Skip to Content
Home /  Courses and Programs / Paralegal Certificate Program

The UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies paralegal program combines practical skills with legal theory and analysis. Classes are taught by prominent attorneys and experienced paralegals who provide students with a balanced perspective and insight into the tasks paralegals perform. Emphasis is placed on the working relationship between the paralegal and attorney. Course content focuses on civil litigation; areas of curriculum include legal research, writing, interviewing and substantive and procedural law.

American Bar Association approved Final_30th-Anniversary-Mark_Paralegal-01.png

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 Paralegals. Both the UCSD Diego Division of Extended Studies accelerated and part-time study programs have been granted ABA approval.

Program Goals

  • To educate students regarding the legal system and the role of the Paralegal in performing substantive and procedural legal tasks in the delivery of legal services, under the supervision of a licensed Attorney.
  • To train students in critical paralegal skills resulting in superior analytical ability, effective written and oral communication, excellent time management, critical thinking, and good judgment skills.

Program Objectives

  • Develop student’s knowledge of a wide variety of legal subject areas within civil litigation, criminal, and transactional law. 
  • Demonstration of a student’s ability to perform substantive and procedural legal tasks under the supervision of an Attorney through substantial writing assignments.
  • Advance the development of critical technology skills through the utilization of the most current legal technology platforms.
  • Teach students the principles of ethical legal practice through knowledge of the ABA’s Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility guidelines and the professional responsibility of both attorneys and paralegals under the California Business and Profession Code.
  • Encourage students to contribute to the advancement of the paralegal profession by becoming involved with the local and national paralegal associations.
  • Provide counseling to assist students in preparing for and obtaining meaningful careers in the paralegal field.

Internships

Legal internships provide students with valuable experience in the delivery of legal services and allow students the opportunity to apply knowledge gained through the paralegal program to real-world legal issues. Although not a program requirement, the Paralegal Career Services manager works with San Diego-area companies and firms to help find internships for students and recent graduates when requested.


There will be a $95 fee upon acceptance into the program


Contact Us

Department
Law Department
Phone
(858) 534-8152
Email
unexlaw@ucsd.edu