PACE 100 Paralegal Certificate Program

This certificate program is designed for individuals who are seeking a successful transition into the paralegal profession.

Program Structure

Course: PACE 100 Paralegal
Description:
The PACE 100 Paralegal certificate is a comprehensive course of study in paralegal practices for those new to the legal field, career changers, and aspiring lawyers. The program is taught by licensed attorneys. The paralegal certificate from Gardner-Webb University represents 45 continuing education (CE) credits. It equips the learner to begin work in the paralegal field, gain experience, and thereafter begin the process of preparing for the North Carolina Bar Paralegal certification exam.

*Additional education and experience will be required to become an NC Certified Paralegal.

Learning Outcomes:

Gain an overview of the law
Prepare case files, conduct legal research, interview witnesses, and draft legal documents

When: July 11 | 9AM – 2PM. Next kickoff will be August 19, 2026.
Time Commitment: 5 hours in-person+ estimated 45 hours over 8 weeks
Instructor: Angelina Smith, JD
Where: GWU campus, 120 Hamrick Hall, 110 Quinn Circle, Boiling Springs, NC 28152

CE Credits: 45
Cost: $1,125. This program is Pell eligible.
Credential Recognition: Gardner-Webb University

Why: Compared to paralegal certificate programs at other institutions, the PACE 100 certificate saves you time and money. It’s a great way to start a new career. In approximately 45 hours, you will be equipped to enter the paralegal profession, gain experience, and, if desired, later take the state certification exam. Many paralegal jobs do not require completion of the state certification exam.

Career Connections: 2024 median pay of $61K; +600 jobs 2024-34 per US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Typical jobs include:

Paralegal in Private Law Firms
Paralegal in Corporations
Paralegal in Government
Paralegal in Education
Paralegal in Non-Profit Organizations

COMPARISON TABLE	PACE 100 Paralegal	Typical Community College Program
Time	45 hours across 8 weeks	225 hours across 12 months
Cost	$1,125	~$2700
Delivery	Face-to-face and self-paced	Self-paced
Credential	GWU Certificate	Access to NALA Certified Paralegal Exam Review

Program Details

What to Expect

Students will attend one in-person session on a Saturday, from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Additionally, students can expect to complete approximately 45 hours of hybrid online learning and research. The course is designed to be completed in 8 weeks and has multiple start times throughout the year.

The in-person session is located at Gardner-Webb University’s main campus.

Outcomes

What You’ll Do

The program is designed for those looking to increase their knowledge and training in the legal workplace or seeking a career as a paralegal.

Once you’ve earned a paralegal certificate, you can work in prominent areas such as a:

Paralegal in Private Law Firms
Paralegal in Corporations
Paralegal in Government
Paralegal in Education
Paralegal in Non-Profit Organizations