Paralegal Studies (Graduate)
Paralegal Studies (Graduate)
Approved by the American Bar Association, the Paralegal Studies Certificate prepares students for a career as a professional paralegal in a law firm, business, government, or nonprofit organization. The program fulfills educational requirements to work as a paralegal in California and is taught by UCLA School of Law-approved instructors.
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What you can learn.
ABA-approved program for 50 years. Our program was one of the first to be approved by the American Bar Association as meeting high standards in faculty selection, academics, resources, curriculum, programming, administration, and student services.
For over five 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.
Financial Aid is Available
The Paralegal Training Program is approved for Federal Financial Aid. For more information, see Financial Aid Eligibility and FAQs.
UCLA School of Law
Program curriculum is developed in cooperation with the UCLA School of Law, with input from our Advisory Committee of industry experts. Instructors are also vetted and approved by the UCLA School of Law and include attorneys, judges, paralegals, and other legal professionals, selected from a broad spectrum of the legal community. Some are also graduates of the program themselves, who have gone on to careers as practicing attorneys or judges. Our diverse instructor base delivers a unique and relevant perspective on the legal field.
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.
2-Quarter Daytime Program
Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
This 2-quarter program offers a more traditional class schedule, designed for those who work nights or have other obligations, but have the mornings available for study.
4-Quarter Evening Program
2 evenings a week, from 6:30-10 p.m.
This 4-quarter program is designed to meet the busy schedules of working professionals.
Live Online Instruction
The 2- and 4-quarter 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.
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.
The goals of the Paralegal Training Program are to prepare students to:
- Function as ethical, effective, and efficient professional paralegals in law firms, businesses, government, and nonprofit organizations
- Perform a wide variety of legal work under the supervision of attorneys
- Adapt easily to the changing role of the paralegal and to the changing needs of the legal community
The objectives of the Paralegal Training Program are to:
- Provide candidates with high quality-ABA approved instruction with an emphasis on substantive and procedural law, legal analysis, and practical paralegal skills from a variety of legal professionals including judges, attorneys, and paralegals
- Develop in candidates a practical understanding of the role, function, and ethical responsibilities of paralegals in various legal environments
- Provide candidates and graduates with guidance and tools for successful career planning and professional development in the legal profession
Live Online Instruction
The 2- and 4-quarter 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.
2-Quarter Daytime Program
Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. PT
4-Quarter Evening Program
2 evenings a week, from 6:30-10 p.m. PT
Applicants must possess a conferred/awarded baccalaureate (BA/BS) or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
Applicants lacking a baccalaureate degree who have the equivalent of two years of college credit may be eligible to apply using the undergraduate application. See https://www.uclaextension.edu/legal-programs/paralegal-studies/certificate/paralegal-studies-undergraduate.
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.
Upcoming Program Dates and Deadlines
Application Required Prior to Enrolling
Candidates must apply and be accepted into the program before enrolling in the required course.
2-Quarter Program (Daytime)
Location: Live Online
Days & Time: Mon-Fri, 9am-12:30pm PT
Program Dates: Jun 22 – Dec 2026
Application Deadline for Financial Aid Students: Feb 27
Application Deadline for Self-Pay (Non-Financial Aid) Students: Mar 20
Enrollment Deadline: May 22
4-Quarter Program (Evening)
Location: Live Online
Days & Time: Mon & Wed, 6:30-10pm PT
Program Dates: Jun 24, 2026 – Jun 2027
Application Deadline for Financial Aid Students: Feb 27
Application Deadline for Self-Pay (Non-Financial Aid) Students: Mar 20
Enrollment Deadline: May 22
2-Quarter Program (Daytime)
Location: Live Online
Days & Time: Mon-Fri, 9am-12:30pm PT
Program Dates: Sep 2026 – March 2027
4-Quarter Program (Evening)
Location: Live Online
Days & Time: Tue & Thu, 6:30-10pm PT
Program Dates: Sep 2026 – Aug 2027
Application opens: Apr 21
Application Deadline for Financial Aid Students: May 22
Application Deadline for Self-Pay (Non-Financial Aid) Students: Jun 18
Enrollment Deadline: Aug 21
2-Quarter Program (Daytime)
Location: Live Online
Days & Time: Mon-Fri, 9am-12:30pm PT
Program Dates: Jan – June 2027
4-Quarter Program (Evening)
Location: Live Online
Days & Time: Mon & Wed, 6:30-10pm PT
Program Dates: Jan – Dec 2027
Application opens: Jul 20
Application Deadline for Financial Aid Students: Aug 21
Application Deadline for Self-Pay (Non-Financial Aid) Students: Sep 18
Enrollment Deadline: Nov 20
2-Quarter Program (Daytime)
Location: Live Online
Days & Time: Mon-Fri, 9am-12:30pm PT
Program Dates: Mar – Sep 2027
4-Quarter Program (Evening)
Location: Live Online
Days & Time: Tue & Thu, 6:30-10pm PT
Program Dates: Mar 2027 – Mar 2028
Application opens: Oct 12
Application Deadline for Financial Aid Students: Nov 13
Application Deadline for Self-Pay (Non-Financial Aid) Students: Dec 11
Enrollment Deadline: Feb 26, 2027
Apply Now
Application deadlines and instructions are provided in this section.
APPLICATION PERIOD FOR FALL 2026 IS OPEN
DEADLINES
May 22 - Financial Aid Applicants
June 18 - Self-Pay (Non-Financial Aid Applicants)
Cost and Fees
This program is a total of 36 quarter units. Estimated tuition per credit hour is $222.08.
Required Courses
Required
Paralegal Training Program – Part 1
This ABA-Approved program provides training in the substantive and procedural law, ethics and professional responsibility and practical skills to work as a paralegal in California.
Paralegal Training Program – Part 2
This ABA-Approved program provides training in the substantive and procedural law, ethics and professional responsibility and practical skills to work as a paralegal in California.
Paralegal Training Program – Part 3
This ABA-Approved program provides training in the substantive and procedural law, ethics and professional responsibility and practical skills to work as a paralegal in California.
Paralegal Training Program – Part 4
This ABA-Approved program provides training in the substantive and procedural law, ethics and professional responsibility and practical skills to work as a paralegal in California.
An internship in paralegal training can provide you with practical experience in a variety of paralegal job functions. This course is restricted to students and graduates of the Paralegal Training Program.
Related Programs
Paralegal Studies (*Undergraduate*)
Approved by the American Bar Association, the Paralegal Studies (Undergraduate) Certificate prepares students for a career as a professional paralegal in a law firm, business, government, or nonprofit organization. The program fulfills educational requirements to work as a paralegal in California and is taught by UCLA School of Law-approved instructors.