Paralegal Technology

Approved by the American Bar Association and North Carolina Bar Certified

Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.

The Paralegal Technology curriculum is designed to prepare individuals to work under attorneys' supervision by performing routine legal tasks and assisting with substantive legal work. The program offers both an Associate Degree and a Post Baccalaureate Diploma that is designed specifically for students who have a bachelor's degree. 

The curriculum includes substantive and procedural legal courses in such areas as civil litigation, legal research and writing, real estate, family law, wills, estates, trusts, and commercial law. Additionally, the curriculum includes required courses in English, Computer Literacy and Communications.The program also offers a review course that prepares students for the North Carolina State Paralegal Certification Exam. Required courses also include subjects such as English and computer utilization.

Graduates are trained to assist attorneys in various areas of the law in drafting, filing legal documents, writing, researching, and managing the law office. Employment opportunities are available in private law firms, governmental agencies, banks, insurance agencies, and other business organizations. 

A paralegal/legal assistant may not practice law, give legal advice, or represent clients in a court of law.

For specific information about potential positions and wages in paralegal employment, visit the Central Piedmont Career Coach website.

Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.

Paralegal Technology (A25380)

Degree Awarded

An Associate in Applied Science in Paralegal Technology degree is awarded by the college upon completion of this program.

Admissions

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Placement test scores will determine placement in English and mathematics courses.
• Students should take both LEX110 and ENG 111 as co-requisites and must earn a "C" or better in both courses in order to advance to other sequential LEX courses.  Students who have taken and passed English 111 satisfactorily prior to their first semester in the program, may take LEX 110, 120 and 140 simultaneously.
• A student must receive a final grade of "C" or higher in a LEX course to received course credit towards a Paralegal Technology A.A.S. degree (A25380)
• LEX 110 is a prerequisite to all other LEX courses for A.A.S. students.
• Students should take courses sequentially by semester to maintain the learning foundation.
   
• Many courses have prerequisites or co-requisites; check the Courses section for details.

Contact Information

The Paralegal Technology Program is in the Business Division. For more information, visit the Central Piedmont Paralegal Technology Program website. Program questions may be directed to the program navigator by calling 704.330.2722, ext. 7845.The Paralegal Technology program chair can be reached by calling 704.330.6777. The program's college counselor can be reached by calling 704.330.2722, ext. 7171.

Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.

Paralegal Technology Diploma (D25380)

Diploma Awarded

A post-baccalaureate diploma in Paralegal Technology is awarded by the college upon completion of this program.

Admissions

• This program is open only to students who have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• An official undergraduate transcript must be on file with the College’s records department.
• LEX 110 is a prerequisite to all other LEX courses except LEX 120 and LEX 140 for diploma (D25380) students. In addition to taking LEX 110, students should take LEX 120 and LEX 140 in their first semester and prior to taking other LEX courses.
• A student must receive a final grade of “C‘” or higher in an LEX course in order to receive course credit towards a Paralegal Technology Post-Baccalaureate diploma (D25380).

Contact Information

The Paralegal Technology Program is in the Business and Accounting Division. For more information, visit the Central Piedmont Paralegal Technology Program website. Program questions may be directed to the program navigator at 704-330-2722, ext. 7845. The Paralegal Technology program chair can be reached by phone at 704.330.6777. Additionally, the program’s college counselor can be reached by calling 704-330-2722, ext. 7171.  

No certificates are offered in Paralegal Technology.

Paralegal Technology Suggested Course Sequences

Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.

The following is the suggested plan for when to take each course to complete the Associate in Applied Science degree, based on the program requirements of the 2024-2025 catalog.  This is only a recommendation — you may take courses in another order upon consultation with your advisor. This plan is based on you starting with college-level math and English courses, starting your program in the fall, and attending full-time. You can also follow this sequence if you attend part-time. Speak with your academic advisor about the plan and any questions. This program might also offer diplomas or certificates; visit the catalog or contact the program for details.   Visit the Academic Advising page for instructions on locating your assigned advisor:    https://www.cpcc.edu/academics/academic-advising

• Paralegal Technology (degree) (A25380)
• Paralegal Technology (diploma) (D25380)

Paralegal Technology (degree) (A25380)

Paralegal Technology (diploma) (D25380)