National career outlook reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that certified paralegals are in high demand across the country.
If you’re a North Carolina resident and thinking about becoming a paralegal, this is the guide for you!
Our guide provides an introduction to the paralegal profession and local resources for finding some of the best paralegal schools in the area.
In the guide below, you can learn about paralegal salaries, job duties, and certifications and get an overview of the best paralegal schools in North Carolina.
Best Paralegal Schools in Charlotte
Finding the best paralegal school in Charlotte is less complicated when you understand the basics.
Choose a program that follows the state or national certification track for the paralegal credentials you seek.
The best paralegal schools in and around Charlotte offer paralegal diplomas to supplement existing degrees, stand-alone paralegal certificates that meet state standards, and paralegal degrees that equip students with a solid legal foundation for entry-level employment or transferring to law school.
Today’s paralegal training programs are available in traditional on-campus classrooms and as online self-study options.
Students interact with their instructors and peers through audio and video communication.
Now that you know what to look for in a paralegal program, let’s explore an overview of some of the best programs in Charlotte!
1 University of North Carolina - Charlotte
The School of Professional Studies Continuing Education Department at UNC Charlotte offers NC students the opportunity to get a local paralegal education.
Their program meets the North Carolina State Bar standards for students seeking state-based paralegal certification.
This 25-week program is delivered to students with live, face-to-face instruction online.
UNC’s program is designed for students who hold an associate’s degree in other disciplines and who want to supplement existing credentials.
Courses Offered
- General Practice Law
- The Paralegal Profession
- Introduction to American Jurisprudence
- Legal Technology
- Legal Ethics
- Litigation
Contact Information
- Address: 9210 University City Boulevard, Charlotte, North Carolina - 28223
- Phone: 704-687-8900
- Website: Visit School Website
2 North Carolina Central University
North Carolina Central University readies local paralegal students for national and state certification in their comprehensive online paralegal studies program.
Their program follows the educational standards set forth by the National Association of Legal Assistants.
It prepares students to earn the Certified Paralegal credential.
This self-paced online paralegal studies program has no prerequisites and teaches students about the laws, rules, and regulations making up the US judicial system and North Carolina laws.
Courses Offered
- Paralegal in the Legal System
- Introduction to Legal Analysis
- Investigations in a Law Office
- Legal Research 101
- Estates and Family Law
- Laws Affecting Business
Contact Information
- Address: 1801 Fayetteville Street, Durham, North Carolina - 27707
- Phone: 919-530-6100
- Website: Visit School Website
3 Meredith College
NC paralegals seeking ABA-approved programs can enroll in Meridith College’s Paralegal Certificate Program.
Students can take legal classes on campus or online in Meridith’s comprehensive program, which satisfies state and national prerequisites for certification.
This comprehensive paralegal studies program combines practical legal education with substantive legal skills and career placement assistance to help local students succeed in jumpstarting their legal careers.
Courses Offered
- ABA-Approved Paralegal Studies
- Criminal Law
- Contracts and Negotiations
- Family Law
- Workers Compensation
- Intellectual Property
- Contracts and Negotiations
Contact Information
- Address: 3800 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, North Carolina - 27606
- Phone: 919-760-8600
- Website: Visit School Website
4 North Carolina State University
The Continuing and Lifelong Education Department at North Carolina State University has a paralegal training program for local community members seeking to get paralegal education.
Their introduction to the paralegal studies program teaches students about the American judicial system and how to assist North Carolina lawyers with case management, document drafting, witness interviews, and legal research.
Their two-part program accepts new students on a rolling admissions basis for online study.
Courses Offered
- Legal Document Preparation
- Introduction to Paralegalism
- US Law
- North Carolina Law
- Legal Research
- Courtroom Litigation
Contact Information
- Address: 1101 Gorman Street, Raleigh, North Carolina - 27695
- Phone: 919-515-2277
- Website: Visit School Website
5 The University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Future paralegals in North Carolina seeking to complete their paralegal education online can take classes at the University of North Carolina Pembrokes online campus.
UNC Pembroke delivers a 225-hour paralegal studies certificate program that follows national certification tracks and meets standards for state certification.
Students learn foundational legal concepts that introduce them to United States law and North Carolina law, along with administrative and legal skills like document drafting and filing as they support local attorney’s trials, depositions, and other legal actions.
Courses Offered
- Introduction to Legal Analysis
- Contracts, Insurance, and Property Law
- Criminal Law
- NALA Certification Prep
- Tort Law, Product Liability, and Consumer Law
- Legal Writing and Research
Contact Information
- Address: 115 Livermore Drive, Pembroke, North Carolina - 28372
- Phone: 855-520-6806
- Website: Visit School Website
6 Central Piedmont Community College
Central Piedmont Community College is the home of an ABA-approved paralegal studies program that prepares students to support local attorneys in North Carolina courts.
