Trade Schools
With an estimated job growth of 14 percent over the next decade, paralegals will continue to be hired in law offices to perform a variety of tasks.
As law firms are looking to cut costs for their clients, paralegals are now performing tasks that were previously assigned to entry-level lawyers.
Although job descriptions vary, paralegals are usually responsible for:
- Drafting legal documents
- Investigating facts relevant to a case
- Organizing and maintaining documents on paper and in electronic formats
- Helping lawyers during trials
- File exhibits, briefs, and other documents
- And more
Before being ready to apply for entry-level employment in the paralegal field, the first step is to complete a post-secondary training program at a trade school or community college.
Paralegals typically need an associate degree in Paralegal Studies or a bachelor’s degree in a different field followed by a certificate in Paralegal Studies.
North Carolina residents have access to a variety of training programs, available both on-campus and online.
To help you choose the one that best meets your learning style and career aspirations, on this page, we have compiled information about the top paralegal training programs in your state.
1Carteret Community College
About the School
Carteret Community College is located in Bogue Sound and is one of 58 institutions included in the North Carolina Community College System.
The college provides more than 90 associate’s degrees, diplomas, and certificates that prepare students for transfer to a university or employment.
Short-term non-degree programs are also available.
Courses Offered
The Paralegal Technology program available at Carteret Community College prepares students who can perform routine legal tasks under the supervision of an attorney.
The courses provide students with knowledge in civil litigation, legal research and writing, real estate, family law, trusts, commercial law, and more.
Core legal classes are provided in a synchronous online format and allow face-to-face instruction and student interaction from any location.
A degree completion plan and a Diploma completion plan are available.
After completion of the Associate in Applied Science or Diploma programs, graduates may sit for the North Carolina Certified Paralegal Exam administered by the North Carolina State Bar.
Contact Information
- Address: 3505 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC 28557
- Phone: 252-222-6000
- Website: https://carteret.edu
2Cape Fear Community College
About the School
Cape Fear Community College provides more than 70 programs of study.
The average class size is 17.
The total cost for students enrolled at the college is $154 per credit for in-state students.
Courses Offered
The Paralegal Technology program available at Cape Fear Community College prepares students for work in a law firm.
This program trains students to assist attorneys, draft legal documents, and perform substantive legal work.
Courses cover topics such as civil litigation, legal research and writing, real estate, family law, wills, trusts, commercial law, and more.
The curriculum includes courses such as:
- Intro to Paralegal Study
- Legal Research/Writing
- Civil Injuries
- Commercial Law
- Real Property
- Criminal Law & Procedure
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 411 North Front Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
- Phone: (910) 362-7000
- Website: https://cfcc.edu
3Durham Tech
About the School
Durham Tech serves more than 18,000 students annually across seven campuses in Durham and Orange Counties.
The college also provides various online courses.
Courses Offered
Among many other career paths, Durham Tech provides a Paralegal Technology- Diploma program.
The curriculum prepares students to work under the supervision of attorneys by performing routine tasks and assisting with substantive legal work.
The coursework covers topics such as civil litigation, legal research and writing, real estate, family law, wills, estates, trusts, and commercial law.
Graduates prepare for work assisting attorneys in probate work, investigations, drafting and filing legal documents, research, office management, and more.
Employment opportunities are available in private law firms, banks, insurance agencies, and other business organizations.
The plan of study includes courses on:
- Intro to Paralegal Study
- Legal Research/Writing
- Civil Litigation
- Commercial Law
- Family Law
- Ethics and Professionalism
- Civil Injuries
- And more
Students need a minimum of 46 semester hours for a diploma.
Contact Information
- Address: 1637 East Lawson Street, Durham, NC 27703
- Phone: 919-536-7200
- Website: https://www.durhamtech.edu
4Wake Tech
About the School
Wake Tech offers a variety of degree, diploma, and certificate programs.
The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees.
Courses Offered
The Paralegal Technology program available at Wake Tech leads to an Associate in Applied Science.
The curriculum prepares students for work under the supervision of attorneys and teaches them how to perform routine legal tasks and assist with substantive legal work.
Coursework includes civil litigation, legal research and writing, real estate, estates, trusts, commercial law, and more.
Students also take English, mathematics, and computer use.
Graduates know how to assist attorneys in probate work, investigations, public records research, research, office management, and other similar tasks.
Contact Information
- Address: Southern Wake Campus: 9101 Fayetteville Road, Raleigh, NC 27603
- Phone: 919-866-5000
- Website: https://www.waketech.edu
5Duke University
About the School
Duke University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate, master’s, doctorate, and professional degrees.
Courses Offered
Duke University provides a Paralegal Studies program that leads to a Certificate.
This program is taught by practicing attorneys and is offered virtually through Zoom.
The Paralegal Online Certificate program is a 300-hour course of study designed to train students in all aspects of this profession.
The curriculum is applicable to all 50 states.
Students learn how to:
- Conduct client interviews
- Locate and interview witnesses
- Conduct legal research
- Summarize depositions, interrogatories, and testimony
- Attend executions on wills
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2080 Duke University Road, Durham, NC 27708
- Phone: (919) 684-8111
- Website: https://duke.edu
6North Carolina Central University
About the School
North Carolina Central University offers top-ranked programs in science, law, business, education, and other disciplines.
The student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1
The average class size is 22.
Courses Offered
The university provides an Online Certified Paralegal program that prepares students for the Certified Paralegal exam offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants.
