Be a Vital Member of Any Legal Team
Paralegals play a crucial role in the success of any legal team. They are the backbone that supports attorneys by handling a wide range of tasks, from conducting legal research and drafting documents to organizing case files and communicating with clients. By taking on these responsibilities, paralegals make the entire team more efficient and effective.
In addition to their administrative support, paralegals also serve as essential links between clients and the legal team. They often handle client intake, answer questions, and keep clients updated on the progress of their cases.
If you are ready to be a legal rock star and serve as a lawyer’s right hand, this is the career field for you.
The Program Options
(A paralegal may not practice law, give legal advice, or represent clients in a court of law.)
Mode
Online/in-person
Prerequisites
None
Mode
Online/in-person
Prerequisites
None
Mode
Online/in-person
Prerequisites
None
Mode
Online/in-person
Prerequisites
None
Mode
Online/in-person
Prerequisites
Unweighted GPA of 2.8
Mode
Online/in-person
Prerequisites
None
Endorsed
South Piedmont’s Paralegal Technology program is endorsed by the American Association for Paralegal Education.
Qualified
South Piedmont’s Paralegal Technology program is a qualified paralegal studies program of the North Carolina State Bar.
6
This program offers six options, including a degree, diploma, certificate and CTE pathways for high school students.
Paralegal Technology FAQ
As a South Piedmont Paralegal Technology student, you will learn about civil litigation, commercial law, corporate law, criminal law, estates, family law, investigations,
legal document drafting and filing, legal ethics, legal research and writing, office management, personal injury law, probate, public records searches, real estate, trusts, and wills.
You will be prepared to perform the duties of an entry-level paralegal in a law firm or other work setting. You will be proficient in the foundational concepts of the practical areas of the law that are covered in the Paralegal Technology program. You’ll be able to demonstrate knowledge of the legal and ethical rules and concerns of the practice of law. You will be ready for immediate job opportunities in the paralegal field.
Yes. This program will equip you with a strong foundation that you can continue building on if you choose to complete a bachelor’s degree and then go to law school.
The North Carolina Certified Paralegal (NCCP) Examination is typically offered twice each year, generally in June and October.
According to the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), the terms paralegal and legal assistant are used interchangeably. A paralegal is a person qualified through education, training, or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency, or other organization and performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible.
Not necessarily. To be eligible to sit for the North Carolina State Bar Certification Exam, individuals must meet one of the following qualifications:
· Hold an associate or bachelor’s degree in any field and complete a certificate from a North Carolina State Bar Qualified Paralegal Program.
· Earn an associate degree in Paralegal Studies.
· Have a minimum of five years of qualifying paralegal work experience.
If you already have a college degree, you should speak with an advisor to determine the most efficient path toward meeting your career and certification goals.
No. Certification is voluntary and is not required for employment as a paralegal or legal assistant in North Carolina. However, the designation North Carolina Certified Paralegal (NCCP) is reserved for individuals who have successfully met the certification requirements established by the North Carolina State Bar.
Paralegals can work in virtually any area of substantive law, including:
· Real estate law
· Family law
· Personal injury law
· Corporate law
· Criminal law
· Immigration law
· Estate planning and probate
· Civil litigation
· Employment law
No. While many paralegals work in private law firms, employment opportunities are available in a variety of organizations, including:
· Government agencies
· Clerk of Court offices
· Register of Deeds offices
· District Attorney offices
· Corporate legal departments
· Insurance companies
· Title insurance companies
· Financial institutions
· Nonprofit organizations
Paralegals may be employed anywhere legal services or legal support functions are needed.
Paralegals provide critical support to attorneys and may perform duties such as:
· Drafting legal documents
· Conducting legal research
· Interviewing clients and witnesses
· Organizing and managing case files
· Assisting attorneys during trials and hearings
· Preparing discovery materials
· Handling billing and case management tasks
· Conducting real property title searches
· Supporting attorneys throughout the litigation process
Paralegals are Key to Any Legal Practice
Paralegals keep individual cases and entire legal practices running smoothly. This field is a great fit for students who are interested in the law, skilled communicators, detail-oriented, able to juggle multiple tasks at once, and who feel passionately about helping others.
South Piedmont’s instructors are former attorneys with extensive experience in the legal field. They will ensure that you receive real-world insights and perspectives during your program.
A Rewarding Career With Work-Life Balance
Being a paralegal satisfies my lifelong desire to work in the legal field, but at the end of the day, when I leave the office, I don’t have to take it home with me. That’s something a lot of attorneys don’t get to do; they’re working around the clock. I still have that work-life balance that’s so important.
Cassandra Bain, Paralegal Technology graduate who works at a local law firm
Paralegal FAQ
As a South Piedmont Paralegal Technology student, you will learn about civil litigation, commercial law, corporate law, criminal law, estates, family law, investigations,
legal document drafting and filing, legal ethics, legal research and writing, office management, personal injury law, probate, public records searches, real estate, trusts, and wills.
You will be prepared to perform the duties of an entry-level paralegal in a law firm or other work setting. You will be proficient in the foundational concepts of the practical areas of the law that are covered in the Paralegal Technology program. You’ll be able to demonstrate knowledge of the legal and ethical rules and concerns of the practice of law. You will be ready for immediate job opportunities in the paralegal field.
Yes. This program will equip you with a strong foundation that you can continue building on if you choose to complete a bachelor’s degree and then go to law school.
Get Ready for What Comes Next
Our SP | Career Connector will help you build your resume, prepare for job interviews, and even connect you to hiring managers in our area.