The body of knowledge required to effectively perform legal support services can only come from a formal education in paralegal studies. As attorneys, corporations and government agencies work within an increasingly complex legal framework, the level of responsibility they expect paralegals to be able to take on has also increased. Law offices and other employers in North Carolina have come to rely on paralegals with the kind of expertise that can only come from earning a certificate or degree in paralegal studies.
We know there’s no shortage of opportunities for legal support staff in large metro areas, but in North Carolina paralegals also have a strong presence in small town firms and court systems. In fact, in 2016 the US Department of Labor reported that rural Piedmont employs the highest number of paralegals of all non-metro areas in the nation.
Maybe you’re looking to advance in your position with the District Attorney in Mecklenburg County, or the Wake County Public Defender’s office in Raleigh, or one of the big firms in a downtown skyscraper… Then again, maybe you’re just wrapping up high school and have your sights set on landing your first job with one of these major players in North Carolina’s legal system… Maybe you’ve been grinding along in some other field for the past few years and now you’re looking to become a paralegal to finally get the respect and pay you know you deserve.
The profile of the average paralegal student can be very different, but they’re all faced with a common set of questions. The biggest one being: how can I find a quality online program, and how do I know if it’s right for my particular situation?
We’ve got you covered. We put together some recommendations that include entry level career diplomas and associate’s degrees for those just getting started, and bachelor’s degrees and post-degree certificates for those looking to change careers or advance. All of our picks are housed in accredited schools.
Alamance Community College
AAS in Office Administration with a Legal concentration – Campus
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute
AAS in Paralegal Technology – Campus
Family Law Certificate – Campus
Wills and Estates Certificate – Campus
Cape Fear Community College
AAS in Paralegal Technology – Campus
Diploma in Paralegal Technology – Campus
Civil Litigation Certificate – Campus
Real Property Certificate – Campus
Carteret Community College
Paralegal Technology Associate’s Degree – Campus and some online
Paralegal Diploma (post-bac) – Campus and some online
Central Carolina Community College
AAS in Paralegal Technology – Campus and some hybrid
Paralegal Technology Diploma (post-associate) – Campus and some hybrid
Central Piedmont Community College
AAS in Paralegal Technology – Campus, hybrid, and some online
Diploma in Paralegal Technology (post-bac) – Campus, hybrid, and some online
Coastal Carolina Community College
AAS in Paralegal Technology – Campus
Paralegal Technology Diploma – Campus
Paralegal Certificates – Campus
Davidson County Community College
AAS in Paralegal Technology – Campus
Paralegal Civil Litigation Certificate – Campus
Paralegal Real Estate Certificate – Campus
Durham Tech
AAS in Paralegal Technology – Campus and partially online
Paralegal Technology Diploma – Campus and partially online
Fayetteville Technical Community College
AAS in Paralegal Technology – Campus
Paralegal Diploma (post-bac) – Campus
Forsyth Technical Community College
AAS in Paralegal Technology – Campus
Paralegal Technology Diploma (post-associate) – Campus
Paralegal Technology Legal Assistant Certificate – Campus
Gaston College
AAS in Paralegal Technology – Campus and some online
Paralegal Technology Certificate – Campus and some online
Guilford Technical Community College
AAS in Paralegal Technology – Campus
Paralegal Technology Certificate – Campus
Johnston Community College
Associate Degree in Paralegal Technology – Classroom and online
General Law Office Certificate (post-associate) – Classroom and online
Meredith College
Paralegal Certificate (post-bac) – Campus
Pitt Community College
Associate Degree in Paralegal Technology – Campus and some online
AAS in Legal Office Administration – Campus
Paralegal Technology Diploma (post-bac) – Campus and some online
Legal Office Administration Certificate – Campus
South Piedmont Community College
AAS in Paralegal Technology – Campus and some online
Paralegal Technology Diploma – Campus and some online
Paralegal Technology Certificate – Campus and some online
Southwestern Community College
AAS in Paralegal Technology – Campus
Paralegal Technology Certificate – Campus
Surry Community College
Associate Degree in Paralegal Technology – Campus
Certificate in Paralegal Technology – Campus
Vance-Granville Community College
AAS in Paralegal Technology – Campus and some online
Paralegal Technology Certificate – Campus and some online
Paralegal Technology Diploma – Campus and some online
Western Piedmont Community College
AAS in Paralegal Technology – Online with some campus-based courses
Wilson Community College
AAS in Paralegal Technology – Campus
Paralegal Diploma – Campus
Paralegal Certificate (post-associate) – Campus and online