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Paralegal

An American Bar Association approved program

  • Average Cost
    $7,060-$8,270*
    *excludes books and other fees
  • Certificate Program
  • Formats
    Remote Live / Online*

    Duration
    Part-time: 12-24 months
    Full-time: 3 months

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    *Includes at least 15 units of synchronous instruction

Paralegal Program 45+ Years Practical Training Taught by Attorneys and Paralegals

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 certificate that will differentiate you in the job market.

Who Should Enroll

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 services delivery team working under the supervision of attorneys, considering law school, or wanting to take individual courses to brush up on specific skills, should attend.

Career Insight

Occupational summary for Paralegals and Legal Assistants in the U.S. Source: Lightcast™ 2022

345,797
Annual Job Openings
(2021)
10.5%
Projected Growth
(2021-2031)
$89k
Salary for Highly Experienced Professionals
(Median Salary $57k)

Program Benefits

  • Approximately 300 hours of instruction from practicing attorneys and paralegals from leading law firms, corporations, and nonprofit organizations
  • Evening option courses are held remote online including at least 15 units of synchronous instruction
  • Receive career coaching by an experienced paralegal to develop your resume, assist with your job search, and grow your paralegal professional network in the Legal Career Skills course
  • Compressed Schedule (earn your certificate in one quarter) available remote online including at least 15 units synchronous instruction
  • Choose individual courses or participate in the complete certificate program
Program graduate, Darlene Jones-Greene, talks about being a paralegal today and now in law school.
Sign-in to LinkedIn to see what students are saying about their experience.

Earn an Alternative Digital Credential

Successful completion of a qualifying assignment within select Paralegal courses offers you the opportunity to earn an Alternative Digital Credential (ADC). Also referred to as a digital badge, an ADC is a virtual record of specific skills and competencies you have acquired and provides a verifiable way for you to share your educational achievements with employers, colleagues and others via social platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

Explore the criteria necessary to earn an ADC in:

Learn more about Alternative Digital Credentials and how they can help you demonstrate your commitment to professional development and distinguish yourself in a competitive job market.

*Courses completed prior to indicated dates are not eligible for a badge.

Jon Sloan

Free Events

Paralegal Career and Program Information Session

Thursday, June 15, 2023
 6:30PM - 7:30PM
 ucidce.zoom.us

RSVP

Admission Requirements

To qualify for admission, you must have a bachelor’s degree or an associate of arts or science degree from an accredited post-secondary institution. An associate of applied science degree, or an occupational or vocational degree does not satisfy the educational requirements. If you completed your undergraduate education at an institution where English was not the primary medium of instruction, you must achieve a minimum total TOEFL score of 80 iBT, with a minimum Writing sub-score of 24 and Speaking sub-score of 26.

Transfer Credit

Students who complete the Paralegal Certificate Program are eligible to transfer credits into a graduate degree from the universities listed below:

Advisory Committee

  • Rafia Aleem, Paralegal Manager, Hall Griffin
  • Hillary Berk, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Teaching in Criminology, Law and Society, UCI School of Social Ecology
  • Georgina Brewer, Paralegal, O.C. District Attorney’s Office
  • Rosanne Brewitz, Senior Patent Litigation Paralegal, Allergan, Inc.
  • Michael Fischer, Esq., Cross Court Law
  • Kathleen Houts Miller, M.A., ACP, CAS, Senior Litigation Paralegal, FedEx Express – Legal Dept.
  • Steven J. Nataupsky, Esq., Managing Partner, Knobbe, Martens, Olson and Bear, LLP
  • Alicia A. Nicosia, District Attorney’s Office, Orange County
  • Jasminder Deol, Assistant Dean of Career Services, UCI School of Law
  • Kai Williamson, M. Ed., Senior Corporate Governance Paralegal and Legal Operations Manager, Alorica and Past President, Orange County Paralegal Association (OCPA)
  • Zachary Zaharek, Senior Corporate Counsel, Virgin Galactic
  • Cody Brown, Intellectual Property Paralegal, Haynes and Boone, LLP
  • Christina Whittle, Student Representative
  • Comelita Farris, General Public Representative

Career Advancement Network (CAN)

We are proud to provide our certificate students and alumni with newly enhanced career services that include one-on-one coaching, technology tools, webinars and workshops, networking events, mentorship/internship opportunities, and a rich collection of free online career resources. Learn more.

Resources

Student Recruitment: A Professional Paralegal Connection

 Read Article

Contract Management for Paralegals

 Read Article

Success for Paralegals through Leadership

Program graduate, Carrera Mullinax, shares her experience in the program and as a paralegal.  Watch Video

Cody Brown

Alumni Spotlight: I Love My Job

 Read Article

Alica Danesh

Alumni Spotlight: A New Life as a Paralegal

 Read Article