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What The Paralegal Studies Program At NCC Offers You
The Paralegal Studies associate degree program at Northwest Career College is outlined to help you develop both the technical and interpersonal skills that make legal work precise and effective. Our instructors guide you through civil and criminal law, legal research and writing, contracts, family law, wills and trusts, and courtroom procedures, including hands-on practice drafting legal documents, using Westlaw, and participating in mock trials and courtroom field trips.
The training leads to a supervised externship at a law firm or government agency in Las Vegas. This is where you apply what you learned in class, work with experienced attorneys and paralegals, and take part in daily case-related tasks. Many students admit this experience helps them feel confident and prepared for their first job.
The paralegal studies course also prepares you thoroughly for entry-level roles in law firms, government offices, and corporate legal departments, ensuring you are ready to meet the expectations employers value most. Throughout the program, our Career Services team works with you one-on-one. You receive support with resume writing, interview preparation, and job placement. Graduates of this program are now working in law firms, government agencies, and legal support roles across Nevada.
Sources
- *1 According to the Median Annual Salary Report for Paralegals at the BLS.
- *2 Find the detailed definitions of the Job Placement Rate and Retention Rate on our Annual Outcomes Data page.
Paralegal Studies Program Accreditation
NCC is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Their contact information is listed below for applicants who wish to request additional information regarding the program’s accreditation.
Hear From NCC's Paralegal Studies Graduates
"I was just really proud."
"I guess at the very beginning of my program I wasn't 100% about myself. But, by graduation, I was just really proud. I enjoyed learning about the law the most."
Why Should You Enroll In The Paralegal Studies
Program At NCC?
Hands-On Legal Skills Development
You will gain practical experience in legal research, writing, and drafting documents, including pleadings, correspondence, and case-related filings, using professional tools such as Westlaw. This hands-on approach ensures you build the core competencies that employers look for.
Real-World Externship Experience
The program includes an externship at law firms and government agencies, allowing you to apply your skills to actual cases under the supervision of an experienced attorney. This externship exposes you to court settings, client interactions, and everyday legal office operations.
Lessons From Experienced Legal Professional
Our courses are led by attorneys and seasoned legal professionals who bring real-world experience into the classroom. Their professional insights will help you understand how legal procedures, ethics, and communication work in practice, not just in theory.
Flexible Learning Options
The program offers you the flexibility to take classes in a blended format, including online and in-campus night classes, to fit your schedule and other commitments. This structure makes it easier to complete your legal studies training without compromising your personal dependencies.
Strong Employment Preparation
NCC’s dedicated Career Services team is committed to providing lifetime support to graduates for entry-level to mid-level roles in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and other legal offices. Our support includes resume building, interview preparation, job research, application submissions, and employer networking to make you job-ready for your paralegal career.
Career-Ready Training Program
Our Paralegal course is organized to be completed in 18 months, giving you a clear path into the legal field without delaying your entry into the workforce. The program’s curriculum focused on the skills and knowledge you need to start working as a paralegal.
3 Steps To Kickstart A Paralegal Career
Who Hires Northwest Career College Graduates?
Leading law firms, government agencies, and legal support organizations—especially in Nevada—consistently hire our Paralegal Studies graduates.
What You Will Learn As A Paralegal Studies Student At NCC
LA101: Introduction to the Law Office
Step into paralegal roles with ethics and ops. You will manage cases, research, and documents for legal teams.
- Docketing & calendaring
- Drafting legal memoranda & correspondence
- File management & organization
- Law office operations & case management
- Legal ethics & professional conduct
- Legal research & database search
LA102: Introduction to Law
Explore courts, laws, and drafting basics. You will prepare documents across key practice areas.
- Alternative dispute resolution (ADR)
- Drafting basic legal documents
- Federal & state court systems
- Legal writing & formatting
- Sources of American law
- Trial & appellate processes
LA103: Introduction to Legal Research and Writing
Uncover cases, statutes, and issues effectively. You will analyze and write professional legal memos.
