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Tip the Scales in Your Favor

Don't just study law, gain experience with the only ABA-approved program in the Inland Empire. Start with legal theory, and then apply your skills in a unique internship. Our instructors are experienced attorneys and paralegals who have undergone a rigorous approval process. Get the most up-to-date information to work in a variety of legal areas.

NOTE: This program is offered completely online, and per ABA requirements, students are required to complete 13.5 quarter units as synchronous instruction. Please see the Requirements section below for needed documents. All courses in this program are offered as synchronous instruction, and therefore meet the stated requirements of the ABA.

This program is endorsed by the American Bar Association (ABA).

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  • Money in hand icon

    Est. Tuition $8,250

  • Computer and user icon

    Learning Format Online

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    Duration 15 months *

    *Duration times can vary, talk to your advisor for more information.
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    Total Units 31 Units

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

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

Required Courses

Course Formats
Required.
Required (24.00 Units )
 
WinterSpringSummerFall
Fundamentals of Law for the Legal ProfessionalIntroduction to law, including an overview of the American legal system, federal and California court systems, and administrative law.
4.00 Units
Legal Research and Writing IFundamentals of legal research and development of the essential writing skills needed to perform research under the direction of a licensed attorney.
4.00 Units
Legal Research and Writing IIA continuation of the legal research and writing skills developed in Legal Research and Writing I, with emphasis on utilizing those skills to research and analyze assigned legal issues and to present the product of such research and analysis in proper written form.
4.00 Units
Civil Litigation and ProceduresThis course provides students with an understanding of state and local rules, laws, procedures and ethical considerations involved in litigating civil lawsuits.
4.00 Units
Contract LawThis course examines the law relating to formation of contracts; the statute of frauds; third-party beneficiary contracts; assignment of rights and delegation of duties; liability for breach of contract, including the law of conditions and discharge; and the impact of the Uniform Commercial Code on traditional contract theory.
3.00 Units
Tort LawFundamentals of basic tort law.
3.00 Units
Ethics for the Legal ProfessionalThis course familiarizes participants with ethical rules and guidelines applicable to legal professionals, including the sources of ethical rules and model codes.
2.00 Units
Elective (7.00 Units )
 
 
WinterSpringSummerFall
Criminal Law for ParalegalsAnalysis of fundamental concepts of criminal law and procedure from both the prosecution and defense perspective.
4.00 Units
Family LawThis course provides an overview of domestic relations law including the Family Law Code, and examines the laws relating to marriage, marriage dissolution and annulment, separation, and child custody and visitation.
3.00 Units
Paralegal InternshipGain a working knowledge of the role of a paralegal through an internship position in a law firm, corporate in-house legal office, law-related public agency, or other legal setting.
3.00 Units
Probate Practices and ProceduresMethods of gathering facts, court requirements for probate and general office procedures for effective administration.
3.00 Units
Rules of EvidenceThe rules of evidence govern all criminal and civil matters and determine what testimony, facts, information, documents, and actual pieces of evidence are admissible in court.
3.00 Units
Bankruptcy Law and ProcedureExtensive coverage of bankruptcy law and procedures, including commencing a case, preparation of schedules, exemptions, litigation in Bankruptcy Court, creditor representation, technical terminology and practical hints for legal assistants.
3.00 Units

Getting Started

Once accepted into the program, Fundamentals of Law for the Legal Professional must be completed first, as this course is a prerequisite for all other courses in the program.

Jun23Summer 2025
Jun24Summer 2025
Jun24Summer 2025
Future Dates

Certificate Spotlights

Dawn DuRocher

Instructor Spotlight
 

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