 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.
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) 824-1228 or email paralegal@unx.uci.edu. All requirements must be completed within five (5) years after the student enrolls in his/her 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.
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.
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Stay Informed About
Paralegal
Paralegal Education Planning Session
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Participants will be provided an overview of the certificate program, admission requirements and paralegal career opportunities. You will have the option to complete a writing sample at this meeting, which is part of the admission requirements into the Paralegal Certificate Program. Documents required for admission can be brought with you. For more information about the meeting, please contact the Paralegal Program Office at (949) 824-1228 or email paralegal@unx.uci.edu.
Register Today!
Online: Paralegal Education Planning Session
Monday, February 08, 2010
In this online version of our free Paralegal Education Planning Session, participants will be able to remotely participate in either or both: real-time online presentation or self access online session. Using the WebEx platform and requiring only internet and phone access, a live, one-hour info session will provide participants with an overview of the certificate program, admission requirements and paralegal career opportunities. Utilizing UC Irvine Extension's Distance Learning Center, participants will be able to log into an online session anytime during this one-week period; gaining an overview of the certificate program, admission requirements and paralegal career opportunities.
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, past president OCPA
- 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
- Jacqueline Yu Lee, graduate representative
- 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
- Alicia Roane, CP, paralegal, O.C. District Attorney’s Office, past president OCPA
- Commissioner Richard G. Vogl, O.C. Superior Court, Family Law Panel
- Laura Tarbox, CFP/President, Tarbox Equity
- Kai Williamson, Vice President of Operations & Senior Paralegal, First American Corporation, 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
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