- Case briefing & legal analysis
- Case law, statutes & code research
- Issue spotting & problem-solving
- Legal memorandum writing
- Primary vs. secondary legal sources
- Statutory & constitutional interpretation
LA104: Introduction to Legal Ethics
Spot and apply ethical rules in practice. You will resolve dilemmas with critical analysis.
- Applying ethical standards
- Classifying ethical problems
- Identifying ethical issues
- Legal analysis & critical thinking
- Professional communication
- Researching professional conduct rules
LA105: Introduction to Contracts
Assess deals for validity and breaches. You will evaluate remedies and spot issues.
- Agreement analysis
- Breach of contract
- Contract formation
- Contract remedies
- Damages analysis
- UCC research
LA106: Introduction to Civil Law
Guide cases from intake to resolution. You will draft pleadings and handle discovery.
- Case investigation & development
- Civil litigation process
- Client & witness interviewing
- Discovery methods
- Drafting legal documents (complaints, discovery)
- Rules of civil procedure
LA107: Introduction to Criminal Law
Define crimes and justice procedures. You will support the analysis of constitutional rights.
- Constitutional rights (Bill of Rights)
- Criminal case analysis
- Criminal justice process
- Criminal law principles
- Elements of crimes
- Legal research in criminal law
PL201: Introduction to eDiscovery
Handle digital evidence in litigation. You will manage ESI lifecycles and review tools.
- Case flow analysis
- Data collection & review
- Digital evidence identification
- E-discovery process (ESI lifecycle)
- Legal terminology in eDiscovery
- Paralegal Role in eDiscovery
PL202: Alternative Dispute Resolution and Mediation
Resolve disputes outside court effectively. You will master negotiation and mediation techniques.
- ADR methods (negotiation, mediation, arbitration)
- Dispute resolution strategies
- Ethical considerations
- Mediation process
- Negotiation techniques
- Roles in ADR settings
PL203: Family Law
Navigate divorce, custody, and support cases. You will draft docs and interview clients.
- Child support calculations
- Custody & support
- Divorce & annulment procedures
- Family law terminology
- Legal drafting
- Property division
PL204: Wills, Trusts, and Estates
Prepare wills, trusts, and probate docs. You will gather client information for estate administration.
- Advance directives & powers of attorney
- Drafting a valid will
- Estate administration
- Estate planning fundamentals
- Legal document portfolio development
- Wills, trusts & estate terminology
PL211: Paralegal Studies Externship
Apply skills in live legal environments. You will enhance communication and professionalism.
- Networking & career development
- Problem-solving
- Professional adaptability
- Professionalism & work ethic
- Team collaboration
- Workplace communication
Paralegal Career Opportunities
Tuition Information
| Cost per Term (1-6) | $4,665.00 |
More Information about the Profession
- For information about Financial Aid at Northwest Career College, please visit our Financial Aid page located under Admission & Aid tab.
- For more information about the Paralegal profession (SOC 23-2011.00) Click Here to review the Summary Report for Paralegal at O*Net Online.
Paralegal Studies Program Requirements
The primary requirements for enrollment in the Paralegal Studies program are:
High School Completion
Bring your U.S. high school diploma, GED, or college transcript showing your high school graduation date.
U.S. Government-Issued Photo ID
We need a U.S. government-issued photo ID to verify your identity. You must be at least 18 years old. Written consent from a parent or guardian is needed to enroll if you’re under 18.
Social Security Card
Provide your Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number (TIN) to confirm eligibility to study and work in the U.S.
Find The Best Paralegal Studies Program For You In Clark County
Paralegal Studies Program FAQs
NCC’s 18-month Paralegal Studies associate degree provides hands-on training in legal research, document drafting, case management, as well as court and jail visits. Our Career Services department supports you with resume building, interview preparation, job searching, applications, and employer networking to help you start an entry-level career in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and legal offices.
