Certificate - Paralegal Studies 

This certificate program is designed for students who already have an associate or bachelor's degree. The program educates students to serve as paralegal professionals and work independently in the legal field under the supervision of attorneys. Students receive a general legal education with course work in law office technology, law office administration and computer assisted legal research.

Graduates are prepared for careers in business, industry or in non-profit corporations that interface with the legal system. Typical employers include law firms, insurance companies, local, state and federal government, title companies, banks and corporations.

Paralegals organize and manage work flow in law office settings, draft legal documents, research and draft legal memoranda, and prepare attorney billings. They conduct background checks, interview clients and pursue factual investigations for employers. Paralegals may prepare witnesses for depositions and for trial. They organize client files and generally maintain client relationships. Paralegals may serve as employer liaisons to business, the police, other attorneys, government officials and the courts. Paralegals cannot accept a case, set fees, give legal advice, or represent a client in court.

This is an American Bar Association (ABA)approved program.

This program is designed to prepare students to demonstrate the following program outcomes:
Paralegal Studies Post-Degree Professional Certificate Outcomes.pdf

Suggested Semester Sequence