Trade Schools
If you want to start a non-lawyer career in the legal field, the paralegal profession can be the right fit for you.
Paralegals and legal assistants are usually responsible for completing tasks such as:
- Maintaining and organizing files
- Conducting legal research
- Drafting documents
- Investigating and gathering facts of a case
- Getting affidavits and other formal statements that can be used as evidence in court
- Helping lawyers during trials
- And more
As more law firms are looking to minimize costs for their clients, many tasks that were previously completed by entry-level lawyers are now assigned to paralegals.
This leads to an increased demand for skilled workers in this profession.
Before being ready for employment as a paralegal you will need an associate’s degree in paralegal studies or a bachelor’s degree in a different field and a certificate in paralegal studies.
On this page, we will compile information about the best paralegal schools in North Dakota and the programs offered.
1University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota offers a variety of degree and certificate programs for students who want to start a career in law.
Courses Offered
The following paralegal/legal courses are available at the university:
- eDiscovery for Paralegal
- Paralegal
- Advanced Paralegal Certificate Course
- Legal Nurse Consultant Training Courses
- Employment Law
- Legal Secretary
- Legal Investigation
- Victim Advocacy
- And more
The Paralegal program costs $1,895 and is provided in partnership with CLS by Barbri.
The most popular format available at the school can be completed in two, seven-week instructor-led sessions.
The school’s interactive platform offers 24/7 online course access with video and printed tutorials available.
The program teaches students practical skills, including how to assist trial attorneys, interview witnesses, investigate complex fact patterns, research the law, and assist lawyers when preparing cases for the courtroom.
Contact Information
- Address: O’Kelly Hall Room 300, 221 Centennial Dr. Stop 9021, Grand Forks, ND 58202-9021
- Phone: 701.777.0488
- Website: https://und.edu
2Liberty University
A variety of paralegal programs are also available online at schools located in other states and can be completed by students at their own pace, from the comfort of their homes.
One such program is provided by Liberty University
About the School
Liberty University is an accredited Christian college with a 7,000-acre campus.
The university located in Lynchburg, Virginia, provides a variety of programs available at the associate, bachelor’s master’s, and doctoral levels.
The programs are offered fully online.
The courses are taught from a Christian perspective.
Courses Offered
The Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies program available at Liberty University provides students with the experience and practical skills that make students marketable while they pursue a Bachelor’s degree.
The program prepares students with a foundational knowledge of criminal law and procedures, writing depositions, and real estate transactions, and in-demand skills such as performing title searches.
The program includes 60 credit hours and can be completed in one and a half years on average.
Contact Information
- Address: 1971 University Blvd., Lynchburg, Virginia 24515
- Phone: (888) 376-3157
- Website: https://www.liberty.edu
3Rasmussen University
Rasmussen University provides more than 50 programs and multiple start dates each year.
The university has a history of more than 120 years.
Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Classes are available at 22 locations and online.
Courses Offered
The following justice studies programs are available at the university:
- Criminal Justice
- Law Enforcement
- Paralegal
The Paralegal program prepares students for careers as an integral part of the legal system.
The online paralegal program teaches students about the legal system and the importance of legal ethics.
Students learn from practicing judges, attorneys, and paralegals.
The program leads to a Paralegal Associate’s degree in as few as 18 months.
Those who already have an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree can graduate with a Paralegal Certificate online in as few as eight months.
The paralegal curriculum includes courses such as:
- Introduction to Law and the Legal System
- Introduction to Legal Research
- Paralegal Capstone
- Legal Ethics
- Law Office Management
- Family Law
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 385 Douglas Ave Suite #1000, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
- Phone: 407-635-8200
- Website: https://info.rasmussen.edu
4South Florida International College
North Dakota students may also earn a degree or certificate in paralegal studies by pursuing the program offered by the South Florida International College.
South Florida International College offers a series of programs designed to train competent professionals in different career paths.
Courses Offered
Among many other paths, the college provides an associate degree program in Paralegal Studies that is available in English and Spanish.
After completing this program, students have the required education and training to become a paralegal.
Students learn how to draft basic legal documents such as complaints, responses, and contracts, interview clients, conduct independent research on legal issues, draft legal memoranda, and perform a variety of other tasks in a legal office.
The program is available in two formats: online and hybrid.
Applicants need:
- High school Diploma, GED, or equivalent
- Official transcripts
- Statement of student’s professional goals
- Foreign students who are registering for programs taught in English need TOEFL scores
Contact Information
- Address: 9000 NW 25th St, Doral, FL 33172
- Phone: 855 457 7738
- Website: https://sficollege.com
5Arizona State University
Arizona State University helps students earn a degree on their schedule from anywhere in the world.
More than 300 online degrees and certificates are available at the university.
Courses Offered
The following law, criminal justice, and public policy degrees are included in the university’s catalog:
- Tourism and Recreation Management
- Justice Studies
- Business- Law
- Political Science
- Sports Law and Business
- Social Work
- Legal Studies
- And more
The Master of Legal Studies provided at Arizona State University is an advanced degree designed for students who are interested in understanding law, but not practicing it.
The program helps students build a foundation in U.S. law before they choose the electives that support their career goals.
Ten classes are available in total.
The program includes 30 credit hours in total.
Students take courses on:
- U.S. Law and Legal Analysis
- Administrative Agencies and Regulations
- Criminal Law
- Criminal Procedure
- Fundamentals of Contract Law
- Intellectual Property
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1151 S Forest Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281
- Phone: 855.278.5080
- Website: https://asuonline.asu.edu
6Brighton Programs
About the School
The Paralegal Institute prepares students for careers as paralegals, legal assistants, legal nurse consultants, or related positions in the allied health field.
