certificate

Paralegal Studies

Approved by the American Bar Association, the Paralegal Studies 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.

This program is perfect for...

  • Individuals looking for ABA-approved, nationally recognized training to become a paralegal
  • Pre-law and post-baccalaureate students considering law school
  • Legal professionals working in other capacities who are interested in expanding their employment prospects in an existing legal career
  • Paralegals who wish to expand and update their knowledge of other legal practice areas

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
American Bar Association logo

ABA-approved program for 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 Spring 2024 Program

The 11-month program which begins in Spring 2024 will be offered 100% online through Remote Instruction for the entire duration of the program. This program is ABA-approved. The application period for Spring quarter has closed. Applications for the 24-25 Academic Year, including Summer quarter, will become available in March.

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

business man writing in a law library

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.
 

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

 

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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, April 6, 10am - 12pm

Reserve Your Spot

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

Applicants must possess the following to be eligible for the program:

  • A baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university
    OR
  • An associate degree
    OR
  • 60 semester or 90 quarter units (or hours) earned from a regionally accredited college or university. 
    Note: At least 18 semester or 27 quarter units (or hours) must be considered general educational courses as defined by the ABA in at least three different disciplines. General education courses defined by the ABA include college-level courses that provide students with critical reasoning and writing skills such as social and behavioral science, English composition and literature, foreign language, mathematics, humanities, and natural science. Courses designed to develop professional, vocational, and technical skills are not considered general education.

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.

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

*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.

Which Program is Right for You?

 

Paralegal Studies Certificate

Baccalaureate (BA or BS) or higher degree required.

Apply Now

Paralegal Studies (Undergraduate) Certificate

Associate degree (AA) or 60 semester / 90 quarters units (equivalent to 2 years) required.
To apply, visit the undergraduate program page.

 

 

Courses

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

Required Course
LAW X 406
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

This program is a total of 36 quarter units. Estimated tuition per credit hour is $222.08.

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

7995.00

Estimated program textbook/materials

1000.00

*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.

**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.

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.

Learn More

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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

Contact Us

Speak to a program representative. Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm.

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