Paralegal Programs with Weekend Classes

Many working adults want a paralegal career but need flexible scheduling. Their desire for a paralegal career is valid considering the benefits that come with it.

Paralegals are in high demand in law firms, corporations, and government agencies. Their median wage is $61,010/year, but top paralegals can earn $98,990/year (BLS, May 2024). Paralegal studies is also a good launching pad to become a lawyer.

But there’s the matter of work and personal commitments getting in the way of academics. Even an organized working professional will have challenges juggling multiple commitments.

This is where paralegal programs with weekend classes come in. These offer flexible paralegal degree options intended for:

Career changers
Parents
Full-time workers

If you’re interested in them, read on. Here, we’ll explore the best paralegal programs offering weekend classes. We’ll also cover their benefits and challenges, as well as how to choose the right one.

Related:

Why Weekend Paralegal Classes Are in Demand

Did you know that there are 559 schools offering paralegal programs in the US? These include certificate, undergraduate, and graduate degree programs in paralegal studies.

Many of these schools offer weekend paralegal degree programs designed for working professionals. Their increasing popularity is due to these factors.

Growth of adult and nontraditional students in legal studies
Work–life balance and accessibility for working professionals
Hybrid schedules (weekend + online) gaining popularity

Indeed, flexible schedules and convenient access are among the paralegal weekend classes benefits.

Accreditation and Quality Standards

In the US, paralegal programs have one or both of these:

Regional accreditation applies to the entire college or university itself. Check out CHEA’s directory.
American Bar Association (ABA) approval, a voluntary process for paralegal programs. As such, not every paralegal program must have ABA approval. But many employers require or prefer paralegal education from ABA-approved programs.

You must look for regional accreditation because it’s crucial for employability. Here’s why.

Signals paralegal education based on industry standards
Boosts your credibility as a paralegal
Meets the eligibility requirement for paralegal certification

You can still find well-paying jobs if you graduated from a non-ABA-approved program. But your application likely won’t make it past the first screening if you’re from a non-accredited school.

ABA-approved weekend paralegal programs maintain standards of quality through the following:

Employing qualified and experienced legal educators and professionals
Adopting accredited paralegal weekend classes that cover essential topics and skills
Providing robust student support services (e.g., access to legal libraries and tutoring)

So, when looking for paralegal programs, consider regional accreditation first. Then, look for ABA approval, the gold standard – though it isn’t mandatory.

Best Paralegal Programs With Weekend Classes

University of Houston-Downtown (Houston, TX)

UH offers the best weekend paralegal programs for these reasons:

ABA-approved program
18 weekend classes (Saturdays and Sundays, from 9 am to 5 pm)
$4,495 for the entire program with potential discounts (i.e., $100 for full payment)

Students gain hands-on legal training from day one through file-to-trial mock trial experiences. They’re assigned to either the defense or plaintiff representation in a civil case. Students earn a paralegal certificate upon program completion.

Central Piedmont Community College (Charlotte, NC)

CPCC offers an AAS in Paralegal Technology program that features an extensive curriculum. Students complete courses in civil litigation, legal research and writing, and more. The program also features courses in public speaking and text editing.

Other notable features include:

ABA-approved and North Carolina Bar Certified program
Traditional, hybrid, and online program options available
$76/credit for NC residents; $268/credit for non-residents
Financial aid available

Community College of Philadelphia (PA)

CCP’s AAS in Paralegal Studies program has ABA approval, too. Students can transfer up to 30 credits from other accredited institutions. The intensive 60-credit curriculum emphasizes a balanced perspective of theory and practice.

Students must earn at least a “C” grade and a 2.0 GPA to earn the degree. The program offers a legal internship to qualified students.

Notable features include:

$159/credit Philadelphia residents; $318/credit other Pennsylvanians; $477/credit non-residents
In-person and online classes

Marist College (New York)

Marist’s paralegal certificate weekend classes feature a hybrid learning model. Students attend in-person classes and Zoom sessions. The weekend cohort completes the program in 24 weekends; evening classes are available.

Other features include:

$11,880 total tuition; additional costs for books and room, and board apply
ABA-approved program
60 credits
Balanced approach toward theory and practical skills

The accelerated program is designed for working professionals. Students have access to resources and training for paralegals.

