Paralegal Technology
Program Overview
The Paralegal Technology curriculum prepares individuals to perform routine legal tasks and assist with substantive legal work under the supervision of attorneys. Although paralegals may not practice law, give legal advice, or represent clients in a court of law, they provide important legal research, writing, and office management skills to their employers. Carteret Community College offers one of only seven Paralegal Technology programs in North Carolina approved by the American Bar Association. The program is also qualified by the North Carolina State Bar. Graduates of our ABA-approved paralegal program are automatically qualified to sit for the North Carolina Bar's Certified Paralegal examination.
Course work in Paralegal Technology provides students substantive and procedural legal knowledge in the areas of civil litigation, legal research and writing, real estate, family law, wills, estates, trusts, and commercial law. Core legal classes are offered in synchronous online format, allowing face-to-face instruction and student interaction from any location. Additional required courses include English, mathematics, and computer. Students must take at least nine semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction.
Outstanding students may be invited to membership in Lambda Epsilon Chi, a paralegal honor society. LEX has over 150 chapters in the United States. The host institutions, Carteret Community College, select students who meet high academic criteria and induct the students into the honor society with an annual ceremony and presentation of special pins. LEX is administered by the American Association for Paralegal and Legal Education (AAfPE).
Graduates are trained to assist attorneys in probate work, investigations, public records search, drafting and filing legal documents, research, and office management. Employment opportunities are available in private law firms, governmental agencies, banks, insurance agencies, and other business organizations.
AAS Degree - Paralegal Technology
An Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree is built to get you career-ready. Completed in about two (2) years, you’ll gain classroom knowledge and hands-on experience while applying scientific and business principles to real-world work in areas such as healthcare, information technology, development, production, business administration, management, or service.
Course Sequence
Fall Semester
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACA-122 | College Transfer Success | 1 |
| ENG-111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3 |
| LEX-110 | Introduction to Paralegal Study | 2 |
| LEX-120 | Legal Research/Writing I | 3 |
| LEX-140 | Civil Litigation I | 3 |
| LEX-210 | Real Property I | 3 |
| Sub-Total Credits | 15 | |
Spring Semester
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LEX-130 | Civil Injuries | 3 |
| LEX-141 | Civil Litigation II | 3 |
| LEX-211 | Real Property II | 3 |
| POL-120 | American Government | 3 |
| SOC-210 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Sub-Total Credits | 15 | |
Summer Semester
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CIS-110 | Introduction to Computers | 3 |
| LEX-270 | Law Office Management/Technology | 2 |
| LEX-280 | Ethics & Professionalism | 2 |
| Sub-Total Credits | 7 | |
Fall Semester
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COM-231 or ENG-114 | Public Speaking or Professional Research & Reporting | 3 |
| LEX-150 | Commercial Law I | 3 |
| LEX-240 | Family Law | 3 |
| LEX-250 | Wills, Estates, & Trusts | 3 |
| CJC-231 | Constitutional Law | 3 |
| MAT-110 | Mathematical Measurement and Literacy | 3 |
| Sub-Total Credits | 18 | |
Spring Semester
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACC-120 or OST-184 | Principles of Financial Accounting or Records Management | 4 |
| CJC-131 | Criminal Law | 3 |
| HUM-115 or HUM-120 | Critical Thinking or Cultural Studies Choose one: HUM-115: Critical Thinking; HUM-120: Cultural Studies | 3 |
| LEX-271 | Law Office Writing | 2 |
| WBL-111 | Work-Based Learning I | 1 |
| WBL-115 | Work-Based Learning Seminar I | 1 |
| Sub-Total Credits | 13-14 | |
Total Credits: 69 credits
Diploma - Paralegal Post Baccalaureate
Diploma programs are designed to provide focused, entry-level training that can typically be completed in about one (1) year. These programs may stand alone or be structured within an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree pathway. This allows students to enter the workforce quickly or continue their studies by completing additional coursework to earn a full AAS degree.
