Paralegal Technology
The Paralegal Technology program at Durham Technical Community College is designated as a “qualified paralegal studies program” by the North Carolina State Bar.  The program prepares students to work under the general direction of lawyers, at times assisting them in complicated and difficult tasks.  Paralegals, also called legal assistants, are trained to perform independent legal work under the supervision of an attorney, supervise legal office personnel, and perform many legal functions that do not require a law license. The program covers general subjects such as English, accounting, and psychology as well as specialized legal courses that include real property, torts, contracts, criminal law and procedure, corporations and partnerships, legal research, family law, and real estate transactions. Courses such as title abstracting are taught at the Durham and Orange County Courthouses.

Paralegal Technology graduates may perform a wide range of legal services under the supervision of an attorney. Graduates are trained to search real estate titles, prepare pleadings for trial, probate estates, handle real estate closings, perform legal research, and manage law offices. Employment opportunities are excellent for paralegal graduates in law firms, government agencies, and corporations.

Graduates receive an Associate in Applied Science degree. This degree will qualify students to take the Paralegal Certification Exam given by the North Carolina State Bar. Students may enroll in day, evening, or online classes and may complete the program in five semesters. Business Law and Civil Litigation certificate options are also available.

Read the Paralegal Program Blog for the latest news, interesting articles, and employment postings or follow us on Twitter @DTCCparalegal