Paralegal Studies Certificate
Area of Study: Paralegal Studies
Degree/Certificate: Post-Degree Professional Certificate
Contact the Financial Aid office regarding certificate eligibility.
This certificate program is designed for students who already have earned an associate or bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. The Paralegal Studies program is an American Bar Association (ABA) approved program that prepares 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 coursework in:
- Civil procedure
- Legal research and writing
- Law office technology
- Torts and evidence
- Business transactions
- Various specialty areas
Graduates are prepared for careers in business, industry or nonprofit corporations that interface with the legal system. Typical employers include:
- Law firms
- Insurance companies
- Local, state and federal government
- Title companies
- Banks
- Corporations
Paralegal responsibilities may include:
- Organizing and managing workflow in law office settings.
- Drafting legal documents.
- Researching and drafting legal memoranda.
- Preparing attorney billings.
- Conducting background checks, interviewing clients and pursuing factual investigations for employers.
- Preparing witnesses for depositions and for trial.
- Organizing client files and generally maintaining client relationships.
- Acting 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. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
Please note: Students must apply and be accepted into the Paralegal Studies certificate program. Being accepted to the College does not guarantee acceptance into any program. Call 216-987-5113 for details.