Paralegal Certificate Course©

Starting at:

$2,095

Begin a rewarding career as a paralegal professional with our cornerstone online course.

Online Format: Our most popular format can be completed in two, 7-week instructor-led sessions.

Easy to use, interactive platform offers 24/7 online course access with video and printed tutorials available.

Self-Study, Live Lecture and Text Only formats available through select partners

More Information

Learn all about the Paralegal Certificate Course© in our most recent informational webinar.

Watch Now

About the Paralegal Certificate Course©

Our Paralegal Certificate Course© teaches students the in-demand skills necessary to perform a variety of paralegal tasks. This continuing legal education course is a valuable asset for paralegal professionals looking to advance their career, grow professionally, increase their earning potential and gain job-ready skills.

Watch our course FAQ video

  • Our courses are among the most affordable in the industry, and payment options are available. 
  • Continue your education when and where it works best for your schedule and lifestyle. 
  • Learn from practicing legal professionals who update coursework to remain on pace with the current industry.
  • Current and former students who have completed at least 60% of the course will gain exclusive access to the Center for Legal Studies Career Center, connecting employers to qualified paralegals across all disciplines and career stages.
  • California paralegals may need to complete Advanced Paralegal coursework to meet the requirements of California Business and Professional Code §6450. Please click here for more information.
  • New Mexico paralegals need to fulfill additional educational requirements to meet the requirements of Rule 20-115 NMRA. Please click here for more information.

95% of students found CLS to be more flexible than other paralegal programs according to a 2022 survey.

Class format

Find the right option for you

Click here to quickly compare courses

For over 40 years, the Center for Legal Studies has provided students with flexible and effective legal education through a variety of formats catered to your busy lifestyle. All formats are designed and updated to remain on pace with the current industry, and are taught by working paralegals. Whether you prefer to learn 100% online around your schedule, through the interaction of instructor-led live lectures or at your own pace via our self-study or text-only formats, we have an option for you.

No matter which option you choose, the Paralegal Certificate Course© offers you a high-quality education by providing the fundamental skills you will need to succeed in today’s world of paralegal professionals.

The Center for Legal Studies features in an online format the same Paralegal Certificate Course© that has been offered live since 1980 at colleges and universities throughout the nation. This format is available to students via any computer with internet access and at any time of the day or night during our online sessions.

  • We offer 6 sessions per year, starting every 8 weeks
  • Students benefit from direct interaction with the instructor and other students by way of e-mail and a discussion board.
  • Students have 14 weeks to complete the online course (7 weeks for Paralegal I and 7 weeks for Paralegal II.) Please note that the course fee covers both halves of the course. Students may choose any session to begin the course with Paralegal I and they will be automatically enrolled in the following session for Paralegal II.
  • Students must complete both Paralegal I and Paralegal II to be awarded a certificate. (California paralegals may need to complete Advanced Paralegal course work to meet the requirements of California Business and Professional Code §6450. Please click here for more information.)
  • Once registered, your password and access information will be sent via email on the first day of class.
  • Review the Online Paralegal Certificate Course© syllabus  to learn more.

The Center for Legal Studies now offers the best-selling Paralegal Certificate Course© in an Self-Study format. Start anytime and complete at your own pace within 6 months. This format is available to students via any computer with internet access and at any time of the day or night.

  • Students have 6 months to complete the online course. Students may start this course at any time of the year. Set your own schedule!
  • Great option for self-motivated students looking to learn at their own pace, either faster or slower than that traditional online two, 7-week session course.
  • Self-Study does not offer the same interaction with fellow students as the Online course, but does offer communication with an instructor for course assistance.
  • Students must complete both Paralegal I and Paralegal II to be awarded a certificate. (California paralegals may need to complete Advanced Paralegal course work to meet the requirements of California Business and Professional Code §6450. Please click here for more information.)
  • Once registered, your password and access information will be sent via email within 24 to 48 hours of purchase.

Review the Self-Study Paralegal Certificate Course© syllabus to learn more.

Our in-person format allows for face-to-face instruction from qualified legal professionals. UPDATE: Currently, all Live Lecture classes are hosted virtually via Zoom. 

Benefit from practical application and hands-on exercises completed in class and live interaction with fellow students. 

This evening and weekend course allows you to learn around other school or work commitments during the week. 

The curriculum covers all course objectives and lesson topics covered in our popular online format (both Paralegal I and II).

  • Select a college or university to view their Live Lecture schedule or search by format.
  • This course is offered as an eight-week program 
  • Students are required to attend at least 80% of the course and must pass every assignment with a 70% or better to be eligible for a Certificate of Completion.
  • Review the Live Lecture Paralegal Certificate Course syllabus to learn more.

