What if your first big career step didn’t start with law school, but with a paralegal program that actually knows the legal field from the inside out? The College of Southern Nevada Paralegal Program offers just that—a practical, respected, and accessible path into the legal world.
Whether you’re aiming for courtroom work, private firm experience, or corporate legal departments, CSN gives you the tools to get there. With experienced faculty, flexible schedules, and real-world internship opportunities, this is a program that understands what it takes to land (and succeed in) a legal job.
And yes—you’ll see the words ABA Approved attached to the CSN Paralegal Program. That matters.
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Why Choose College of Southern Nevada
- ABA Approval: CSN’s program is recognized by the American Bar Association, which adds serious credibility to your training.
- Affordability: In-state tuition and financial aid make this one of the most cost-effective ways to enter the legal field.
- Flexible Options: Day, evening, and online courses fit around your life.
- Strong Community Ties: Internships and job pipelines with local firms and agencies.
- Focused Curriculum: Practical courses, not fluff. You’ll graduate with real legal skills.
College of Southern Nevada Paralegal Program Overview
The Paralegal Studies Program at CSN is part of the Department of Business and Public Safety. It’s been serving students in the Las Vegas area for years, building a reputation for solid instruction and strong local partnerships.
CSN’s mission is to provide students with the legal knowledge, practical skills, and ethical framework they need to succeed in law offices, courts, and corporate legal teams. Classes are taught by experienced attorneys and paralegals who bring real-world insights to every lecture.
Students can pursue either an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Paralegal Studies or a Certificate of Achievement, depending on their background and goals.
Curriculum Details
| Course Name | Credit Hours | Course Description |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Law | 3 | Covers the structure of the U.S. legal system, legal terminology, and the role of a paralegal. |
| Legal Ethics | 3 | Examines ethical responsibilities, confidentiality, and conflicts of interest. |
| Legal Research and Writing I | 3 | Students learn to locate legal resources and write basic legal documents. |
| Civil Litigation | 3 | Practical coverage of civil procedure, pleadings, and discovery tools. |
| Contracts | 3 | Introduction to contract law, drafting principles, and contract enforcement. |
| Family Law | 3 | Covers divorce, custody, child support, and related family court matters. |
| Criminal Law and Procedure | 3 | Focuses on criminal offenses, trial procedures, and criminal justice concepts. |
| Computers and the Law Office | 3 | Teaches paralegals how to use legal software and manage case files electronically. |
| Internship/Field Study | 3 | Students complete hands-on training with a law firm, court, or government agency. |
College of Southern Nevada Paralegal Program Admission Requirements
To enter the CSN Paralegal Program, students must:
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Complete the CSN general admission application
- Take placement tests or provide prior college transcripts
- For the Certificate of Achievement, students must already hold an associate degree or higher
- Submit any required immunization records
Deadlines typically follow CSN’s academic calendar, with Fall, Spring, and Summer intakes available. Early application is encouraged, especially for financial aid.
Program Formats & Schedule
CSN understands that many students are juggling work, family, and school. That’s why the Paralegal Program offers multiple formats:
- Full-Time: Finish your AAS degree in about 2 years
- Part-Time: Flexible pacing for students who work or have other obligations
- Online: Select courses available remotely; some on-campus attendance may be required for ABA compliance
- Evening Classes: Perfect for working adults who want to change careers
Many students choose a hybrid schedule that blends in-person and online coursework.
Faculty Spotlight
CSN’s paralegal faculty includes licensed attorneys and career paralegals with decades of combined experience in areas like civil litigation, criminal law, and corporate compliance. Professors often bring real case studies into the classroom, helping students think like legal professionals.
Notable instructors include:
- Attorney Karen Sutherland, who teaches Legal Ethics and brings 20+ years of private practice experience.
- Paralegal Robert Gonzalez, who has worked on high-profile cases in Las Vegas and teaches Civil Litigation.
Class sizes are small, with a student-to-faculty ratio of about 20:1, giving you personal access to mentors who care about your success.
Facilities & Resources
The CSN Charleston Campus hosts most Paralegal Program classes and features:
- A full-service law library with access to LexisNexis and Westlaw
- Dedicated computer labs with legal software
- Writing and research centers to help students with assignments
- Career services tailored to legal job seekers
Students also gain access to online legal resources, including NALA materials and Bureau of Labor Statistics career data.
Internship & Field Experience
Every student in the AAS program completes a 3-credit internship, which usually translates to around 120 hours in a real legal setting. CSN has placement relationships with:
- Local law firms
- Public defender’s offices
- District attorney’s offices
- Legal aid organizations
Internship supervisors often become job references. Some students even get hired before graduation.
College of Southern Nevada Paralegal Program Career Outcomes
CSN graduates go on to work in:
- Civil and criminal law firms
- Government legal departments
- Corporate legal offices
- Family law and real estate law practices
According to the Job Market for Paralegals, demand is growing, especially for those with an ABA-approved education. Graduates can also pursue NALA’s Certified Paralegal (CP) credential for added credibility.
Starting salaries range from $38,000 to $55,000, with experienced paralegals earning much more in specialized fields. See more on Paralegal Salary.
People Also Ask
How long is the College of Southern Nevada paralegal program?
The AAS degree takes about two years full-time. The Certificate of Achievement can be completed in roughly one year if you already have a degree.
Is the College of Southern Nevada paralegal program ABA-approved?
Yes, the program is ABA Approved, which makes a big difference in employer recognition and transferability.
Can I study the College of Southern Nevada paralegal program online?
Many courses are offered online, though some in-person attendance is required due to ABA standards.
Are internships included in the College of Southern Nevada paralegal program?
Yes, all AAS students complete a hands-on internship worth 3 credits.
Tuition & Financial Information
CSN offers low in-state tuition, currently around $114.75 per credit for Nevada residents. Out-of-state students pay more but can apply for waivers.
Financial aid is widely available:
- Federal Pell Grants
- Nevada Promise Scholarship
- CSN Foundation Scholarships
- Work-study jobs
The Financial Aid Office can help you build a plan that fits your budget.
Student Success Stories
Jasmine R., Class of 2022: “I went from working retail to landing a job at a real estate law firm within a month of graduation. CSN’s professors made all the difference.”
Mike T., Class of 2023: “I interned at the Clark County Public Defender’s Office and now I’m a full-time legal assistant there. The experience was the bridge I needed.”
College of Southern Nevada Paralegal Program: How to Apply
Ready to get started? Here’s how to apply to CSN’s Paralegal Program:
- Visit csn.edu and complete the general application
- Submit transcripts and placement test scores
- Choose the AAS or Certificate path
- Meet with an academic advisor
- Apply for financial aid and register for classes
Early application is recommended, especially if you need financial aid or want to secure an internship spot.
Contact Information
Program Contact:
Paralegal Studies Department
Charleston Campus
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (702) 651-5000