Course Sequence
Fall Semester
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG-111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3 |
| LEX-110 | Introduction to Paralegal Study | 2 |
| LEX-120 | Legal Research/Writing I | 3 |
| LEX-140 | Civil Litigation I | 3 |
| LEX-210 | Real Property I | 3 |
| LEX-250 | Wills, Estates, & Trusts | 3 |
| Sub-Total Credits | 17 | |
Spring Semester
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LEX-130 | Civil Injuries | 3 |
| LEX-141 | Civil Litigation II | 3 |
| LEX-211 | Real Property II | 3 |
| MAT-110 | Mathematical Measurement and Literacy | 3 |
| ACC-120 or CJC-131 or OST-136 or OST-184 | Principles of Financial Accounting or Criminal Law or Word Processing or Records Management | 4 |
| Sub-Total Credits | 15-16 | |
Summer Semester
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LEX-280 | Ethics & Professionalism | 2 |
| WBL-111 | Work-Based Learning I | 1 |
| WBL-115 | Work-Based Learning Seminar I | 1 |
| Sub-Total Credits | 4 | |
Total Credits: 37 credits
Pathway - Legal Studies (CCP)
Career & College Promise (CCP) offers high school students the opportunity to take tuition-free college courses that count toward both high school and college graduation requirements. In about two years or less, students can complete college credits, certificates, or other credentials—giving them a valuable head start on their education and career goals. By enrolling in CCP, students save time, save money, and gain the confidence of knowing they are already on the path to success in college and beyond.
Please note - the Legal Studies Certificate is not approved by the American Bar Association.Course Sequence
Fall Semester
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LEX-110 | Introduction to Paralegal Study | 2 |
| LEX-140 | Civil Litigation I | 3 |
| Sub-Total Credits | 5 | |
Spring Semester
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LEX-240 | Family Law | 3 |
| Sub-Total Credits | 3 | |
Fall Semester
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LEX-150 | Commercial Law I | 3 |
| LEX-210 | Real Property I | 3 |
| Sub-Total Credits | 6 | |
Total Credits: 14 credits
WCE Available Classes
Boost your skills, explore new careers, or stay current in your field with Carteret C’s Workforce Continuing Education. Our flexible, non-credit courses—offered online or in-person—range from a few hours to several hundred hours and cover everything from technical training to professional development and personal enrichment. Affordable and practical, these courses help you grow your career and reach your goals on your schedule.
Program Overview
The Paralegal Technology curriculum prepares individuals to perform routine legal tasks and assist with substantive legal work under the supervision of attorneys. Although paralegals may not practice law, give legal advice, or represent clients in a court of law, they provide important legal research, writing, and office management skills to their employers. Carteret Community College offers one of only seven Paralegal Technology programs in North Carolina approved by the American Bar Association. The program is also qualified by the North Carolina State Bar. Graduates of our ABA-approved paralegal program are automatically qualified to sit for the North Carolina Bar's Certified Paralegal examination.
Course work in Paralegal Technology provides students substantive and procedural legal knowledge in the areas of civil litigation, legal research and writing, real estate, family law, wills, estates, trusts, and commercial law. Core legal classes are offered in synchronous online format, allowing face-to-face instruction and student interaction from any location. Additional required courses include English, mathematics, and computer. Students must take at least nine semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction.
Outstanding students may be invited to membership in Lambda Epsilon Chi, a paralegal honor society. LEX has over 150 chapters in the United States. The host institutions, Carteret Community College, select students who meet high academic criteria and induct the students into the honor society with an annual ceremony and presentation of special pins. LEX is administered by the American Association for Paralegal and Legal Education (AAfPE).
Graduates are trained to assist attorneys in probate work, investigations, public records search, drafting and filing legal documents, research, and office management. Employment opportunities are available in private law firms, governmental agencies, banks, insurance agencies, and other business organizations.
AAS Degree - Paralegal Technology
Stay on track towards graduation.
