Paralegal Studies

Become a paralegal in under a year.

For over four decades, UCLA Extension’s Paralegal Training Program has been setting students up for success. Recognized by employers throughout Los Angeles and beyond, our program equips students with a thorough understanding of the functions and ethics needed in this ever-growing profession. Our program qualifies graduates to hold themselves as paralegals under the California Business & Professions Code §6450. It has been designed specifically to prepare students to perform and adapt successfully in an ever-changing legal environment.

Instructors approved by the UCLA School of Law
Real-world experience is one of the cornerstones of our program and training. That’s why all of our instructors are attorneys, judges, paralegals, and other legal professionals, selected from a broad spectrum of the legal community. We pride ourselves on the expertise that our instructors bring. Some of our instructors are also graduates of the program themselves, who after working as paralegals have gone on to careers as practicing attorneys or judges. Our diverse instructor base delivers a unique and relevant perspective on the legal field.

Note: Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.

Choose the Program That Works for You
Already mid-career, or have a busy schedule? No problem! There's no need to put your life on hold to switch careers, or expand your career options.

We offer both 5- and 11-month programs where you'll receive instruction in the following areas: The Paralegal Profession, Common Law, Practical Paralegal Skills, Civil Procedure, and Statutory Law.

5-Month Daytime Program
Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
This 5-month program offers a more traditional class schedule, designed for those who work nights or have other obligations, but have the mornings available for study.
11-Month Evening Program
2 evenings a week, from 6:30-10 p.m.
This 11-month program is designed to meet the busy schedules of working professionals.

Live Online Instruction

The 5- and 11-month programs are both offered live online which means all class meetings are scheduled and held in real-time using Zoom, allowing for live interaction with your classmates and instructors.

Note: Program offerings, including times and locations, may vary by quarter.

Our program is ABA-approved. Pursuant to ABA Guidelines, students must take at least nine-semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction. Our Paralegal Training Program (LAW X 406), meets this requirement.

The Paralegal Training Program does not accept transfer credits of legal specialty course work completed at other institutions or award legal specialty credit by examination or portfolio review.

ABA-approved program for over 45 years
One of the first programs to be approved by the American Bar Association for high standards in faculty selection, academics, resources, curriculum, programming, and student services.

Learn More

Online Information Session

Join us for a live webcast to learn more about paralegal career paths, industry requirements and the benefits of our program. Hear directly from a program graduate, instructor, and a member of the Los Angeles Paralegal Association.

Saturday, January 18, 10am - 12pm

Reserve Your Spot

Select Your Application.

Paralegal Studies Certificate

Baccalaureate (BA or BS) or higher degree required.

To learn more, visit the Paralegal Studies program page.

Paralegal Studies (Undergraduate) Certificate

Associate degree (AA) or 60 semester / 90 quarters units (equivalent to 2 years) required.

To learn more, visit the undergraduate program page.

I started shopping around, and it didn't take long to realize that UCLA Extension's program was the best in Southern California. I was able to go through the five-month program and get to work right away!

Lauren Ruitberg

Paralegal Certificate Graduate