Paralegal

The Paralegal Certificate of Proficiency program generally includes only legal specialty and law-related courses and is relatively short in duration. Proof of a prior associate or bachelor’s degree is required prior to admission and students must demonstrate at least 18 credits of approved general education coursework in that degree.

This certificate program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

• Understand the roles and responsibilities of legal professionals in a variety of legal employment settings;
• Identify and implement standards of legal ethics and professionalism;
• Demonstrate practical skills in a range of substantive legal areas;
• Engage in effective written and verbal professional communication;
• Develop appropriate methods for embarking on a legal career.

As part of this post-degree certificate program, each student must complete 18 credits of designated legal specialty courses which include 9 credits (three courses) of core legal specialty courses which must be attained through synchronous instruction. The remaining courses are offered online, on campus, daytime and/or evening.

The following legal specialty courses do not generally qualify for transfer into the certificate program: LEG 129, LEG 130, LEG 132, LEG 133, LEG 143, and LEG 255. Students may transfer up to six (6) credits of qualified non-legal specialty courses into the certificate program, pending review and approval.

Legal specialty courses are designed to provide students with instruction in practical paralegal skills and substantive legal theory. All are taught by attorneys, judges, and doctorate-level legal educators.

In the United States, paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public or engage in the practice of law, except as permitted by law. In New Jersey, only an attorney who is admitted to the state bar may practice law.

The ABA-approved certificate program is designed to provide the education to prepare for an entry-level paralegal career working under the supervision of an attorney, expand employment opportunities, or to advance an existing paralegal career.

SEE ALSO:
Paralegal degree program