Civil Litigation is a Certificate program (100% Online) offered by Blackstone Career Institute in Allentown, PA. The program takes 3–6 months to complete, with a total tuition of $305.
Program Overview
Blackstone’s Civil Litigation advanced paralegal course contains a balanced mix of legal theory and practical legal skills designed to inform and challenge students. It addresses the skills needed to become an effective paralegal from the first contact with the client, through trial and post-judgment. Gain a deeper understanding of the litigation process, including the relevant rules and procedures, and the role a paralegal plays in a litigation trial. The e-textbook, Fundamentals of Litigation for Paralegals contains information on social media in litigation, recent supreme court cases and developments intertwined with the presentation of procedural rules, and realistic examples of motions, pleadings, and discovery requests. You will receive information on the legal terms of litigation, tips on drafting documents commonly used in litigation, and read about popular alternatives to litigation.
If you are a Certified Paralegal (CP®) through NALA — The Paralegal Association, each advanced course is eligible for 3 credits (45 CLE’s) toward your recertification requirements. Additionally, each advanced paralegal course has been reviewed by the National Association for Legal Support Professionals (NALS) and is eligible for 3 credits (45 CLE’s) that may be applied toward the 5 year PLS and PP recertification requirements.
What sets this Program apart
- Strengthen your resume with specialized legal knowledge
- Demonstrate a commitment to professional development
- Build legal skills in targeted areas to open new career opportunities
- Position yourself for promotions, leadership roles, and higher earning potential
- Differentiate yourself with advanced credentials that highlight initiative and ambition
Admission Requirements and Process
BCI’s enrollment model is an open-enrollment track meaning students can enroll in courses at any time with no wait for a start date. Blackstone Career Institute allows students to enroll online anytime or by phone.
To qualify for admission, an applicant must complete BCI’s Enrollment Agreement with the required down payment, submit evidence of a High School Diploma or GED Equivalency Certificate, and complete a Reading Assessment with a score of 70% or higher before beginning program lessons. It is the responsibility of the student to review their state’s regulatory information and professional licensing and/or certification requirements prior to enrollment.
General Requirements
- Enrollment AgreementComplete BCI’s Enrollment Agreement for admission; the required down payment must be submitted at the time of enrollment.
- High school completionAll students are required to have a High School Diploma or GED Equivalency Certificate, and physical or electronic evidence of this credential must be submitted to the school.
- Reading AssessmentNew students complete a Reading Assessment in the Online Student Center as a first step, and a score of 70% or higher is required to begin program lessons.
- Computer and internet accessStudents in online programs must have a compatible computer or laptop with reliable internet access and the basic computer skills needed to use Blackstone’s learning management…
- International studentsInternational students and students outside the contiguous U.S. must contact the school before enrolling, must pay in U.S. funds on the full payment plan, and enrollment cannot be…
Application Process
- 1Complete the Enrollment AgreementEnroll online anytime or by phone; the Enrollment Agreement outlines the obligations of Blackstone and the student, and the required down payment is submitted at enrollment.
- 2Submit your High School Diploma or GEDSend physical or electronic evidence of your high school diploma or GED Equivalency Certificate to the school.
- 3Receive your welcome letterOnce Blackstone has received and reviewed the agreement, the accepted applicant receives a welcome letter with instructions on how to begin.
- 4Complete the Reading AssessmentComplete the Reading Assessment through BCI’s Online Student Center; a score of 70% or higher is required to begin program lessons, with one retest allowed.
- 5Start learningBegin your coursework at your own pace; questions about admissions can be directed to Student Services at 800-826-9228, Monday–Thursday 9:00 am–4:00 pm ET.
Program Schedule
Open enrollment: students can enroll anytime, 24/7/365. Average completion time is 3–6 months, with up to 12 months to work at your own pace.
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Cost of attendance. Tuition is $305 plus a $150 registration fee, for a full-payment total of $455. All materials needed are included.
Payment plans. Blackstone Career Institute offers interest-free monthly payment plans (autopay):
- 4 month autopay plan requires a down payment of $150 with 4 monthly payments of $69, and final payment of $29. Total cost includes $305 tuition, $150 registration fee, and $0 finance fee.
Financial aid. Blackstone Career Institute does not participate in federal financial aid (it is not a Title IV school that accepts FAFSA or Pell Grants), so there is no FAFSA school code. Students may apply for tuition reimbursement from their employer or check with their State and Local Assistance; Blackstone is an eligible training provider in many states under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
Military benefits. If you qualify for Military Benefits, Blackstone is approved by the Veterans Administration for Veterans Education Benefits including the GI Bill®.
Optional fees. Optional fees are non-refundable:
- Official transcript (mailed): $15
- Reprint of certificate/diploma: $25
- Reprint of full set of graduation documents: $40
- Extension fee (6 months): $125
- NSF fee: $40
- Late payment fee: $15
- Reinstatement fee: $95
Refund policy. Cancellations within 5 days of signing the Enrollment Agreement receive a full refund; after that, the refund is based on the registration fee (15% of tuition or $150, whichever is less) and the share of lessons submitted.
Tuition increase coming 11/02/2026, according to Blackstone’s website.
Curriculum
Course lessons as published in Blackstone’s program outline for this course.
Course outcomes. Per the Blackstone Career Institute Program Catalog 2026, Volume 24 (August 2026), p.85–90:
- Describe the basic civil litigation process
- Identify skills of a litigation paralegal and tasks performed by a litigation paralegal
- Describe the various courts within the federal and state court systems
- Define and identify types of jurisdiction
- Identify the paralegal’s role in the case investigation and the gathering of evidence
- Define and describe the responses to the initial pleading
- Outline the steps involved in drafting, serving, and amending the complaint
- Explain the procedures for making and opposing a motion
- Describe the paralegal’s role in the discovery process
- Compare and contrast the different types of depositions
- Describe the advantages and disadvantages of interrogatories
- Describe the duties a litigation paralegal might perform regarding settlement
- Describe the litigation paralegal’s function at trial
- Explain how to draft the appellate brief
Required Courses
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Career Outcomes
- Strengthen your resume with specialized legal knowledge
- Demonstrate a commitment to professional development
- Build legal skills in targeted areas to open new career opportunities
- Position yourself for promotions, leadership roles, and higher earning potential
- Differentiate yourself with advanced credentials that highlight initiative and ambition
Employment, job placement, and/or salary/salary ranges are not guaranteed to graduates upon program completion.
What to expect as a Blackstone Career Institute student
Fundamentals of Litigation for Paralegals
by Marlene A. Maerowitz and Thomas A. Mauet, 7th Edition
Blackstone’s Advanced Paralegal Courses include all materials needed: a commercial e-textbook and an accompanying study guide. Your e-book is delivered via VitalSource, one of the most popular and user-friendly e-textbook platforms for higher education. Blackstone’s Online Student Center allows you to easily access your coursework, take exams and receive instantaneous Grade Reports, chat real-time, participate in online discussions, and receive news about Blackstone.
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Why Accreditation Is Important
Blackstone Career Institute is accredited by DEAC and the Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools and licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Private Licensed Schools. Advanced paralegal certificate courses are separate from Blackstone’s Pennsylvania licensure and national and regional accreditation.
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide
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