Paralegal Certificate Program

The UCSD Extension Paralegal Program features a curriculum that combines practical skills with legal theory and analysis. Classes are taught by prominent attorneys and advanced paralegals, who provide students with a balanced perspective and expertise into the tasks paralegals perform. Emphasis is placed on the working relationship between the paralegal and the attorney. Course content focuses on civil litigation and areas of curriculum include legal research, writing, interviewing, and substantive and procedural law.

American Bar Association Approved

American Bar Association (ABA) approval has become a benchmark for many employers who hire paralegals. To be considered for approval by the ABA, a program must meet standards adopted by the ABA Standing Committee on Legal Assistants. Both the UCSD Extension Accelerated and part-time study programs have been granted approval by the American Bar Association.

Program Goals

• To familiarize students with the legal system and the role of the paralegal in the delivery of legal services in the public and private sectors.
• To train students in critical paralegal skills such as investigation, legal research, interviewing, written and oral communications.
• To provide students with the theoretical background to perform the paralegal's tasks in substantive areas of law and legal specialties.
• To educate and train students in areas of procedural law emphasizing the paralegals role in litigation, mediation and arbitration.
• To teach students about the general principles of ethical legal practice as defined by the American Bar Association's Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility, and California's Business & Professions Code §6450.
• To encourage students to contribute to the advancement of the legal profession.
• To provide counseling during the program and to assist students in preparing for and obtaining meaningful careers in the paralegal field.

Internships

Internship assistance is offered and arranged through the program, providing students with valuable experience in the delivery of legal services and allowing them to apply their skills upon completion of their certificate.

Placement and Job Assistance

UCSD Extension career counseling staff conduct individual counseling sessions and workshops on interviewing techniques, resume drafting, sources of employment contacts, and general job assistance. They regularly participate in community job development activities and refer program graduates to companies offering employment opportunities. While UCSD Extension cannot guarantee job placement, counselors are available to help students develop career skills, identify personal strengths and goals, and ultimately translate these elements into successful employment opportunities. This service is available at no additional fee for the full-time study program, and at a nominal fee for the part-time study program.

Admission requirements

Admission requirements are the same for both full-time and part-time programs. Standards are set by the American Bar Association and are reviewed periodically. Applicants must meet entrance requirements prior to admission. The basic requirements and submissions are as follows:

• Bachelor's degree (for the Accelerated Program) or significant legal experience
• Minimum of an Associates Degree or equivalent of general education units (for the Part-time Program) or significant legal experience
• Completion of the Application for Candidacy in the Paralegal Program
• Completion of an interview to measure oral skills
• A $50 processing fee, payable to UC Regents. This fee covers the application evaluation, interview, and counseling throughout the program
• Official transcripts of college work
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with the applicant's academic and/or professional background.

Program Dates

The intensive Accelerated Program allows students to complete instruction in 12 weeks.  The program is offered three times a year the Fall, Spring and Summer quarters. The part-time program permits students to begin the program in any quarter. Quarters start: September, January, March and June.

Information sessions are held in August, December, May, and June.

Application Deadlines

Applications must be submitted six weeks prior to the beginning of the term. Students applying for the accelerated program are advised to apply early.