The Paralegal Technology curriculum prepares individuals to work under the supervision of attorneys by performing routine legal tasks and assisting with substantive legal work. A paralegal/legal assistant may not practice law, give legal advice, or represent clients in a court of law.
Course work includes substantive and procedural legal knowledge in the areas of civil litigation, legal research and writing, real estate, family law, wills, estates, trusts, and commercial law. Required courses also include subjects such as English, mathematics, and computer utilization.
Graduates are trained to assist attorneys in probate work, investigations, public records search, drafting and filing legal documents, research, and office management. Employment opportunities are available in private law firms, governmental agencies, banks, insurance agencies, and other business organizations.
Upon successful completion of this program, the student should be able to:
- Intelligently articulate the rules of ethics and professional responsibility in the workplace.
- Identify, interpret, and draft documents commonly used in legal proceedings.
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of the judicial system and fundamental legal terms and processes.
- Conduct legal research using both print and electronic research methods.
- Demonstrate the ability to gather critical information by interacting with clients, witnesses, and various practitioners in a professional environment.
A.A.S. in Paralegal Technology (A25380)
2024-2025 Catalog
A.A.S. in Paralegal Technology (A25380) Print Version
Program of Study
| Fall Semester | |||
| ACA-111 | College Student Success | 1 | |
| ENG-111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3 | |
| LEX-110 | Intro to Paralegal Study | 2 | |
| LEX-150 | Commercial Law I | 3 | |
| LEX-250 | Wills, Estates & Trusts | 3 | |
| LEX-270 | Law Office Management/Technology | 2 | |
| Spring Semester | |||
| LEX-120 | Legal Research/Writing I | 3 | |
| LEX-140 | Civil Litigation I | 3 | |
| LEX-160 | Criminal Law and Procedure | 3 | |
| MAT-143 | Quantitative Literacy | 3 | |
| ! | Major Elective | 2,3 | |
| Summer Semester | |||
| CIS-110 | Introduction to computers | 3 | |
| COM-231 | Public Speaking | 3 | |
| OR | ENG-114 | Prof. Research and Reporting | 3 |
| ## | Humanities/Fine Arts Elective | 3 | |
| # | Social/Behavioral Science Elective | 3 | |
| Fall Semester | |||
| ACC-120 | Principles of Financial Accounting | 4 | |
| LEX-121 | Legal Research/Writing II | 3 | |
| LEX-210 | Real Property I | 3 | |
| LEX-214 | Investigat. & Trial Prep | 3 | |
| WBL-111 | Work-Based Learning I | 1 | |
| Spring Semester | |||
| LEX-130 | Civil Injuries | 3 | |
| LEX-170 | Administrative Law | 2 | |
| LEX-211 | Real Property II | 3 | |
| LEX-240 | Family Law | 3 | |
| LEX-260 | Bankruptcy & Collections | 3 | |
| LEX-280 | Ethics & Professionalism | 2 | |
| Elective Options | |||
| ** MAJOR ELECTIVES | |||
| Choose a minimum of two (2) hours | |||
| Bus. Law I | 3 | ||
| BUS-260 | Business Communication | 3 | |
| CJC-214 | Victimology | 3 | |
| CJC-231 | Constitution Law | 3 | |
| OST-131 | Keyboarding | 2 | |
| OST-134 | Text Entry and Formatting | 3 | |
| OST-136 | Word Processing | 3 | |
| OST-149 | Medical Legal Issues | 3 | |
| OST-164 | Office Editing | 3 | |
| SPA-120 | Spanish for the Workplace | 3 | |
| ** HUMANITIES/FINE ARTS | |||
| Choose three (3) semester hours from the following | |||
| ART-111 | Art Appreciation | 3 | |
| PHI-210 History of Philosophy | 3 | ||
| HUM-115 | Critical Thinking | 3 | |
| MUS-110 | Music Appreciation | 3 | |
| REL-110 | World Religions | 3 | |
| **SOCIAL/BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES | |||
| Choose three (3) semester hours from the following: | |||
| HIS-121 | Western Civilization | 3 | |
| HIS-122 | Western Civilization II | 3 | |
| HIS-131 | American History | 3 | |
| HIS-132 | American History II | 3 | |
| HIS-221 | African American History | 3 | |
| PSY-150 | General Psychology | 3 | |
| PSY-281 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 | |
| SOC-210 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
- *This course is a component of the general education requirements needed for graduation.
