certificate

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, businesses, 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.

SEE COURSES IN THIS PROGRAM

This program is perfect for...

Individuals without a bachelor's degree wanting to become paralegals
Prospective paralegals who want training in substantive and procedural law
Pre-law students looking for early exposure to core areas of law taught in the first year of law school
Individuals looking for ABA-approved, nationally recognized training to become a paralegal

What you can learn.

Gain an overview of the paralegal profession as well as the responsibilities and opportunities for paralegals in various practice areas
Analyze governing principles of law in the areas of contracts, torts, criminal law, real property, business organizations, and securities law
Understand stages of civil procedure, from pleadings and discovery through preparing for and presenting evidence at trial
Learn how to conduct legal research, analysis, draft legal documents, and utilize legal technology

ABA-approved program for over 45 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.

Update for Winter 2024 Program

The 5- and 11-month programs which begin in Winter 2024 will be offered 100% online through Remote Instruction for the entire duration of the program. This program is ABA-approved. The application deadline for Winter 2024 is November 21, 2023.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 20, 10am - 12pm

Reserve Your Spot

Program Goals

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; and
Adapt easily to the changing role of the paralegal and to the changing needs of the legal community.

Program Objectives

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.

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

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.

Winter 2024

5-Month Program (Daytime)
Location: Remote (Live Online) Instruction*
Days & Time: Mon-Fri, 9am-12:30pm PT
Program Dates: January 29-June 25, 2024
Application Deadline: November 21, 2023
Financial Aid Deadline: December 7, 2023

11-Month Program (Evening)
Location: Remote (Live Online) Instruction*
Days & Time: Tue & Thur, 6:30-10pm PT
Program Dates: January 30-November 26, 2024
Application Deadline: November 21, 2023
Financial Aid Deadline: December 7, 2023

*Remote (Live Online) Instruction: Course is taught in real-time using Zoom. Class sessions are scheduled on specific day(s) and time(s). Students access course materials through Canvas and use integrated tools such as Zoom to join the live interactive classroom. Students may ask questions and interact in real-time with the instructor. The live sessions can be recorded so students may view them at a later time. Location subject to change.

Spring 2024

11-Month Program (Evening)
Location: Remote (Live Online) Instruction*
Days & Time: Tue & Thur, 6:30-10pm PT
Program Dates: April 2, 2024-February 11, 2025
Application Deadline: February 13, 2024
Financial Aid Deadline: February 29, 2024

Which Program is Right for You?

Paralegal Studies Certificate

Baccalaureate (BA or BS) or higher degree required.

To apply, visit the Paralegal Studies program page.

Paralegal Studies (Undergraduate) Certificate

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

Apply Now

Courses

Click below to view the required and elective courses, if applicable, for this program.

Required (4)

Required Courses

Paralegal Training Program

LAW X 406

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Oral Communication and Presentation Skills for Legal and Business Professionals

LAW X 407.1

Effective Writing in Legal and Business Settings

LAW X 407.2

Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Legal Internship

LAW X 407.3

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

This program is a total of 36 to 40 quarter units. Estimated tuition per credit hour is $243.88.

Estimated Cost Breakdown

All courses in this program are paid for individually, unless otherwise noted. An application form is required to establish candidacy in this program. From the 'Apply Now' button, complete the online application and pay the application fee if applicable.

Application & Candidacy Fee

N/A

Estimated Program Tuition

8780.00

Estimated program textbook/materials

1000.00

Apply Now

*The Application & Candidacy Fee establishes your candidacy in the program for a period of time covering normal progress toward completion and may allow you to access a variety of program benefits.

Internships
Available

Approved for
International Visa

VA Benefit
Eligible

Federal
Financial Aid

**Federal Financial Aid Gainful Employment Disclosures

The U.S. Department of Education requires colleges and universities to disclose certain information for any financial aid eligible program that, “prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation”. This information includes program costs; occupations that the program prepares students to enter; occupational profiles; on time completion rate; and for the most recent award year: the number of students who have completed the program, the number of students who complete the program within the estimated duration, the job placement rate, and the median Title IV and private loan debt incurred by those who complete the program. For gainful employment information for this program, visit our Financial Aid page.

Internship Opportunities

An internship in paralegal studies can provide you with practical experience in a variety of legal job functions. This course is restricted to students and graduates of the Paralegal Training Program.

Learn More

International Students

Important Note: The Paralegal Studies Program is temporarily unable to accept F-1 international students in Spring 2022 and Summer 2022, as the program will be fully online in both quarters. The Paralegal Studies Program may resume accepting F-1 international students starting in Fall 2022 depending on the availability of in-person offerings at that time.

---------------

The Certificate in Paralegal Studies is approved for international students (F-1 student visa) for both the 5- and 11-month programs.

English Proficiency
International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting test scores from either TOEFL, IELTS or iTEP, no exceptions.

English language proficiency (minimum*):

TOEFL iBT: 90
IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall
iTEP Academic-Plus: 4.5

*Admitted international students whose test scores are below 100 on TOEFL iBT, 7.0 on the IELTS Academic, or 5.1 on the iTEP Academic-Plus will be required to take 1-2 supplemental English as a Second Language courses.

Learn more:

Academic Requirements & English Language Proficiency

International Students: How to Apply

Official Transcript
An official transcript or evaluation report with a course by course description is required from International students whose college was located outside of the United States.

two business professionals in suits referring to an open law book

Study with a nationally recognized program.

Recognized by employers throughout Los Angeles and beyond, our Paralegal Studies program equips students with a thorough understanding of the functions and ethics needed in this ever-growing profession to launch their career.

Download our brochure, or contact us for more information.

Download Brochure