Office of Continuing Education

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 $50,000. However, salary can increase depending on your law specialty and your experience level.

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 “Best Jobs that Don’t Require a College Degree.” Paralegals were also included on the “The 100 Best Jobs” 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’s degree before you can apply for law school and pass a state bar exam.

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.

There are no prerequisites to take this course.

PARALEGAL IN THE LEGAL SYSTEM

PARALEGAL EMPLOYMENT

ON-THE-JOB REALITIES

REGULATION OF PARALEGALS

ATTORNEY AND PARALEGAL ETHICS

INTRODUCTION TO THE LEGAL SYSTEM

INTRODUCTION TO LEGAL ANALYSIS

LEGAL INTERVIEWING

INVESTIGATION IN A LAW OFFICE

LITIGATION MANAGEMENT

LEGAL RESEARCH 101

ADVANCED LEGAL RESEARCH

LEGAL WRITING

INTRODUCTION TO THE USE OF COMPUTERS

INTRODUCTION TO LAW OFFICE ADMINISTRATION

TORT LAW, PRODUCT LIABILITY, AND CONSUMER LAW

CONTRACTS, INSURANCE, AND PROPERTY LAW

ESTATES AND FAMILY LAW

LAWS AFFECTING BUSINESS

CRIMINAL LAW

CAPSTONE

PORTFOLIO LESSON

FINAL EXAM

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.

Trina Brown

Trina Brown is an accomplished paralegal with over three decades of experience in the field. Since 2013, she has also been providing education to aspiring paralegals. In addition to her educational role, Trina serves as a court-appointed mediator for the Dallas and Tarrant County courthouses and is a mediation panelist for the Texas Department of Insurance.

Trina has made significant contributions to the legal community, including her work on the State Bar of Texas Paralegal Ethics Handbook and articles published in The Legal Educator magazine. Furthermore, she is a Certified Arbitrator for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Her extensive qualifications have been recognized in the Texas Bar Journal, showcasing current mediation credential holders in the state.

Trina holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in organizational dynamics from Immaculata University and a Master of Professional Studies in paralegal studies from The George Washington University. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in mediation. Her commitment to service is further demonstrated by her membership in the Paralegal Division of the Pro Bono College of the State Bar of Texas, an honor society chartered by the Supreme Court of Texas.