- NOTE: Students are required to take ACA 111 in their first semester.
- NOTE: This program has been designated by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Paralegal Certification as a “qualified paralegal studies program”. Graduates of this program may apply to sit for the certification examination offered by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Paralegal Certification to become a NC Certified Paralegal.
- NOTE: See Criminal Record Considerations in Admissions section of the catalog.
Paralegal Technology Diploma (D25380)
Program of Study
The Paralegal Technology Diploma prepares graduates to assist attorneys in probate work, investigations, public records search, drafting and filing legal documents, research, and office management.
| Fall Semester | ||
| ACA-111 | College Student Success | 1 |
| LEX-110 | Intro to Paralegal Study | 2 |
| LEX-150 | Commercial Law I | 3 |
| LEX-250 | Wills, Estates & Trusts | 3 |
| LEX-270 | Law Office Management/Technology | 2 |
| OST-131 | Keyboarding | 2 |
| OST-164 | Office Editing | 3 |
| Spring Semester | ||
| LEX-120 | Legal Research/Writing I | 3 |
| LEX-140 | Civil Litigation I | 3 |
| LEX-160 | Criminal Law and Procedure | 3 |
| OST-134 | Text Entry and Formatting | 3 |
| Summer Semester | ||
| CIS-110 | Introduction to computers | 3 |
| ENG-111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3 |
| PSY-150 | General Psychology | 3 |
- *This course is a component of the general education requirements needed for graduation.
- NOTE: Students are required to take ACA 111 in their first semester.
Paralegal Certificate (C25380)
Program of Study
The Paralegal Technology Certificate prepares graduates to assist attorneys in probate work, investigations, public records search, drafting and filing legal documents, research, and office management.
| LEX-110 | Intro to Paralegal Study | 2 |
| LEX-150 | Commercial Law I | 3 |
| LEX-210 | Real Property I | 3 |
| LEX-270 | Law Office Management/Technology | 2 |
| LEX-120 | Legal Research/Writing I | 3 |
| LEX-140 | Civil Litigation I | 3 |
| LEX-280 | Ethics & Professionalism | 2 |
- NOTE: This certificate has been designated by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Paralegal Certification as a “qualified paralegal studies program”. Students who earn a certificate from a qualified paralegal studies program and an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in any discipline from an accredited college or university may apply to sit for the certification examination offered by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Paralegal Certification to become an NC Certified Paralegal.
Students entering or applying to enter certain programs of study should be aware that completion of the program, licensure, certification, and/or employment may be affected if they have a prior criminal record. Programs where a student’s prior criminal record may come into question include, but are not limited to: Health Sciences programs, Basic Law Enforcement Training, Criminal Justice Technology, Early Childhood Education, Paralegal Technology, and Emergency Medical Services.
Community agencies that provide opportunities for sponsorship, practicums, internships, or clinical experience may require criminal background checks. If the participating agency will not accept the student because of a criminal record, the student may be unable to continue in the program. Students completing certain programs of study may be prohibited from obtaining credentials 46 or licenses due to a criminal record. In such cases, the actual violation and the length of time since that violation may be a deciding factor. In some cases, employers may be required by law to perform a criminal background check prior to employment. The College conducts pre-employment criminal background checks on all eligible applicants for Federal Work Study positions.
Earn College Credit in High School
A CCP pathway for high school juniors and seniors is available for this program. Visit the Career and College Promise page for more information.
The Career and College Promise (CCP) Program provides opportunities for eligible high school students to start college early, where courses can count for dual credit (credit in the high school and college at the same time), all TUITION-FREE! CCP students accelerate completion of college certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees that provide entry-level job skills and/or lead to college transfer credit.
This program has been designated by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Paralegal Certification as a “qualified paralegal studies program”. Graduates of this program may apply to sit for the certification examination offered by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Paralegal Certification to become a North Carolina Certified Paralegal.
Out-of-state students seeking to enroll in a program or course leading to professional licensure or certification should contact Dr. Allisha Hicks, Dean of Business to discuss enrollment and professional licensure options available. Students may view the Professional Licensure information page to learn more.
