Paralegal Studies

UCR Extension's Professional Certificate in Paralegal Studies is the only ABA-approved program in the Inland Empire.

You can transfer up to 4 units of comparable content from another ABA-approved program. Please submit an official transcript with course description and syllabus.

Certificate vs. Certification

Upon successful completion of our program, you earn a Professional Certificate, but professional certification is a separate, optional process.

• Only the NALA Certifying Board for Paralegals can certify you.
• Our curriculum meets the required educational criteria to apply for NALA certification.
• For more details about certification and how to apply, visit: www.nala.org

Paralegal Internship

Develop your skills with an optional internship in a law firm, corporate in-house counsel's office, public agency or other legal setting. Gain practical experience and make valuable connections for your career.

Prior to enrolling, please ensure that you meet the following minimum requirements:

• Possess a bachelor's degree or an associates degree (some vocational associates excluded) from an accredited post-secondary institution OR have completed a minimum of 40 semester units (or 59 quarter units) of college coursework, including a minimum of 18 semester units (or 27 quarter units) of general education courses in at least three different disciplines, such as:
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • English Literature and Composition
  • Foreign Languages
  • Mathematics
  • Fine Arts
  • Humanities
  • Natural Sciences

Required Documents

• Application ($100)
• Official Transcripts

NOTE: To ensure a smooth transition into the program, please familiarize yourself with our program handbook. It outlines the program in detail and declares your rights and responsibilities as a student. Application and transcript details can be found on the Paralegal Studies application. Please have your university/college send your official transcripts to: prodev@ucx.ucr.edu

Completion Requirements:

• To earn the Professional Certificate in Paralegal Studies, individuals must complete all courses for a total of 31 quarter units, with a grade of C or better.

Paralegal Internship Elective:

• Students need 7 elective units for the Paralegal Studies certificate
• Students must complete all required courses prior to enrolling in the Paralegal internship elective

  Quarter Dates:

  • Spring 2025: Starts April 1; Enrollment Deadline, January 21, 2025
  • Fall 2025: Starts Oct 7; Enrollment Deadline, July 29, 2025

• Advanced legal knowledge and skills to perform as a paralegal
• Current laws and court rules
• Academic, ethical and professional standards of the legal profession

Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.

University of California programs for professions that require licensure or certification are intended to prepare the student for California licensure and certification requirements. Admission into programs for professions that require licensure and certification does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or certificate. Licensure and certification requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the University of California and licensure and certification requirements can change at any time.

The University of California has not determined whether its programs meet other states’ educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether, if they complete a University of California program, they will meet their state’s requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v)(C).

Individuals who want to:

• Enter the legal field
• Make a career change
• Enhance their legal knowledge