Course Sequence
Fall Semester
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACA-122 | College Transfer Success | 1 |
| ENG-111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3 |
| LEX-110 | Introduction to Paralegal Study | 2 |
| LEX-120 | Legal Research/Writing I | 3 |
| LEX-140 | Civil Litigation I | 3 |
| LEX-210 | Real Property I | 3 |
| Sub-Total Credits | 15 | |
Spring Semester
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LEX-130 | Civil Injuries | 3 |
| LEX-141 | Civil Litigation II | 3 |
| LEX-211 | Real Property II | 3 |
| POL-120 | American Government | 3 |
| SOC-210 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Sub-Total Credits | 15 | |
Summer Semester
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CIS-110 | Introduction to Computers | 3 |
| LEX-270 | Law Office Management/Technology | 2 |
| LEX-280 | Ethics & Professionalism | 2 |
| Sub-Total Credits | 7 | |
Fall Semester
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COM-231 or ENG-114 | Public Speaking or Professional Research & Reporting | 3 |
| LEX-150 | Commercial Law I | 3 |
| LEX-240 | Family Law | 3 |
| LEX-250 | Wills, Estates, & Trusts | 3 |
| CJC-231 | Constitutional Law | 3 |
| MAT-110 | Mathematical Measurement and Literacy | 3 |
| Sub-Total Credits | 18 | |
Spring Semester
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACC-120 or OST-184 | Principles of Financial Accounting or Records Management | 4 |
| CJC-131 | Criminal Law | 3 |
| HUM-115 or HUM-120 | Critical Thinking or Cultural Studies Choose one: HUM-115: Critical Thinking; HUM-120: Cultural Studies | 3 |
| LEX-271 | Law Office Writing | 2 |
| WBL-111 | Work-Based Learning I | 1 |
| WBL-115 | Work-Based Learning Seminar I | 1 |
| Sub-Total Credits | 13-14 | |
Total Credits: 69 credits
Diploma - Paralegal Post Baccalaureate
Stay on track towards graduation.
Course Sequence
Fall Semester
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG-111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3 |
| LEX-110 | Introduction to Paralegal Study | 2 |
| LEX-120 | Legal Research/Writing I | 3 |
| LEX-140 | Civil Litigation I | 3 |
| LEX-210 | Real Property I | 3 |
| LEX-250 | Wills, Estates, & Trusts | 3 |
| Sub-Total Credits | 17 | |
Spring Semester
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LEX-130 | Civil Injuries | 3 |
| LEX-141 | Civil Litigation II | 3 |
| LEX-211 | Real Property II | 3 |
| MAT-110 | Mathematical Measurement and Literacy | 3 |
| ACC-120 or CJC-131 or OST-136 or OST-184 | Principles of Financial Accounting or Criminal Law or Word Processing or Records Management | 4 |
| Sub-Total Credits | 15-16 | |
Summer Semester
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LEX-280 | Ethics & Professionalism | 2 |
| WBL-111 | Work-Based Learning I | 1 |
| WBL-115 | Work-Based Learning Seminar I | 1 |
| Sub-Total Credits | 4 | |
Total Credits: 37 credits
Pathway - Legal Studies (CCP)
Career & College Promise (CCP) offers high school students the opportunity to take tuition-free college courses that count toward both high school and college graduation requirements. Please note - the Legal Studies Certificate is not approved by the American Bar Association.Course Sequence
Fall Semester
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LEX-110 | Introduction to Paralegal Study | 2 |
| LEX-140 | Civil Litigation I | 3 |
| Sub-Total Credits | 5 | |
Spring Semester
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LEX-240 | Family Law | 3 |
| Sub-Total Credits | 3 | |
Fall Semester
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LEX-150 | Commercial Law I | 3 |
| LEX-210 | Real Property I | 3 |
| Sub-Total Credits | 6 | |
Total Credits: 14 credits
WCE Available Classes
Accreditation
The Paralegal Technology program at Carteret Community College is approved by the American Bar Association.
Paralegal Technology Approved by the American Bar Association
321 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60610
Website: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/paralegals/
Qualified Paralegal Education program through the North Carolina State Bar
208 Fayetteville Street-PO Box 25908, Raleigh, NC 27611-5908
Website: http://www.nccertifiedparalegal.gov
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