Austin Community College (Austin, TX)

ACC offers a paralegal certificate program that prepares students for career success. Students in the weekend cohort attend Saturday morning classes. Attorneys lead the classes in family law, wills and trusts, and real property, among others.

Students gain comprehensive knowledge and skills in legal research and drafting. The program offers job search assistance, including resume prep and mock interviews.

This is among the best programs because it:

Has ABA approval
Offers affordable tuition at $255 per 3-credit course (in-district)

Community College of Philadelphia (Proficiency Certificate)

CCP’s ABA-approved paralegal studies certificate considers applicants with either a/an:

Associate’s degree (AA or AS)
Bachelor’s degree (BA or BS)

The degree must be from a CHEA-accredited institution. Students tackle an intensive curriculum that prepares them to be entry-level paralegals.

Notable features include:

Hybrid learning format (i.e., face-to-face and remote synchronous)
Weekend classes (Day, evening, and accelerated classes are also available)
$159/credit Philadelphia residents; $318/credit other Pennsylvanians; $477/credit non-residents

Community College of Denver (CCD)

CCD’s paralegal programs are:

An AAS in Paralegal program offers an associate’s-to-bachelor’s degree pathway
A Professional Certificate in General Paralegal program enables students to earn degree credits

Both programs emphasize practical skills for paralegals through didactic courses. Students also engage in an internship for hands-on experience.

Tuition depends on residency status. In-state tuition is $280.20/credit. Out-of-state tuition is $673.90/credit.

Students choose from in-person, online, and hybrid schedules for both programs.

Lansing Community College (LCC, Michigan)

LCC’s ABA-approved Legal Studies program is among the best because it:

Has affordable tuition at $120/billable hour
Offers three learning formats – in-person, online, and hybrid
Can transfer to a bachelor’s degree
Provides two pathways – a certificate and an associate’s degree in legal studies

Students tackle challenging coursework in legal research, documentation, and more. There are also specialized legal areas in the curriculum.

University of Georgia – Georgia Center

UGA offers online and in-person paralegal certificate programs through its Center for Continuing Education. Notable features include:

Choice between self-paced and scheduled learning
Foundational and advanced paralegal certificate options available
14-week program with two 7-week sessions
$2,195 tuition for the in-person program; $2,095 for the online program

In-person and hybrid weekend programs have different learning formats and expectations. In-person programs offer the traditional classroom experience. Hybrid programs combine face-to-face, in-person classes with online sessions, usually through Zoom.

Who Should Consider Weekend Paralegal Programs?

The featured paralegal weekend programs for working adults are ideal for:

Career changers seeking flexible entry into the profession
Full-time workers needing weekend-only schedules
Parents and caregivers are balancing responsibilities

These part-time paralegal degree options enable working adults to learn while they earn.

Advantages of Weekend Paralegal Classes

These benefits of weekend paralegal programs are what make them increasingly popular.

Flexible paralegal weekend classes offer flexible scheduling while maintaining quality.
Networking in smaller groups results in stronger relationships
Faster completion is possible, thanks to accelerated courses, which means faster entry into the workforce.

Many of these programs also offer affordable costs. If you’re a budget-conscious person, consider community colleges and public universities. You can also enjoy more cost savings through financial aid.

Potential Challenges to Expect

But you must also be aware of the challenges of weekend paralegal classes. Your weekend paralegal student experience will be better with a balanced perspective.

Longer class days during the weekends (i.e., more intensive weekends).
Limited campus access during weekdays (i.e., negative impact on your study options)
More challenges in balancing personal commitments on weekends

You’ll need effective time management habits, as well as self-discipline and motivation.

How to Choose the Best Weekend Paralegal Program

Choosing weekend paralegal degree programs demands careful planning. Here are the steps you can take to make the right choice for you.

Ask key questions. Is it accredited and ABA-approved? Are there online options? Is it affordable (i.e., tuition and fees)?
Consider the program length and flexibility. Go for an accredited weekend paralegal certificate program if you want faster completion.
Look at the career services and employer recognition. Both are vital in landing a well-paying entry-level job.

Of course, you must determine your interests, goals, and budget. Then, choose a program that aligns with them.

Conclusion

Indeed, the best paralegal programs with weekend classes expand access for busy students. These programs offer flexible schedules and robust student support services. Add their affordable tuition and fees, and they’re ideal for working professionals.

So, take the next step by researching accredited weekend programs. Then, choose one that aligns with your career goals.