Staying on top of the latest technology and legal issues is an important part of your role as a paralegal. Staying up to date in key skills improves the client experience and increases your value to the team.

The NC State Bar’s Guidelines for Proper Use of Paralegals in a Law Firm remind us that:

When a paralegal is delegated responsibility for tasks which would otherwise be performed by a lawyer, their continuing competence is critical to responsible client representation. Just as it is important for a lawyer to take continuing education programs and to participate in professional associations in order to keep abreast of changes in the law, learn new practices and procedures, and network with individuals who are more knowledgeable about certain areas of law, it is important for a paralegal to do the same.  

The NCBA, NCAJ, and other organizations offer paralegal memberships and CLE fees at a reduced rate. But sometimes the budget just isn’t there to attend the CLEs and webinars, even with discounts. So how do you learn and grow your skills when the money is tight? Here are some options that will work for you.

Lawyers Mutual Online CLE

Did you know Lawyers Mutual provides free programs to insureds and their employees? You can earn CPE credits on demand at no cost. These programs cover a variety of topics, including technology, law practice management, wellness, and substantive law.

Lawyers Mutual also typically has a webinar each month that is free for insureds and their staff as well. Keep an eye out for programs that interest you and join us!

LM Title: For the Real Estate Specialist

LM Title offers monthly webinars for real estate attorneys and their team.  These cover topics ranging from fraud to foreclosure, as well as liens and bankruptcy. There are also programs on the intersection of real estate with other practice areas, such as family law and estate administration.

Tired of staring at a screen and want to really talk to people? Parapalooza is for you! Spend a day learning and networking at a program designed specifically for you. It’s 5 hours of CPE credit — all for $25! The program is live in Raleigh on October 6, so register now.

NALA Educational Courses

If you’re an active member of NALA, the National Association of Legal Assistants, you receive an $80 voucher toward educational courses. You can choose from live webinars, on-demand programs, or self-study courses. Members also have a limited number of free courses available on a broad range of topics.

The overall catalog is extensive and covers everything from leadership skills to financial planning to psychological evaluations. The course voucher and free courses make the membership fee a good value.

North Carolina Paralegal Association

The NCPA offers an online video library covering a wide array of topics. Notary topics, digital forensics, and trial prep are just a few of the subjects covered. The library is available to both members and nonmembers, and each video has a small fee.

The NCPA also has an annual seminar in April, so if you’d like to spend a day learning and networking with fellow paralegals.

Your Local Paralegal Association

The Metrolina Paralegal Association, Asheville Area Paralegal Association, Catawba Valley Paralegal Association, and Raleigh-Wake Paralegal Association all provide educational programs for paralegals.

A paralegal association near you may offer lunch-and-learns for professional development and networking. They also may have annual seminars, such as the Raleigh-Wake Paralegal Association’s program on October 2^nd.

Conclusion

As you can see, you have several choices for development courses without spending a lot of money. You can find the topics that interest you and pick when, where, and how you learn. Whether you’re checking out the latest on AI technology, growing your leadership skills, or learning about changes in real estate law — there are options out there that won’t break the bank.