UC Irvine Extension: At the Forefront of Paralegal Education

From the OC Business Journal – November 26, 2001

Paralegals are integral to the success of a law practice or legal department, performing vital tasks that traditionally have been performed by lawyers. The responsibilities of paralegals are professional and distinct from routine administrative duties, making them an essential part of the delivery of legal services to clients.

Demand growing for qualified paralegals

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 62 percent growth rate through 2008 for paralegals, placing this occupation among the fastest growing and the most desirable career choices. When it comes to evaluating candidates for a paralegal position, employers favor those who have received formal training from a reputable institution.

Academic program backed by industry

UC Irvine Extension has long been recognized and respected as a premier provider of ABA-approved paralegal education, by offering a university-level certification program in this rapidly growing field. "This program has been the model for excellence in this field in Southern California for more than 20 years," says Gary Gorczyca, Esq., attorney at law. "It continues to maintain the highest standards for admission and education and its graduates are clearly the first choice among prospective employers."

Lori Munoz-Reiland, director of the Business, Management and Legal Programs at UC Irvine Extension credits the program's success to its advisory board and instructors, who represent the finest legal minds in the county, and who help ensure that the program maintains its quality, consistency, and distinctiveness. She also adds that "A certificate from UC Irvine Extension signifies a higher-level of competence, and this helps our graduates distinguish themselves in the job market."

The 11-course program combines a strong foundation in legal concepts with practical training in specialized areas of law. Students are exposed to a full range of legal topics from basic terminology and procedural law, to substantive law (torts, contracts, family, and corporate law) and legal research and writing. An internship component provides an opportunity for those seeking to supplement their education with practical experience.

"As a graduate of the program, I am proud to say that I benefited professionally from the knowledge and skills I gained in class," said Kathleen Houts Miller, CLA, CAS, Rutan & Tucker LLP, who also serves on the program advisory board. "I consider UC Irvine Extension as a valued resource for workforce development within the legal community and recommend the program to anyone desiring a quality paralegal education."

Now in its 25th year and with over 1,400 graduates, the Paralegal Certificate Program continues to open doors to new career opportunities – as a paralegal in a private law firm, a freelance paralegal, or as a starting point towards a career in practicing law.

Interested candidates are invited to attend a free Legal Admissions meeting on Thursday, December 13, 5:00-6:30pm, Rooms 110-111, University Extension C, UCI campus. For more information, contact Beverly Moss-Jones at (949) 824-5524.