The school has an open enrollment model that allows students to start their studies immediately and balance their education with their current responsibilities.
The programs are available online and give students the opportunity to set their schedules.
This Paralegal Studies Certificate program costs $2,994 and includes total tuition and enrollment fee.
Courses Offered
The following courses are included in the curriculum:
- Paralegal Theory
- Legal Research
- Legal Analysis and Writing
- Litigation and Trial Practice
- Business Organizations
- Torts: Personal Injury Litigation
- Contracts
After successfully completing the program, students are eligible to sit for the National Association for Legal Assistants Certification Exam.
Paralegal Continuing Education programs are available to help students keep a competitive edge as they pursue advanced career opportunities.
Contact Information
- Address: 10446 N. 74th Street, Suite 100, Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
- Phone: 602.212.0501
- Website: https://brighton.learnkey.com
7Purdue Global
About the School
Paralegal programs are available at Purdue University Global and are designed to help working adults earn a degree.
Purdue Global provides an online university designed to fit into the students’ busy life.
Courses Offered
Among many other program pathways, the university provides the following legal studies programs:
- Master of Science in Legal Studies
- Associate of Applied Science in Legal Support and Services
- Legal Secretary Certificate
- Pathway to Paralegal Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- And more
The Pathway to Paralegal Postbaccalaureate Certificate can be completed in 11 months.
The certificate requires 36-37 credits.
The program costs $371 per credit.
Students learn from a faculty of legal practitioners with real-world expertise in legal services, law, and policy.
The curriculum covers topics such as:
- Introduction to the Law and Legal Profession
- Civil Litigation
- Legal Ethics
- Law Office Management
- Legal Research and Writing
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2550 Northwestern Avenue, Suite 1100, West Lafayette, IN 47906
- Phone: 866-522-7747
- Website: https://www.purdueglobal.edu
8Anoka Technical College
About the School
Located in the neighboring state of Minnesota, Anoka Technical College provides degrees, diplomas, and certificates that prepare students for careers in more than 70 areas of study.
Students receive hands-on training from industry experts.
Affordable and flexible learning options are available.
Anoka Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
The college provides a Legal Office Specialist program offered completely online with part-time options.
The program is developed by legal professionals and is certified by Minnesota WIOA.
The Anoka Technical College Associate of Applied Science degree in Legal Office Specialist is a 60-credit program that covers administrative support and legal courses.
The Legal Office Specialist curriculum includes courses such as:
- Business Law
- Microsoft Word
- Strengths and Wellness
- Legal Procedures
- Administrative Office Procedures
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1355 West Highway 10, Anoka, MN 55303
- Phone: 763-433-1100
- Website: https://www.anokatech.edu
9Ridgewater College
Ridgewater College helps students achieve a college degree for more than 50 years.
Courses Offered
Ridgewater College provides a Legal Assistant program that combines administrative assistant skills with legal research and support.
The following pathways are available:
- Legal Assistant Associate in Applied Science
- Legal Assistant Certificate
- Legal Assistant Diploma
This program is delivered fully online.
The college provides fall and spring starts.
Students enrolled in this program learn a variety of skills, including:
- Transcript and technology
- Legal terminology
- Document composition for legal matters
- Hands-on legal research and actions
- Office procedures
- Timekeeping and billing statements
The diploma program includes requirements such as:
- Administrative Office Procedures
- Family Law and Estate Planning/Probate
- Legal Documentation
- Legal Research
- Advanced Legal Practice
- Computer Technology Professional Development Skills
- And more
Students also need to complete 12 credits of technical electives, such as:
- Payroll Preparation
- Business Presentations
- Access
- PowerPoint
- Desktop Publishing
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2 Century Ave SE, Hutchinson, MN 55350
- Phone: 320-222-5200
- Website: https://ridgewater.edu
10The University of Providence
About the School
Located in Montana, The University of Providence offers 30 programs and concentrations.
The university provides a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
A variety of majors, minors, certificate programs, and concentrations are available both on-campus or online to create an educational experience designed to help students obtain their professional goals.
Courses Offered
Among many other programs, the university provides a Legal Studies Degree program that is approved by the American Bar Association.
An online format is available to provide students with the flexibility to keep a job while preparing for a new career.
By attending this program, students get ready for paralegal positions or law school.
The Legal Studies curriculum includes courses such as:
- Commercial Law
- Introduction to Legal Analysis
- Legal Research and Writing
- Litigation and Trial Practice
- Legal and Paralegal Capstone
The following specialty elective courses are also available:
- Domestic and Family Law
- Property Law
- Estate Law
- Debtor-Creditor Law
- Legal Research Institute
Other approved electives include Commercial Law, Criminal Evidence and Procedure, Personal Injury Law, Negotiation & Mediation, Evidence and Remedies, and more.
Contact Information
- Address: 1301 20th Street South, Great Falls, Montana 59405
- Phone: 800-856-9544
- Website: https://www.uprovidence.edu
Regional Salary in North Dakota
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck, ND | 210 | $54,980 | $26.43 | $71,240 | $39,110 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | 230 | $59,500 | $28.61 | $77,780 | $41,800 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | 70 | $51,900 | $24.95 | $70,270 | $36,180 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
North Dakota students have plenty of training options that prepare them to start a career in the paralegal profession.
Now that you have read our selection of the top training programs available in your region, it’s time to continue the research and choose the program that best meets your needs.
