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Paralegal Technology
An Exciting Career in the Legal Industry Can Be Yours Through WPCC’s Paralegal Technology Program
If you are interested in working in the legal industry, a career as a paralegal is a great way to start! Paralegals have opportunities to work in a variety of situations at attorney’s offices, legal departments for businesses, non-profits, and government offices. Western Piedmont Community College offers you the opportunity to prepare for a paralegal career through our award-winning program.
An Online Learning Experience
Instruction in the WPCC Paralegal Technology program is completely web-based. All but four classes are completed online with weekly assignments. The additional four classes are conducted by our instructors via live webinar in the early evenings. We also provide accommodations for students who need them, and we encourage you to contact our Accessibility Services department for more information.
Why Choose Western Piedmont Community College?
It’s quite simple: we provide quality instruction and scheduling flexibility for our students. Paralegal is an excellent option for someone interested in law but doesn’t want to make a long-term commitment to becoming an attorney. WPCC is designated by the North Carolina Bar as Qualified Paralegal Studies Program. Graduates with a WPCC Paralegal Technology AAS degree are qualified to take the North Carolina Bar Paralegal Certified Paralegal Exam. We invite you to learn more about Paralegal Technology below, You can file an application for admission, set up a campus tour, or get more information by contacting us using the buttons at the top of the page. Please note: A paralegal/legal assistant may not practice law, give legal advice, or represent clients in a court of law.
So Where Can I Work?
Paralegals serve attorneys and legal departments by serving as a resource person or aide. They undertake research on legal topics, assist with drafting documents, and conduct interviews. They operate behind the scenes to ensure the smooth running of the office, keeping project work caught up and on-schedule. Paralegals can specialize in certain types of law and serve as an integral part of the legal team.
As of 2024, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that the median wage for a paralegal/legal assistant nationwide to be $61,010. As of 2022, the North Carolina Department of Commerce (nccareers.org) states that the median annual wage for a paralegal/legal assistant to be $49,390 ($23.75 per hour).
Programs of Study
Associate in Applied Science
The A.A.S. degree in Paralegal Technology requires 68 hours of coursework, which can be completed in two years of full-time study. All coursework can be completed online with four classes conducted by live instruction via webinar classes in the early evening. Completion of this degree qualifies the students to take the North Carolina Bar Certified Paralegal Exam.
Introduction to Paralegal Technology Certificate
This 14 credit hours pathway is available to high school students in the College & Career Promise and Burke Middle College programs and does not qualify a student to take the North Carolina Bar Certified Paralegal Exam.
Admissions
Let’s get started! Our counselors are happy to provide the information and guidance you need to submit your application, apply for financial aid and scholarships, visit and tour our campus.