Students learn how to perform a variety of tasks, including legal research, interviews, analysis, and other tasks that paralegals experience every day.
The curriculum covers topics such as:
- Paralegal in the Legal System
- On-the-Job Realities
- Regulation of Paralegals
- Introduction to the Legal System
- Legal Interviewing
- Litigation Management
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1801 Fayetteville St. Durham, NC 27707
- Phone: (919) 530-6100
- Website: https://www.nccu.edu
7North Carolina State University
About the School
North Carolina State University offers more than 100 undergraduate majors and more than 200 master’s and doctoral programs.
The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate degrees.
Courses Offered
The Paralegal Certificate course offered by North Carolina State University is available online.
This course includes two parts: Paralegal I and Paralegal II.
After completing the program students receive a Paralegal Certificate from NC State University.
Students have 14 weeks to complete the course.
The program provides comprehensive knowledge of the American judicial system and learn practical skills such as assisting trial attorneys, interviewing witnesses, investigating complex fact patterns, and more.
Students also learn the basics of law office management and informal and formal advocacy.
Contact Information
- Address: Raleigh, NC 27695
- Phone: 919.515.2011
- Website: https://www.ncsu.edu
8East Carolina University
About the School
East Carolina University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
Courses Offered
Among many other pathways, the university provides a variety of Continuing and Professional Education programs.
Advanced legal career training programs are available through CLS by Barbri, including:
- Paralegal Certificate Course
- Advanced Certificate Course
- Intellectual Property Law for Engineers Certificate Course
- Legal Secretary Certificate Course
- Legal Investigation Certificate Course
- And more
The Paralegal Certificate Course teaches students a variety of practical skills, including:
- How to assist trial attorneys
- Witness interviewing
- How to investigate complex fact patterns
- How to research the law
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: Willis Building, Mailstop 310 Greenville, NC 27858
- Phone: 252-328-6131
- Website: https://www.ecu.edu
9Central Carolina Community College
About the School
Central Carolina Community College provides a variety of degree, diploma, and certificate programs that prepare students for a career or transfer to a university.
The summer 2023 in-state cost is $89 per credit hour
The fall 2023 in-state cost is $129 per credit hour.
Courses Offered
The Paralegal Technology program provided by the Central Carolina Community College teaches students a variety of useful skills, including how to perform legal research, draft wills, trusts, complaints, and pleadings.
The following degree options are available:
- Associate in Applied Science in Paralegal Technology- a day program available at Lee Main Campus- this program can be completed in five semesters
- Diploma in Paralegal Technology- a three-semester program
- Certificate in Paralegal Technology- a two-semester short-term: Notary Public program
Contact Information
- Address: 1105 Kelly Dr. Sanford, NC 27330-9840
- Phone: (919) 775-5401
- Website: https://www.cccc.edu
10Fayetteville Technical Community College
About the School
Fayetteville Technical Community College provides more than 280 academic programs that lead to associate degrees, diplomas, or certificates as well as transfer to four-year universities.
Courses Offered
The Paralegal Technology program offered by Fayetteville Technical Community College prepares students for employment under the supervision of an attorney where they can perform routine legal tasks and assist with substantive legal work.
Paralegal students learn how to perform tasks such as:
- Drafting and Filing Legal Documents
- Investigations
- Office Management
- Probate Work
- Public Records Search
- Research
- And more
The program is approved by the American Bar Association.
The following options are available:
- Associate Degree- Paralegal Technology- a five-semester program that requires a high school diploma
- Paralegal Diploma- a three-semester program that requires a BA Degree
Graduates are ready to apply for the North Carolina State Bar Paralegal Certification.
Contact Information
- Address: 2201 Hull Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28303
- Phone: (910) 678-8400
- Website: https://www.faytechcc.edu
Regional Salary in North Carolina
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asheville, NC | 540 | $56,570 | $27.2 | $72,890 | $40,000 |
| Burlington, NC | 70 | $49,950 | $24.01 | $72,790 | $36,390 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | 3,890 | $62,550 | $30.07 | $91,670 | $43,600 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | 710 | $59,660 | $28.69 | $104,100 | $37,980 |
| Fayetteville, NC | 320 | $51,070 | $24.55 | $73,380 | $37,350 |
| Goldsboro, NC | 90 | $45,810 | $22.03 | $68,830 | $33,470 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | 720 | $53,650 | $25.79 | $76,300 | $37,800 |
| Greenville, NC | 150 | $54,670 | $26.29 | $78,230 | $36,970 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | 170 | $48,610 | $23.37 | $66,180 | $37,910 |
| Jacksonville, NC | 190 | $49,600 | $23.84 | $69,100 | $35,360 |
| New Bern, NC | 170 | $52,210 | $25.1 | $74,860 | $36,650 |
| Raleigh, NC | 2,350 | $64,730 | $31.12 | $86,420 | $37,690 |
| Rocky Mount, NC | 80 | $47,830 | $22.99 | $60,330 | $35,710 |
| Wilmington, NC | 470 | $50,300 | $24.18 | $67,910 | $38,130 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | 920 | $52,460 | $25.22 | $74,900 | $38,350 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
If you want to start a non-lawyer career in the legal field, the paralegal profession can be a great option.
Now that you have read our list of the top paralegal schools in North Carolina and the programs they offer, the next step is to continue the research, decide if this career is a right fit for you, and apply for the program that best meets your learning style and career aspirations.
