Paralegal
Career Diploma4 months
If you've always been interested in law and the legal system and want a job that allows you to do rewarding work, our online Paralegal Career Diploma can help you prepare to take the first steps on your legal career path. Through self-paced online classes, you'll build the essential skills and knowledge that many legal employers look for in job applicants.
- Our Paralegal Diploma prepares students to take the first steps toward legal careers such as legal secretary, legal assistant, and paralegal.
- Your online paralegal courses cover foundational skills like how to prepare legal paperwork, file court documents, and perform legal research.
- Enrolled students will receive access to Lexis.com, an Internet-based legal research resource, for the duration of their program.
- Students who successfully complete the program can transfer up to 14 credits toward Penn Foster's Paralegal Studies Associate Degree.
- Our online programs are flexible enough for you to finish them at a pace that works for you, based on how much time you can dedicate to your coursework each week.
Accredited
Online
Self Paced
Save up to $190Ends 6/25/2024
Cost of Program
$799
$989Save $190
or
$59/month, Start for as low as $20
Enroll NowRequest Info
1-570-961-4033(10AM - 6:30PM ET)
Paralegal Career Outcomes
Paralegal
AVG SALARY*
$59,200/yr
NUMBER OF JOBS*
354,300
Our Paralegal Career Diploma can help students prepare for entry-level legal jobs in a variety of settings including law offices, courthouses, corporate legal departments, and more.
State Licensing Requirements
Licensing and/or certification requirements for paralegal jobs are not the same in every state and may include educational, testing, and/or experiential requirements beyond those offered in the Penn Foster Program. Prospective students should contact the state professional licensing board or similar regulatory body in the state(s) where they plan to work to determine their requirements before enrolling in this program. See the State Licensing pagefor contact information for state licensing/regulatory boards and certain industry licensing information. Please review your state board requirements that are applicable to your field of study. State boards may impose a variety of different requirements. Penn Foster has determined that the curriculum does not meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in the following state: California.
Paralegal Diploma Curriculum
- 9 courses
- 51.2 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
- 35 exams
- 11 submitted projects
Estimated completion time:
- Fast track = 4 months
- Average time = 11 months
With Penn Foster, you can learn at whatever pace works best for you. Some learners will be more comfortable moving faster, and dedicating more time, and the fast track estimate will apply to them. The average track will apply to most learners who can dedicate a few hours per week to completing their coursework. The estimated completion times are based on completion times for learners enrolled in this program from May 2021 - April 2022, excluding withdrawals.
In our online Paralegal Diploma courses, you'll build fundamental skills and knowledge that can help you prepare for a career in the legal field. Your paralegal classes include:
- Legal Terminology
- Business Law Basics
- Litigation Basics
- Legal Research and Writing
Non-US residents: This is a United States-based institution with course materials that are geared toward US job and labor standards. Learners from outside of the US may find that some information and materials will differ from the current standards of their country. Please note, the materials for this program are in English and use the Imperial unit of measurement, not the metric system.
Show Full Curriculum
Paralegal Work Experience Option
After completing the academic requirements for the online paralegal diploma, students who wish to get hands-on experience in real-world situations can complete an optional work experience. Penn Foster does not assist in finding a location for students' work experience option. If the student chooses to participate in the work experience option, they are required to find a location on their own.
Paralegal Diploma Tuition
Take the first steps toward a new career with our online Paralegal Career Diploma Program. Simply choose from one of our low-cost customized payment plans below and get started today!
Our Proven Paralegal Learning Model
Empowering students to reach their professional goals
Flexible
- Start anytime
- No exam due dates
- Self-paced
Interactive
- Digital study guides
- Self-check quizzes
- Simulations and videos
Connected
- 24/7 access to online resources
- Online student community
- Dedicated Learner Center
Supportive
- Expert faculty
- Dedicated student services
- Robust learning resources
Online Paralegal Diploma FAQs
What are the top qualities of a paralegal?
There are a few qualities that successful paralegals share. These include strong communication, organization, and research skills. Many of these skills can be learned through in-depth training like the online Paralegal training program from Penn Foster. In this program, you'll learn how to conduct legal research, write effectively, and build your legal knowledge on your schedule, from home.
What can I do with a paralegal diploma from Penn Foster?
There are many entry-level job opportunities in the legal field. After earning your paralegal diploma online, you can take the first step towards jobs like paralegal, legal transcriptionist, legal secretary, or legal assistant. While not all jobs in this field require certification, many graduates may choose to pursue industry-recognized credentials to boost their resume and affirm their knowledge. Depending on where you live, you may also be required to complete further education or training to qualify for these jobs.
How do I begin a career as a paralegal?
Paralegals need to have a specific educational background in order to begin a career in the field. Most paralegals pursue associates degrees, which many law firms and legal organizations require for employment. However, an online diploma program like our Paralegal courses may help students get their foot in the door in legal departments or law firms. This program will train you to assist lawyers and corporations in doing research and legal paperwork. You can be employed by law firms, banks, credit offices, or different government agencies.
What is the average job description for a paralegal?
Under the supervision of lawyers, paralegals provide assistance to attorneys, company legal departments, law offices, or even occasionally judges. They're responsible for drafting documents, from memos to case briefs, handle vital legal research, schedule appointments for depositions and interviews, and other administrative tasks as needed.
