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.

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.

"My instructors provided special insight into the field, up-to-date information and relevant examples to issues that we discussed in class. Because of this, I was able to contribute what I learned at my firm and understood the steps taken in a civil case more thoroughly, becoming more detailed and fast on the job."
 – Michelle Downing

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

Program Goals

• To provide an educational foundation that assists paralegals in becoming ethical, professional, and effective members of a legal services delivery team.
• To prepare students for a career as a paralegal working under the supervision of an attorney in law firms, corporations, and public sector organizations.

Program Objectives

• To actively involve members of the legal community to ensure the program content is current, job relevant, and responsive to the changing needs of the industry.
• To include opportunities for students to develop analytical skills, oral and written communication skills, technology solution understanding and exposure to various areas of law practice.
• To convey knowledge of the Federal and California State legal systems.
• To provide litigation and transactional
  practical skills.
• To impart an understanding of the role and responsibilities of paralegals and the rules
  of professional conduct and their application to paralegals.
• To instill in students the necessity to continually update the educational foundation obtained through this program so they can successfully adapt to, as well as anticipate, changes in the use of technology and in
  the legal profession throughout their
  paralegal career.
• To encourage participation in local and national paralegal association activities in order to comply with continuing education requirements under California Business and Professions Code section 6450, achieve advanced professional designations, develop leadership and organizational skills, network, and advance the profession.

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.

Stay Informed About
Paralegal

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.

Advisory Committee

• Rafia Aleem, paralegal manager, Green & Hall, APC, past president OCPA
• Georgina Brewer, paralegal, O.C. District Attorney’s Office
• Charles G. Cannon, assistant dean of development and external affairs; UCI School of Law
• 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
• Hilary Martin, paralegal and office administrator at Law Offices of Masson & Fatini, LLP, president, Orange County Paralegal Association (OCPA)
• 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
• Jennifer Park, general public representative
• Alicia Roane, CP, paralegal, O.C. District Attorney’s Office, past president, OCPA
• Gabrielle Roudabush, paralegal, Gibson,
• Dunn & Crutcher LLP, past president, OCPA
• Rosanne St. Onge, graduate representative
• Michael Stea, student representative
• Kai Williamson, senior compliance paralegal, IMPAC Companies, immediate past president, Orange County Paralegal Association (OCPA)
• Zachary Zaharek, Esq., J.D., M.B.A., senior corporate counsel at The First American Corporation, and past president, Association of Corporate Counsel, Southern California chapter

"The information I gained in UC Irvine Extension’s Paralegal Program added to the quality of my work in my new position. Because I gained so much from each class, after completing the certificate program, I took three additional classes!"
 – Cynthia Eddis

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.

Students are encouraged to take courses in the order as listed on the grid.

Your UC Irvine Paralegal Certificate is valid under Business and Professions Code Section 6450. However, paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.

After you have completed all requirements, you may request to receive your official certificate by completing the Request for Certificate and returning it to our offices as noted on the form. All requirements must be completed within five (5) years after the student enrolls in his/her first course.

On-site Training Available

Through Corporate Training, we can deliver this program or customize one that fits your organization's specific needs. Visit Corporate Training or call (949) 824-1847 for information.

English Proficiency Requirement
All certificate programs at UC Irvine Extension (classroom and online formats) require professional-level English language proficiency in listening and note-taking, reading comprehension and vocabulary, written expression, and oral presentation. If you would like to refine your English language proficiency prior to beginning one of our programs, please see our English Language Programs.