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Certified Paralegal

Program at a Glance

Program Type
Less than 1-year Credential
Area of Study
Public Service & Safety
Learning Options
100% online
Est. Program Cost
$3245.00

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Jumpstart Your Legal Career at Germanna

Gain the skills to enter the paralegal workforce: legal research, legal interviews, legal analysis, and more.

You'll build a professional portfolio of legal deliverables, including memos, an analysis brief, a settlement brochure, a client intake report, and documentation of research conducted in Westlaw. You'll also learn to refine your resume and LinkedIn profile to showcase your specialized skill set.

The course prepares you to sit for the Certified Paralegal (CP) exam through the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), upon eligibility. Through a partnership with NALA, you'll receive membership and access to NALA's CP Exam Review courses.

Enrollment is available with or without a voucher. The voucher covers the cost to sit for the CP exam upon eligibility; proctor fees may apply and are not included.

Job Outlook for Paralegals

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for paralegals and legal assistants was $61,010 in May 2024. Indeed lists the average paralegal salary at $66,632 as of June 2026. Employment is projected to remain relatively stable through 2034, with about 39,300 openings each year driven by retirements, career transitions, and turnover. Law firms, corporations, and government agencies continue to rely on paralegals to conduct research, prepare documents, and manage growing caseloads.

Course Objectives

  • Demonstrate foundational knowledge of the U.S. legal system, including court structures, terminology, and procedure
  • Conduct legal research using industry-standard tools, including Westlaw, with proper citation methods
  • Perform client and witness interviews within legal and ethical guidelines
  • Draft legal documents and professional correspondence
  • Apply workplace soft skills: professionalism, time management, ethical conduct, and collaboration
  • Apply core industry competencies in legal writing, document review, and case organization
  • Prepare for the NALA Certified Paralegal (CP) exam

Prerequisites & Certification Requirements

There are no prerequisites to enroll. To work as a paralegal, you'll need a high school diploma or GED. Basic computer skills (including Microsoft Office and keyboarding) and a strong grasp of English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and composition are recommended.

Certified Paralegal FAQs

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We’re thinking differently at Germanna and shaping an entirely new approach to career-focused education. Our faculty has extensive teaching experience and can break down complex concepts as you gain more knowledge of the field.
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Technical Training
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Associate's Degree
Our associate degrees can prepare you for entry-level careers, professional certifications, and successful transfer to a four-year school.
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Transfer your Germanna credits to top Virginia four-year schools including UMW, VCU, and Hampton U through our guaranteed transfer agreements.
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