OnlinePlus Paralegal Courses

Complement your college degree with MTI’s Paralegal Studies OnlinePlus paralegal training program designed specifically for individuals who have already obtained their degree! Better yet, the OnlinePlus Paralegal Studies option means that you'll be scheduled to be on campus as little as one night per week!

The online paralegal training program prepares students for employment as paralegals working under the supervision of an attorney. Graduates will be prepared to contribute to the efficient and accurate delivery of legal services in private law firms, government, offices or other legal environments. The curriculum and learning outcomes of the paralegal course mirror the second year of our ABA-approved Paralegal Studies traditional on campus degree program and are designed to strengthen the student’s ability to reason, understand, and apply correct principles of law by emphasizing analytical and critical thinking skills, as well as practical application of substantive and procedural law. The paralegal program emphasizes legal writing and analysis, the civil litigation process, and major areas of substantive and procedural law.

MTI College also offers a diploma program for Legal Administrative Assistants and a traditional, on-campus Paralegal Studies A.A. degree.

What is OnlinePlus?

What do the terms Online and Traditional mean? An OnlinePlus course is one that is taught over the Internet using a Course Management System (CMS) like eCollege, which is your one-stop-shop for all of your lectures, discussions, homework assignments, quizzes, exams, and even reference materials. Most of your communication with your instructors and fellow students is conducted over the internet and via email. We also encourage you to meet with each other on campus and talk on the phone if you need to.

The traditional paralegal courses are taught in a classroom or lab setting at the college. For MTI’s Paralegal Studies students, each quarter of their program is comprised of three paralegal classes -- one class held in a traditional classroom setting, and the other two held in an online format. All courses are based on proven ABA-approved curriculum and are taught by experienced MTI paralegal instructors.

OnlinePlus Program Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the online Paralegal courses through OnlinePlus will have developed the knowledge, skills, and confidence outlined in the following learning outcomes:

• Represent the legal profession in a professional and ethical manner, adhering to the Business and Professions code;
• Apply communication and problem-solving skills to gauge and supply needed information to supervising attorneys, colleagues, and clients, and to assist the supervising attorney(s) with interviews, pre-trial preparation, depositions, trials, and the preparation of legal documents;
• Utilize oral and written communication skills through the preparation of legal documents and by conducting research, interviews, and investigations;
• Maintain and update legal skills and knowledge of the legal profession through continuing education, independent learning, and/or community service;
• Work independently and as a team member to complete required projects and tasks effectively and within specific time frames;
• Use technology effectively to research legal issues and cases and to prepare, edit, and transmit messages and legal documents

Student Resources

All students who enter the OnlinePlus Paralegal courses participate in a formal new student orientation session which is held on campus before classes begin. At the orientation, students learn more about the MTI College experience and expectations. They are also introduced to key support personnel and the various resources that are available to them. All students are provided with a copy of the MTI College Student Handbook, which serves as a reference tool for “life on campus,” as well as various student-related policies, procedures, and expectations. Students will be also be introduced to the course management eCollege system to become familiar with the online format.

The college Law Library is located within the Learning Resource Center (LRC) on campus and is available to students and faculty Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.. and Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Student assistance is available through the LRC staff and a part-time student law librarian.

Online Paralegal Studies students are provided with unlimited, 24/7 access to the LexisNexis online research tool, which is paid for by the college. This access gives students the ability to conduct research and work on their assignments anytime, anywhere. Paralegal students have the ability to familiarize themselves with all areas of law, including all jurisdictions, Shepardizing, Deerings Annotated Codes, Mathew Bender, and secondary sources.

Because traditional courses are interspersed throughout the online delivery option of the program, students will still have the opportunity to make use of the Law Library and other on-campus support services offered by the Business Office, Financial Aid, Academic Advising, Technical Support, Placement, and the Program Coordinator. In addition, individuals associated with these services and departments may be contacted via telephone or email when support is needed.

General Information on OnlinePlus Paralegal Courses

MTI’s Paralegal Studies Program is one of a very select group of Paralegal education programs approved by the American Bar Association and accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Our faculty is comprised of attorneys, paralegals, and other qualified individuals who have practical experience in the fields they teach. It is our intent that our graduates will act as ambassadors for this institution in proclaiming and supporting the demand for educational excellence in the training of legal assistants. Additionally, MTI’s accreditation and approval provide its graduates with the education requirements established by the California State Bar for admission to law school.

Professional placement assistance is available to graduates. Our experience has shown that those students who actively participate in legal internship programs or law-related employment are much more likely to obtain paralegal employment upon graduation. The College will assist with the coordination and procurement of employment and internship positions for those who wish to utilize this opportunity.

Take the next step and contact an MTI Admissions Officer to find out which paralegal studies option is best for you!

MTI is a member of the Sacramento Valley Paralegal Association, and of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA), a national organization comprised of paralegal educators and institutions offering paralegal and legal assistant education programs.

Career Avenues:
Employment is most often found in private law firms. However, other employment opportunities are available in corporate legal departments, insurance companies, hospital and school administration, and state and county organizations also hire paralegals. Seasoned paralegals may use their skills and knowledge in related fields, becoming law librarians, paralegal coordinators, law office managers, risk managers, human resource managers, internship coordinators, and teachers.