XPCOA - Paralegal Certificate: Online Asynchronous
Course Description
The paralegal certificate program at Loyola University New Orleans is designed for professionals looking to start a career in the legal profession or to advance in their current role. Learners can earn their paralegal certificate from Loyola in just six months.
Our immersive certificate programs train you in legal writing, terminology, research, artificial intelligence, contracts, civil procedure, trial preparation, investigation, discovery, and substantive topics of law. Courses are led by practicing attorneys and experienced instructors who provide individual support and guidance on assignments.
Learner Outcomes
Upon completion of this course learners will be able to:
- Define legal terminology
- Demonstrate legal ethics
- Use proper citation form
- Identify types of evidence
- Implement law firm general investigative strategies
- Apply interviewing techniques
- Exercise trial preparation techniques
- Practice client file maintenance
- Appropriately bill hours to a client
- Conduct online legal research using LexisNexis
- Identify various forms of authority
- Carry out pleading, discovery, and motion preparation
- Utilize methods and strategies for E-Discovery
- Conduct form book research
- Practice protocols for motion and notice preparation
- Prepare trial briefs
- Understand the litigation process in the Louisiana state courts
- Utilize terminology relevant to the area of Contract Law
- Interpret concepts and procedures relevant to Contract Law
- Create basic forms of contracts which may include leases, letters of agreements, promissory notes, employment contracts, and other related documents
- Identify flawed contracts and agreements
- Comprehend terminology relevant to the area of Tort Law
- Identify the elements of intentional torts and negligence
- Brief a legal issue involving facts and elements constituting a tort action
Notes
This course is great for the following:
- Aspiring paralegals
- Those interested in the law
- Those interested in starting a new career or advance in current role
- Those interested in a self-paced format with no live instruction
Prerequisites
No prerequisites required.
Testimonials
"The Paralegal program at Loyola was an amazing experience for me. I learned so much in a short period of time. The course work, classwork, assignments, and testing is interesting and engaging. I feel confident in working as a Paralegal in any field after this program. It is a challenging program that requires dedication." - Crystal G.
"While focusing on building a stable career, I enrolled in a Paralegal Studies program with the goal of creating long‑term opportunities for my family. Despite balancing coursework, caregiving, and financial stress, I completed the program with strong grades and hands‑on experience in legal research, document drafting, and case management. Finishing the program reminded me that I am capable, resilient, and determined — qualities I now bring into every legal support role I pursue.” - anonymous, Spring 2026