This option is available to students who, because of location or schedule conflicts, are unable to take the course in other formats.  

Take the course in the comfort and privacy of your own home or office and review the material as many times as necessary for the best retention. 

Ideal for students who do not have access to a computer or the internet, the Text Only format is a printed version of the online course and requires only the printed lesson material we send you along with your textbooks. 

  • Enroll today and have a maximum of 6 months to complete Paralegal I and 6 months to complete Paralegal II (12 months total).
  • Students mail or email assignments to CLS for grading and instructor feedback.
  • Questions can be directed to the instructor via a toll-free number and via email.

Review the Text Only Paralegal Certificate Course© syllabus to learn more.

Eastern New Mexico University

About Eastern New Mexico University

For 87 years, Eastern New Mexico University has provided an engaging learning environment using current technology to provide a rich educational experience to prepare students for careers and advance study, promoted citizenship and leadership skills and values, supported excellence in teaching and research and empowered students to respond to a rapidly changing world.

Realize your career-advancing potential

Learning outcomes

The Paralegal Certificate Course© will provide you with comprehensive knowledge of the American judicial system. It will also teach you practical skills, including how to assist trial attorneys, interview witnesses, investigate complex fact patterns, research the law and assist in preparing cases for courtroom litigation.

Watch this video to hear students share their CLS experience!

Career outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the number of paralegals to increase 12% through 2030. A career as a paralegal could offer you an opportunity to work in a variety of industries and increase your earning potential. Learn more.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a High School Diploma or GED to take CLS courses?

CLS courses are designed for adult students and are taught on a college level. Minimum requirements to take any of our courses are a high school diploma or GED, and to be 18 years of age prior to enrollment.

Can I get financial aid?

Traditional financial aid (Pell grants, Stafford Loans, etc.) usually do not apply to these courses due to their continuing education status. Please view our Payment Options information to explore possible options.

Does the course fee cover both halves of the course?

Our 100% online Paralegal Certificate Course is a 14-week program delivered over two 7-week sessions. The published course fee pays for BOTH sessions and payment plans are now available. Textbooks are not included but can be purchased at the time of enrollment.

Request more information

Are you interested in learning more about the Paralegal Certificate Course? Complete this contact form to receive emails and text messages from the Center for Legal Studies. You’ll also be able to set up a personalized consultation with one of our Enrollment Counselors who can answer all your questions and recommend the best course for you.

You’ll receive updates on:

  • How CLS courses work
  • Paralegal career growth and outlook
  • Course pricing, payment options and promotions
  • Exclusive webinars, events and more!

I had a great experience with CLS. Well-organized content, accessible instructors, engaging coursework. Overall a great experience.

— Adam S.

CLS allowed me to get my certificate from the comfort of my own home and I loved that I could choose which main university the certificate would be coming from as well. Thank you for the positive experience!

— Anna I.

I was very impressed with the course content, knowledge and availability of the professor and pace of the course. Definitely recommend CLS!

— Jodi B.

The feedback from the online instructors and the CLS administrative staff was excellent! This was one of the most important factors for me since it is an online program. The online element of the CLS program is convenient, efficient and, to an certain extent, personalized to fit anyone’s particular needs.

— Josh M.

I enjoyed the CLS program because it was flexible, practical, and educational. All objectives were clearly laid out each week and I learned so much from all the reading and assignments. You work hard for your grades and it definitely pays off.

— Melanie R.

The online courses are great and convenient. They are perfect for someone working part or full-time.

— Brian H.

Related courses

You may also be interested in these popular Center for Legal Studies courses

Advanced Paralegal Certificate Course

These topics build upon the introductory Paralegal Certificate Course© and advance your paralegal career.

Online or Text Only course

Starting at:

$3,300 or

$660 per topic

eDiscovery for Paralegals

Get a comprehensive introduction to the growing field of eDiscovery.

Online course

Starting at:

$995

Personal Injury for Paralegals

Understand the legal terms, causes of action and remedies available to victims.

Online course

Starting at:

$1,105

Advanced Legal Research and Writing

Learn advanced and specialized approaches to using legal resources as a paralegal professional.

Online course

Starting at:

$995

About Eastern New Mexico University

For 87 years, Eastern New Mexico University has provided an engaging learning environment using current technology to provide a rich educational experience to prepare students for careers and advance study, promoted citizenship and leadership skills and values, supported excellence in teaching and research and empowered students to respond to a rapidly changing world.