Center for Legal Studies

Step into the legal field with flexible, affordable online training. Spruce Mountain Adult Education partners with the Center for Legal Studies to provide nationally recognized certificate programs. These courses are designed for working adults and cover core skills you’ll need in law, justice, and advocacy careers. With 100% online access and multiple start dates each year, you can begin your legal studies on your own schedule while preparing for meaningful work in courts, law offices, nonprofits, and beyond.

Advanced Paralegal Certificate

The Advanced Paralegal Certificate program builds on your foundational training and allows you to specialize in areas of law that match your career goals. Topics may include contracts, criminal law, family law, real estate, wills and estates, and more. This program is offered 100% online, giving you the flexibility to study at your own pace while working. Each advanced course is designed to deepen your legal knowledge and improve your employment opportunities in law firms, corporations, and government agencies.

Alternative Dispute Resolution Certificate

The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Certificate program introduces the skills and techniques used in mediation, arbitration, and negotiation. You’ll gain a foundation in conflict management and learn how to guide individuals and organizations toward fair and effective solutions. This course is fully online, flexible, and designed for working adults. ADR training is valuable in legal settings, human resources, business, education, and community services, where conflict resolution skills are in high demand.

Legal Investigation Certificate

The Legal Investigation Certificate program teaches the fundamentals of working as a legal investigator. You’ll learn how to gather evidence, interview witnesses, research public records, and prepare reports that support attorneys in civil and criminal cases. This program is fully online and flexible, making it ideal for working adults or those looking to enter the legal field. Legal investigators play a key role in law firms, government agencies, insurance companies, and private investigation firms.

Legal Nurse Consultant Training

The Legal Nurse Consultant Training program is designed for registered nurses who want to apply their clinical knowledge in legal settings. You’ll learn how to evaluate medical records, assist in trial preparation, and serve as a bridge between healthcare providers and attorneys. This fully online course provides flexible learning for working nurses. Legal nurse consultants are valued in law firms, insurance companies, government agencies, and healthcare organizations involved in medical-legal cases.

Legal Secretary Certificate

The Legal Secretary Certificate program covers legal terminology, document preparation, court filing, and office procedures. You’ll gain practical skills in legal writing, research, and administrative tasks that are essential for keeping a law office running smoothly. This course is 100% online and designed for flexibility. Legal secretaries are in demand in law firms, corporate legal departments, courts, and government agencies.

Paralegal Certificate

The Paralegal Certificate program provides an introduction to law and the role of paralegals in the American legal system. Students gain knowledge in legal terminology, court structure, research, and writing, while also learning practical skills in case preparation and office procedures. This course is 100% online and designed for working adults. It can be completed in as little as 14 weeks (or spread out longer for flexibility), and no prior legal experience is required. Graduates are prepared for entry-level paralegal positions in law offices, government agencies, corporations, and nonprofit organizations. This certificate is also an excellent foundation for continuing education in criminal justice or law.

Victim Advocacy Certificate

The Victim Advocacy Certificate program prepares you to work with individuals who have experienced crime or trauma. You’ll learn about victims’ rights, crisis intervention, counseling skills, and how to guide people through the court system with compassion and professionalism. This flexible, fully online program is ideal for those interested in criminal justice, social services, or nonprofit work. Victim advocates are valued in law enforcement, courts, shelters, and community agencies.