initial position. This well-established program helps students find paralegal positions in area law firms and government agencies.

Some of its students work for larger legal employers in the area. Part of the State University of New York, the paralegal studies program at Monroe Community College offers a program with placement opportunities for qualified students in private law firms, government agencies, corporations, and insurance companies. Students will also spend time learning from associates from these organizations. Students take classes in procedural applications of law as well as computer- and tech-focused programs.

There's a strong teamwork framework provided.