Certificate Program in Paralegal Studies
Approved by UC Davis School of Law
The paralegal field continues to expand with the Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reporting that through 2014 the number of paralegals nationwide will increase by 27 percent. UC Davis Extension's Paralegal Studies Certificate Program allows you to realize a new career or enhance an existing one in just six months. This program is a comprehensive, intensive course of study. Focus only on developing paralegal skills and gain the skills that are most in demand.
How you will benefit
- Become a paralegal in just six months.
- Learn legal terminology, writing and research skills to become a valuable asset to any law firm.
- Discover techniques for preparing cases, pleading cases and managing clients.
- Develop the skills to draft contracts and analyze legal documents.
- Examine the laws pertaining to personal injury, product liability and malpractice.
Who should attend
This program is for career changers, current paralegals and others who work in law firms, as well as those considering law school. Many of the skills developed in non-legal fields (such as nursing, accounting, business management, law enforcement, medical and teaching) are transferable to the paralegal profession.
| UNITS | F | W | SP | SU | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| REQUIRED COURSES | Paralegal Studies Certificate Program | 21 | 
|
|
|
|
|
Distance Learning format
Classroom and Distance Learning formats |
||||||
Required Courses
Paralegal Studies Certificate Program
21 quarter units academic credit, X425.1. .
Approved by the UC Davis
Includes support in Spanish!
The
paralegal profession continues to be one of the fastest
growing career opportunities in the country. A recent survey conducted
by ALM Research, a leading source of business intelligence for
legal professionals, also indicates compensation for
paralegals is rising steadily above the cost of living. UC Davis
Extension offers
its
acclaimed Paralegal Studies Certificate Program online every quarter,
and during the
summer it is also available as a traditional classroom program. Acquire
the
knowledge you need to enter the paralegal profession.
- Instructors
who are licensed attorneys
- LexisNexis
and Westlaw online legal research database subscription for one year
- Lecture
notes, exercises, diagrams, charts, forms, templates, writing and
research labs, and mock exams (exams must be taken in English) accessed
through the ParaStudent website (in English or Spanish)
- A program
that meets California's Paralegal Requirements as outlined in the
Business and Professions Code Section 6450 (c)(2)
This dynamic certificate program provides you with the skills you need to enter this exciting profession.
Why choose this program over other type programs?
The high quality instruction of this curriculum combined with the expertise if its instruction, provided by members of the bar association, result is an unparalleled and dynamic educational experience. According to the 2004 Salary Survey by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), about half of employed paralegals have obtained their specific training from paralegal certificate programs.
Who should enroll?
- Legal staff who wish to enhance or advance their careers by earning a professional credential
- Career changers looking for a professional career with strong compensation
- Those involved in legal matters who want to gain a clearer understanding of legal processes
- Those considering law school (this program gives you a distinct advantage)
Comprehensive program
Excellent resource materials--including, texts, workbooks and CD-ROM. Access to a website with additional resources only for program participants, including lecture notes, mock exams, templates and forms, online citation assistance, online court rules, textbook summary and quizzes, chat rooms for instructor and students, and practice exercise questions. Please feel free to test drive our online support materials and experience the UC Davis Paralegal Studies Certificate Program. To visit the test drive site, please go to http://www.paralegalstudent.com/ucdavistestdrive.
Program outline
Introduction: Paralegal Studies Certificate Program Essentials
Explore legal ethics, legal terminology, legal research and writing, pleading preparation, utilization of forms and form books, legal analysis, client correspondence, interviewing, investigation, citation forms, the specifics of evidence, trial preparation and how to manage your clients.
Advanced Topics
Build upon the introductory portion with more in-depth study of those topics as well as preparation of discovery documents, e-discovery, motions, notices, legal technology, employment strategies, and online legal research with both LexisNexis and Westlaw.
California Procedures for Paralegals
Explore litigation procedures in the state courts of California, from both an academic, as well as a law practitioner's point of view. Receive step-by-step instruction on how to:
- Prepare summons and complaints
- Obtain default judgment
- Prepare answers and cross Complaints
- Evaluate and draft various pretrial motions and discovery requests
- Prepare cases for trial and trial related documents and motions
- Enforce a judgment after trial
In addition, learn the California court system and basic appellate processes, how to interpret and apply California Code of Civil Procedure, California Rules of Court, as well as various local court rules and legal forms.
Tort Law for Paralegals
Gain an understanding of laws pertaining to personal injury, product liability and malpractice. Examine the intentional torts of battery, assault, false imprisonment, intentional infliction of mental distress, trespass to chattel, trespass to property and conversion. Analyze negligence, breach of duty, causation and damages, liability issues and defenses, and malpractice.
Contract Law for Paralegals
Contracts are involved in virtually every field of law. Focus on the specialized skills of contract drafting, analysis and litigation. Examine several kinds of contracts and draft a contract as a part of your course requirements. Learn about remedies for non-performance (i.e., breach of contract) and third party contracts.
Program Designers
Daniel R. Barber and Alyssa Navallo are paralegals and nationally-recognized educators who have designed and developed courses and consulted for paralegal programs at some of the most highly respected universities in the U.S., including Duke University, Emory University, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, the University of Tennessee, Xavier University and John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
Admission Criteria
In order to enroll in this program you must hold a high school diploma or an advanced degree. In addition, participants need both word processing and basic Internet skills.
Sections of this course open for enrollment:
- Paralegal Studies Certificate Program
starts June 16 - Paralegal Studies Certificate Program starts September 15
Free info Sessions
Attend a Paralegal Studies Program Information Session to learn more about this program.
For More Information
Download a Paralegal Studies Certificate Program brochure for a list of current quarter courses and enrollment information. 
(699 KB)
