 The Gold Standard in Paralegal Training.
Obtaining a paralegal certificate from top-tier University of California, Irvine, reflects your commitment to educational excellence and appreciation for academic challenge. Our American Bar Association-approved program gives you knowledge, career preparation, and a prestigious credential that will differentiate you in the job market.
A “Paralegal” or “Legal Assistant” is a person qualified by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible.
- American Bar Association
About the Program
Develop job skills that are essential in a paralegal career. Learn from instructors who represent prominent law firms, corporations, and public sector agencies who bring you real-world experience. Obtain specialized information in classes specifically developed for experienced paralegals.
Now in its
31st
year, our Paralegal Certificate Program has earned an outstanding reputation for practice-based education. A balance of workplace applicable skills and legal theory equips graduates to participate in virtually every aspect of a case. Concepts are taught and reinforced utilizing case studies, lectures, class discussions, group exercises, assignments, field trips, and guest speakers.
Program Benefits
- Improve your earning potential, expand your career options, and enhance your marketability
- Instruction from practicing attorneys and paralegals from leading law firms, corporations, and non-profit organizations
- Connect with others in the legal industry and develop a professional network as you progress through the program
- Build a portfolio of work that showcases your capabilities
- On-campus and online courses available
- Choose individual courses or participate in the complete certificate program
- Great precursor to entering law school
- Academic advisement, job postings, and internships
Who Should Attend
If you are passionate about working with people, have an appreciation for the law, and enjoy the satisfaction of making a real difference in your work, a paralegal career is the perfect choice for you. Those interested in becoming part of a legal delivery team working under the supervision of attorneys in all areas of the law, considering law school, or seeking to differentiate yourself with an ABA-approved Paralegal certificate, should attend. MCLE and CPE credit available on select courses.
Certificate Requirements
Candidates for the certificate must be officially admitted into the program and complete a total of 30 units/300 hours of instruction with a grade of “C” or above in all courses. Certificate candidates must complete the program within five years of taking their first course. For admission requirements, an application form, or for more information, call (949) 824-7774 or email paralegal@unx.uci.edu. All requirements must be completed within five (5) years after the student enrolls in his/her first course.
Your UC Irvine Paralegal Certificate is valid under Business and Professions Code Section 6450. |
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Stay Informed About Our
Paralegal Certificate Program
Online Course: Paralegal Admissions Meeting
Thursday, July 24, 2008
In this online course version of our free Paralegal Information and Admissions Meeting, participants will be able to utilize UCI Extension's Distance Learning Center. Participants will be able to log-in anytime during this one week period; gaining an overview of the certificate program, admission requirements and paralegal career opportunities. Participants will also have the opportunity to complete a writing sample, which is required for those who wish to complete their candidacy in the Paralegal Certificate Program.
Register Today!
Requirements for Online Study
To be awarded the paralegal certificate, you must take a minimum of 15 units (150 hours) in the traditional classroom format. The certificate program cannot be taken entirely online. Visit the website for Paralegal Online FAQ. Please Note: The terms listed in the preceding “Certificate Requirements” section will still apply.
Advisory Committee
- Rafia Aleem, paralegal manager, Green & Hall, APC
- Hollie Bergels, graduate representative
- Georgina Brewer, paralegal, O.C. District Attorney’s Office
- Robert J. Cohen, Esq., executive director, Legal Aid Society of Orange County
- Chris Garber, senior paralegal, Allergan, Inc., past president, OCPA
- Gary S. Gorczyca, Esq., Law Offices of Phillips, Whisnant, Gazin & Gorczyca, LLP
- J. Denny Haythorn, associate dean of Library/Information Services; professor of Law; Whittier Law School
- Jayne Kacer, Esq., assistant dean of Student Affairs, Chapman University School of Law
- Kim Long, founder and managing principal, Echo Media Group
- James W. Meeker, J.D., Ph.D., associate dean of Student Affairs, School of Social Ecology, UCI
- Kathleen Houts Miller, M.A., ACP, CAS, senior litigation paralegal, FedEx Express Legal Dept., Irvine
- Jon S. Montgomery, CLA, senior paralegal, real estate specialist, Paul Hastings, Janofsky & Walker
- Steven Nataupsky, Esq., Knobbe, Martens, Olson & Bear, LLP
- Cathy Richardson, student representative
- Alicia Roane, paralegal, O.C. District Attorney’s Office, President, Orange County Paralegal Association (OCPA)
- Gabrielle Roudabush, paralegal, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
- Commissioner Richard G. Vogl, O.C. Superior Court, Family Law Panel
- Laura Tarbox, CFP/President, Tarbox Equity
- Zachary Zaharek, Esq., J.D., M.B.A., senior corporate counsel at The First American Corporation, and president-elect for the Association of Corporate Counsel, Southern California chapter
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