Paralegal

Paralegal Diploma

If you've always been interested in law and the legal system and want a job that allows you to do rewarding work, our online Paralegal Career Diploma can help you prepare to take the first steps on your legal career path. Through self-paced online classes, you'll build the essential skills and knowledge that many legal employers look for in job applicants.

  • Our Paralegal Diploma prepares students to take the first steps toward legal careers such as legal secretary, legal assistant, and paralegal. 
  • Your online paralegal courses cover foundational skills like how to prepare legal paperwork, file court documents, and perform legal research.
  • Enrolled students will receive access to Lexis.com, an Internet-based legal research resource, for the duration of their program.
  • Students who successfully complete the program can transfer up to 14 credits toward Penn Foster's Paralegal Studies Associate Degree.
  • Our online programs are flexible enough for you to finish them at a pace that works for you, based on how much time you can dedicate to your coursework each week.
Accredited
Online
Self Paced

Save up to $240 Ends 10/16/2024

Cost of Program

$749

$989 Save $240

or

$59/month, Start for as low as $20

1-800-471-3232 (9AM - 9PM ET)

paralegal using laptop at desk.

What You Will Learn

  1. How to understand the litigation process for both criminal and civil litigation, including discovery, depositions, interrogatories, laws of evidence, venue, important hearsay exceptions, and rights of the accused.
  2. How to recognize ethical violations and understand ethical rules that regulate conduct of lawyers and paralegals.
  3. How to write an effective legal memorandum, including how to state and characterize facts and legal arguments to best advance a legal position.
  4. How to research primary and secondary sources to determine relevant case law, find statutes and other information from appropriate sources using Lexis.com and other Internet sources, and correctly cite sources.
Full Program Goal & Outcomes

Paralegal Career Outcomes

Paralegal

AVG SALARY*

$59,200/yr

NUMBER OF JOBS*

354,300


Our Paralegal Career Diploma can help students prepare for entry-level legal jobs in a variety of settings including law offices, courthouses, corporate legal departments, and more. 

State Licensing Requirements

Licensing and/or certification requirements for paralegal jobs are not the same in every state and may include educational, testing, and/or experiential requirements beyond those offered in the Penn Foster Program. Prospective students should contact the state professional licensing board or similar regulatory body in the state(s) where they plan to work to determine their requirements before enrolling in this program.  See the State Licensing page for contact information for state licensing/regulatory boards and certain industry licensing information.

Please review your state board requirements that are applicable to your field of study. State boards may impose a variety of different requirements. Penn Foster has determined that the curriculum does not meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in the following state: California.

Paralegal Diploma Curriculum

  • 9 courses
  • 51.2 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
  • 35 exams
  • 11 submitted projects


Estimated completion time:

  • Fast track = 4 months
  • Average time = 11 months

With Penn Foster, you can learn at whatever pace works best for you. Some learners will be more comfortable moving faster, and dedicating more time, and the fast track estimate will apply to them. The average track will apply to most learners who can dedicate a few hours per week to completing their coursework. The estimated completion times are based on completion times for learners enrolled in this program from May 2021 - April 2022, excluding withdrawals.

In our online Paralegal Diploma courses, you'll build fundamental skills and knowledge that can help you prepare for a career in the legal field. Your paralegal classes include:


  • Legal Terminology
  • Business Law Basics
  • Litigation Basics
  • Legal Research and Writing

Show Full Curriculum
paralegal with file folder.

Paralegal Work Experience Option

After completing the academic requirements for the online paralegal diploma, students who wish to get hands-on experience in real-world situations can complete an optional work experience. Penn Foster does not assist in finding a location for students' work experience option. If the student chooses to participate in the work experience option, they are required to find a location on their own.

Paralegal Diploma Success Stories

Penn Foster’s Paralegal Diploma Program can help prepare you for the first step in your legal career. This program has helped recent graduates find new jobs or start their own businesses while learning at their own pace. Learn more about Penn Foster graduates' experiences and how Penn Foster worked for them. 
View Student Success Stories
quote icon

Miyoni H.

Penn Foster Graduate, 2023

“This school helps me strive to be a better me and my best self. I'm thankful for this school.”

Looking for training for your workers?

Penn Foster currently works with hundreds of leading employers to meet their unique organizational needs.
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Paralegal Diploma Tuition

Take the first steps toward a new career with our online Paralegal Career Diploma Program. Simply choose from one of our low-cost customized payment plans below and get started today! 

Option 1: Pay in full

Save up to $240 Ends 10/16/2024

Cost of Program1

$749

$989 Save $240

  • Best price. Best value.
  • Pay the full cost today
  • No monthly payments
Enroll Now

Option 2: Monthly Auto Pay Plan

Save up to $40 Ends 10/16/2024

Cost of Program1

$949

$989 Save $40

  • Pay $59 per month
  • Start for $20 down
  • All major credit and debit cards accepted
Enroll Now

Option 3: Monthly Mail Pay Plan

cost of program1

$989

  • Pay $59 per month
  • Start for $39 down
  • Mail your payments
Enroll Now

California residents please click here for Required California Disclosures.

Need more info or ready to enroll?

Looking for more information on transfer credits, military benefits, or our refund policy? Find this information and more about tuition and enrollment here.

Tuition & Payment Options

We're here to help. Call 1-800-471-3232 (9AM - 9PM ET)

Request Info

Our Proven Paralegal Learning Model

Empowering students to reach their professional goals

Flexible

  • Start anytime 
  • No exam due dates
  • Self-paced

Interactive

  • Digital study guides
  • Self-check quizzes 
  • Simulations and videos

Connected

  • 24/7 access to online resources
  • Online student community 
  • Dedicated Learner Center

Supportive

  • Expert faculty
  • Dedicated student services
  • Robust learning resources

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Online Paralegal Diploma FAQs

What are the top qualities of a paralegal?

There are a few qualities that successful paralegals share. These include strong communication, organization, and research skills. Many of these skills can be learned through in-depth training like the online Paralegal training program from Penn Foster. In this program, you'll learn how to conduct legal research, write effectively, and build your legal knowledge on your schedule, from home.

What can I do with a paralegal diploma from Penn Foster?

There are many entry-level job opportunities in the legal field. After earning your paralegal diploma online, you can take the first step towards jobs like paralegal, legal transcriptionist, legal secretary, or legal assistant. While not all jobs in this field require certification, many graduates may choose to pursue industry-recognized credentials to boost their resume and affirm their knowledge. Depending on where you live, you may also be required to complete further education or training to qualify for these jobs.

How do I begin a career as a paralegal?

Paralegals need to have a specific educational background in order to begin a career in the field. Most paralegals pursue associates degrees, which many law firms and legal organizations require for employment. However, an online diploma program like our Paralegal courses may help students get their foot in the door in legal departments or law firms. This program will train you to assist lawyers and corporations in doing research and legal paperwork. You can be employed by law firms, banks, credit offices, or different government agencies.

What is the average job description for a paralegal?

Under the supervision of lawyers, paralegals provide assistance to attorneys, company legal departments, law offices, or even occasionally judges. They're responsible for drafting documents, from memos to case briefs, handle vital legal research, schedule appointments for depositions and interviews, and other administrative tasks as needed.