CPCC students are equipped with the legal knowledge, technology, and research skills required to complete national or regional certification exams and to begin entry-level employment in North Carolina.
This program emphasizes critical thinking skills, personal growth, and information technology as crucial skills for success.
CPCC students can work toward a transferable Associate of Applied Sciences degree or earn a post-baccalaureate diploma in this comprehensive program.
Courses Offered
- Introduction to Paralegal Studies
- Legal Research and Writing
- Civil Injuries
- Investigation
- Commercial Law
- Law Office Management and Technology
Contact Information
- Address: Charlotte, North Carolina - 28235
- Phone: 704-330-6006
- Website: Visit School Website
7 South Piedmont Community College
South Piedmont Community College is one of the Charlotte area schools offering paralegal education for aspiring local paralegals.
Their comprehensive Paralegal Technology program meets the certification standards set forth by the North Carolina Bar Association.
It educates students on the concepts of civil litigation, real estate, and legal office management.
It teaches them the legal and professional ethics needed for success as a practicing North Carolina paralegal.
SPCC offers an associate, certificate, and diploma in paralegal studies.
Courses Offered
- Corporate Law
- Civil Litigation
- Office Management
- Public Records Searches
- Legal Technology
- Legal Document Drafting and Filing
Contact Information
- Address: 680 US 74, Polkton, North Carolina - 28135
- Phone: 704-272-5300
- Website: Visit School Website
8 Gaston College
Gaston College has options for local students to earn their Associate of Applied Sciences degree in the field of Paralegal Technology.
Their program educates potential paralegals on the substantive and procedural legal concepts needed to support local attorneys and other judicial officials with administrative processes in local courts.
Students learn the concepts of civil, criminal, and family law in a 66-hour program, along with taking general studies and elective courses to satisfy degree requirements.
Courses Offered
- Introduction to Paralegal Study
- Civil Litigation
- Commercial Law
- Law Office Management and Technology
- Ethics and Professionalism
- Administrative Law
Contact Information
- Address: 201 Highway US 321 South, Dallas, North Carolina - 28034
- Phone: 704-922-6200
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
Paralegal Salary Information
Online salary data shows that Charlotte’s paralegals make an average annual salary of just over $66,000.00 per year.
Entry-level paralegals on the lower end of the salary scale, paralegals working in rural areas, and those with less experience report average annual salaries that start around $58,000.00 a year.
Higher-earning paralegals in North Carolina can earn as much as $75,000.00 per year through a combination of education, credentialing, and substantive legal experience that command higher salaries.
Local legal assistants who take on in-demand legal specializations can also see their salaries increase.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$58K |
|
$66K |
|
$75K |
Average Salary in Charlotte, NC
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Charlotte | $66,000 |
Steps to Become a Paralegal in Charlotte
Becoming a certified North Carolina paralegal requires aspiring legal assistants to complete the following steps.
Step #1. – Complete High School or Earn a GED
NC paralegals are required to have qualifying education and experience before becoming eligible to work alongside area attorneys and judicial officials working in local law offices and courts.
Post-secondary paralegal programs require new applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent before acceptance. Most programs will also require students to be at least 18 years old.
Step #2. – Complete a Certification-Based Paralegal Studies Program
Once you have completed high school and reached 18, you can begin researching local paralegal studies schools to find your best fit.
Choose the program that offers certification-based training for the national or state-based credential you seek.
Step #3. – Apply for Paralegal Certification
Paralegal graduates from approved programs become eligible to apply for state or national certification.
North Carolina is one of the US states that offers certification through the State Bar Association.
North Carolina paralegals can seek certification credentials from a few local and national authorities.
The North Carolina State Bar currently recognizes the following paralegal designations.
- National Association of Legal Assistants – Certified Paralegal (CP), Certified Legal Assistant (CLA)
- National Federation of Paralegal Associations – Certified Registered Paralegal (CRP)
- National Association for Legal Support Professionals – Professional Paralegal (PP)
- North Carolina State Bar Association – NC Certified Paralegal
Step #4. – Find a Paralegal Job in North Carolina
Certified paralegals can seek employment at local law firms, courts, government agencies, banks, corporations, and beyond.
The best paralegal programs offer career placement and advising assistance that helps graduates secure legal employment.
Step #5. – Maintain Your Paralegal Credential with Continuing Legal Education
Working paralegals must periodically renew their certification credentials according to the rules and standards of their certifying authority.
Paralegal schools offering certificate and degree programs typically provide Continuing Legal Education credits that satisfy recertification requirements.
Learn more about how to become a certified paralegal by visiting the State Bar of North Carolina website.
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