Paralegal Certificate

Today, paralegals are in demand not only in law offices but also in a wide variety of organizations, including consumer groups, corporations, courts, government agencies, health care facilities, insurance companies, and real estate brokerages. UCSD Extension's ABA-Approved Paralegal Program combines practical skills with legal theory and analysis, providing students with a balanced perspective and insight into the tasks paralegals perform.

To learn more about the Accelerated and Part-time Paralegal Certificate Program, visit the website at extension.ucsd.edu/paralegal

The American Bar Association defines a "Paralegal" as a person, qualified by education, training, or work experience who is employed or retained by an attorney, law firm, corporation, governmental agency or other entity who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work under the direction and supervision of a practicing licensed attorney.

Stay Informed

Receive emails about upcoming Law courses, events, and special programs.

Tools

Email This Page

Print This Page

Request Information

Certificate Course Matrix
Course Title	Course Number	Units	FA	WI	SP	SU
Required Courses (All 10 courses are required)
Introduction to the Legal System	LAW-40000	1	S, X	X	S, X	S, X
Legal Communications	LAW-40015	2	S	X	S	S, X
Business Law for the Legal Professional	LAW-40001	3	S, X	X	S, X	S
Computers for the Legal Professional	LAW-40027	2	S, X		S, X	S
Ethics for the Legal Professional	LAW-40028	1	S, X		S, X	S
Civil Litigation I	LAW-40018	3	S	X	S	S
Civil Litigation II	LAW-40021	3	S		S, X	S
Legal Research and Analysis	LAW-40003	3	S, X		S, X	S
Evidence Law	LAW-40035	2	S	X	S	S, X
Practice and Procedures	LAW-40020	2	S, X		S, X	S
Electives (6 units required)
Administrative Law and Procedure	LAW-40047	3	X
Alternative Dispute Resolution	LAW-40384	3		L
Bankruptcy Law	LAW-40016	3		X		S
Intellectual Property Law	BUSA-40263	2	X	X	L, S	L, S
Contract Law	LAW-40019	2	S, X		S, X	S
Computer and Software Law	BUSA-40211	1			X
Corporate Law	LAW-40044	3			X
Criminal Law and Procedure	LAW-40049	3	X		X
Domestic Relations Law	LAW-40006	3		X
Employment Law for the Paralegal	LAW-40030	3	X
Estate Planning and Administration	LAW-40017	3			X
Immigration Law	LAW-40038	2	X
Real Property Law	LAW-40022	3				X
Tort Law	LAW-40037	2	S		S	S, X
Recommended
CLA (Certified Legal Assistant) Exam Preparation and Review	LAW-40042	3	S	S	S
Litigation Support 101	LAW-40054	2	S	S
L=La Jolla M=Mission Valley O=Online R=Rancho Bernardo S=Sorrento Mesa X=Location TBA

Certificate Programs

To Register in the Certificate Program

Certificate registration is required to complete the program. Candidates are encouraged to register in the certificate program as early as possible to take advantage of program benefits. See Certificate FAQs for more information.

Please contact the department for an application to this program.
Contact:	Business & Professional Programs, (858) 882-8008
E-mail:	jdunlap@ucsd.edu

Conditions for Admission

Applicants are officially admitted to the program upon completion of the application process, which includes: three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, an interview, and the application for candidacy accompanied by a $50 fee. For more information, please visit the program website at extension.ucsd.edu/paralegal.

Certificate Guidelines

Accelerated Program
This intensive, one-quarter (12-week) accelerated program is offered Summer, Fall and Spring quarters; classes are from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. A Bachelor's Degree is required.

Part-time Program
The part-time program allows participants to study for a new career without disrupting their current work schedules. Quarterly courses meet once a week for up to ten weeks. Students pay for each course individually as taken. Day classes are now available to accelerate completion of the certificate. Minimum of Associates Degree or significant legal experience is required.

Advisors

Luciana Case, CLA
Certified Paralegal
Butz, Dunn, & DeSantis

Karla M. Castetter, J.D., MLS
Professor of Law and Library Director
Thomas Jefferson School of Law

Angelo J. Corpora, Professor
Coordinator, Legal Studies Programs
Palomar College

Julia M. Dunlap, Esq.
Attorney, Law Offices of Julia Dunlap
Director of Legal Education, UCSD Extension

Patti L. Groff, CLM
Director of Administration
Butz, Dunn & DeSantis

Suzie Johnson
Paralegal, Office of General Counsel
San Diego County Regional Airport Authority

Vicki L. Krantz
Managing Director of Business, Science & Technology
UCSD Extension

Carole Leffler
Assistant Administrator/ Billing Coordinator
Farmer, Case and Feder

Deborah Murphy, CP
Clinical Trials Contract Manager
Biosite Incorporated

Michael Steinman
Paralegal

Katherine B. Wilkins, CLAS
Senior Legal Administrator
Geocon Incorporated

Home | Contact | | |