Paralegal Certificate

UNC Charlotte’s Paralegal Certificate Program combines practical legal training with the flexibility working professionals need. Through live, online instruction, students gain a strong foundation in the legal system, legal research and writing, and key practice areas such as civil litigation, family law, and business law. The program is designed to prepare students with the real-world skills needed to support attorneys and contribute effectively in legal environments.

Program Highlights

• Flexible Online Learning
  Courses are delivered live and 100% online, allowing you to participate from anywhere without commuting. Lectures are also recorded, giving you the flexibility to review course material on your schedule.
• Recognized by the North Carolina State Bar
  The North Carolina State Bar Board of Paralegal Certification has designated UNC Charlotte’s Paralegal Certificate Program as a qualified paralegal studies program, meaning graduates meet the educational requirements needed to apply for certification and sit for the North Carolina Certified Paralegal exam.
• Complete the Program in Six Months
  Students can earn their paralegal certificate in approximately six months of coursework, allowing you to build valuable legal skills and pursue new career opportunities in a relatively short time.
• Affordable Career Advancement
  Earning a professional certificate is a cost-effective way to develop specialized skills and advance your career without committing to a full degree program. Flexible payment plans are also available.
• Focused Legal Writing Instruction
  Strong writing skills are essential for success as a paralegal. The program includes dedicated legal writing labs where students receive individualized feedback from instructors to strengthen their legal writing and analytical abilities.
• Competency-Based Learning
  Assignments and assessments are directly tied to real-world paralegal responsibilities, including legal research, writing, litigation procedures, and administrative law. Each activity is designed to build practical skills used in law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies.
• Designed for Online Learning
  Courses are delivered through a structured and user-friendly online learning environment developed by UNC Charlotte’s Center for Teaching and Learning. The organized platform helps students focus on mastering legal concepts and practical skills.

Paralegals play an essential role in the legal system by supporting attorneys with research, documentation, case preparation, and client communication. Demand for skilled paralegals continues to grow as law firms, corporations, and government agencies seek professionals who can help manage complex legal work efficiently.

According to labor market data from Lightcast, the Charlotte region is considered a hotspot for paralegal employment, meaning the area has a higher-than-average concentration of job opportunities for professionals in this field. This strong local demand can make it easier for qualified candidates to find employment in the region.

Based on Lightcast labor market data, the estimated average annual wage for individuals with a UNC Charlotte paralegal certificate is approximately $54,600. This estimate is based on median wages for related occupations and adjusted for factors such as location, age, and level of education.

In addition to strong regional demand, paralegal careers are consistently recognized as a strong professional pathway. U.S. News & World Report ranks Paralegal as #14 among Best Social Services Jobs, highlighting the profession’s stability, career growth potential, and meaningful role in the legal field.

Job Posting Board

In addition, students enrolled in the program, and program graduates, are eligible for access to the UNC Charlotte Continuing Education Paralegal Facebook group which lists job postings we receive from area employers. While UNC Charlotte does not offer job placement services, area employers are encouraged by the Paralegal Program Director to list their paralegal-related job openings on our Facebook group. The program makes this service available to employers free-of-charge in order to provide our students with up-to-date information about these employment opportunities.

Legal Writing Lab

We believe excellent writing is an essential paralegal skill. Therefore, the UNC Charlotte Paralegal Certificate Program has made a commitment to its students by offering additional instruction with our legal writing instructors. In these labs, students will have the opportunity to receive candid feedback and helpful insight on ways to improve their writing.

LexisNexis Account

All students will also receive a personal LexisNexis account.

All of the instructors in the UNC Charlotte Continuing Education Paralegal Certificate Program are specialists and currently working in their fields. Check out their profiles here.

The Paralegal Certificate Program is for individuals in pursuit of a second career, recent college graduates and working professionals who want to enter the legal field, and working paralegals who want to obtain a North Carolina State Bar-qualified paralegal certificate from an accredited University.

• An associate's degree or college degree is required for the program. You will need to upload an unofficial or official transcript. We will not be able to award your certificate until the transcript is received. An unofficial transcript is acceptable. For questions, please contact ceregistration@charlotte.edu.
• Proficient in English. Students are required to be proficient in their oral and written use of the English language.
• Basic computer/technology skills and access to a computer outside of the classroom.View hardware, software, and connectivity requirements.

• In order to receive the UNC Charlotte Paralegal Certificate, students must earn a grade of C or better in each topic area.
• Instructors will award grades on the basis of tests, homework, papers, and/or other assignments, and attendance policies.
• Students completing the Certificate requirements will be awarded a UNC Charlotte Paralegal Program Certificate.
• Graduates will be eligible to sit for the NC State Bar Paralegal Certification examination. (If you have a criminal conviction, please contact the North Carolina State Bar - Paralegal Certification to find out if you can sit for the exam prior to registering.)