Starting Your Career in Law: A Guide to Our Paralegal Certificate Course©

If you have been considering a career in the legal field, you likely have questions about where to start, how much time it will take, and whether the training will actually lead to a job. We recently hosted a webinar to answer these exact questions and pull back the curtain on our Paralegal Certificate Course©.

At the Center for Legal Studies (CLS), we have been training paralegals for over 46 years. We’ve learned that while the law itself changes, the need for well-trained, ethical professionals remains constant. Here is the breakdown of what we discussed regarding our program and the profession.

Choose the Format That Works for You

We know that our students are often balancing full-time jobs, families, and other major commitments. Because of that, we offer three distinct ways to complete your training:

Standard Online: This is a structured, 14-week program delivered over two back-to-back sessions. You will have weekly deadlines to keep you on track and discussion forums where you can interact with your peers.

Self-Study: If you need maximum flexibility, this format allows you to work entirely at your own pace. You have six months to complete the program, and your “clock” starts the moment you register.

Live Lecture via Zoom: For those who prefer real-time interaction, we offer virtual classes via Zoom a few times a year. It provides the benefits of a traditional classroom without the commute, though there is an 80% attendance requirement to pass.

Regardless of the format, you can expect to spend about 8 to 12 hours per week on your studies.

Practical Skills Over Theory

We focus on “job-ready” skills because we want you to be able to walk into a law office and be productive on day one. Our instructors are not just teachers; they are currently practicing attorneys or high-ranking paralegals who bring real-world experience to every lesson.

During the course, you will master:

Legal Research: You will learn how to use Westlaw, the industry standard for legal research.

Legal Writing: You won’t just learn about documents; you will actually draft them, including a full appellate brief.

Core Fundamentals: We cover civil procedure, ethics, evidence, torts, and contracts.

View the full syllabus here.

Professional Outlook

A common question we hear is whether AI is going to replace paralegals. From what we see in the industry, AI is an enhancer, not a replacement. It is helping paralegals work faster and more accurately, but it cannot replace human judgment or specialized skill sets.

Paralegals are now found in almost every industry, not just law firms. Our graduates find success in corporate legal departments, real estate, finance, and government agencies.

Credibility That Moves with You

When you complete the program, your certificate is issued by one of our 150+ accredited college or university partners. We always recommend choosing the school closest to where you plan to live and work, as having a local, recognized institution on your resume is a major asset during your job search.

You will also earn a digital badge through Credly. Unlike a paper certificate on a wall, this is a clickable credential you can add to your LinkedIn profile or email signature. It allows employers to see exactly which skills you’ve mastered, providing instant verification of your expertise.

Ready to Get Started?

To join our program, you only need to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. While we don’t provide job placement, we do offer career resources—like resume reviews and job alert reminders—to help you find your footing.

We also offer flexible payment options through Affirm and PayPal to help you invest in your future on your own terms.

We are excited to help you take this next step. If you have any questions, our enrollment counselors are available Monday through Friday at 1-800-522-7737.