Correspondence 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 for the incarcerated 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. Inmates 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 textbook, Fundamentals of Litigation for Paralegals presents thorough coverage of the entire litigation process, including information on e-Discovery and the use of 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. Blackstone’s advanced paralegal print-based correspondence course includes the legal terms of litigation, tips on drafting documents commonly used in litigation, and popular alternatives to litigation.
What sets this Program apart
- Research shows that continuing education improves self-esteem and self-worth.
- All materials needed to successfully complete Blackstone’s Advanced Paralegal courses is provided, including a soft-covered commercial textbook and an accompanying study guide.
- Students may qualify for earned time – consult with the correctional facility’s education director for eligibility.
- Gaining knowledge and developing skills increases opportunities for gainful employment upon release.
- Students access the instructor by using the “Request for Consultation” forms located in the back of their study guides. Sponsors can email info@blackstone.edu with any questions on behalf of the student.
- Accredited by the DEAC and MSA, Blackstone Career Institute strives to achieve the highest standards of school performance and student results along with compliance to all agency Standards and Code of Ethics. This is your assurance that we provide our students a quality education.
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.
Incarcerated students enrolled in correspondence-based programs must be able to receive and send educational materials through approved institutional mail systems and the United States Postal Service (USPS), where applicable.
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.
- Ability to receive mailIncarcerated students enrolled in correspondence-based programs must be able to receive and send educational materials through approved institutional mail systems and the U.S.…
Application Process
- 1Complete the Enrollment AgreementSponsors can enroll an incarcerated student online, by phone at 800.826.9228, or by requesting that an enrollment agreement be mailed to the student; the down payment is due 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.
- 4Receive course materials by mailThe first shipment is mailed after enrollment and the down payment are received, and further volumes ship according to the payment option chosen.
- 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: sponsors can enroll the student in the course anytime, 24/7/365. Many students complete in 3 months, and some take the full 12-month time allotted.
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).
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
Gaining knowledge and developing skills increases opportunities for gainful employment upon release.
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
Blackstone’s Advanced Paralegal Certificate Program include all materials needed: a commercial textbook and an accompanying study guide. This material is mailed the following business day after the student has enrolled. It is shipped via U.S.P.S. with tracking.
Campus Address
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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