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NOTE: Courses are currently operating in an online format due to COVID-19. When safe to do so, courses will return to an in-person classroom setting per ABA program requirements.

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.

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

Find Available Start Dates
  • Money in hand icon

    Est. Tuition $6,500

  • Computer and user icon

    Learning Format Online

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    Duration 15 months *

    *Duration times can vary talk to your student success coach for more information.
  • Gear or cog icon

    Total Units 31 Units

  • 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).

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
  • Official Transcripts

NOTE: Application and transcript details can be found on the Paralegal Studies application.

Paralegal Internship:

  • Students must complete all required courses prior to enrolling in the Paralegal internship.
  • Quarter Dates
    • Summer 2021 - Start Date June 21; Enrollment Deadline, April 12, 2021
    • Fall 2021 - Start Date September 20; Enrollment Deadline, July 12, 2021
    • Winter 2022 - January 3; Enrollment Deadline, Oct. 11, 2021
    • Spring 2022 - March 23; Enrollment Deadline, Jan. 12, 2022

Individuals who want to:

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

Required Courses

Course Formats
Required.
Required (24 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 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 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 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 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 Units
Tort LawFundamentals of basic tort law.
3 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 Units
All required courses need to be completed prior to enrolling in elective courses.
Elective (7 Units )
 
 
WinterSpringSummerFall
Criminal Law for ParalegalsAnalysis of fundamental concepts of criminal law and procedure from both the prosecution and defense perspective.
4 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 Units
Immigration and Naturalization Law and ProcedureAn overview of immigration law in the United States, with an emphasis on the practical application of that law in a law firm or corporate environment.
2 Units
Paralegal InternshipGain a working knowledge of the paralegal's role through an internship position in a law firm, corporate in-house counsel's office, law-related public agency, or other legal setting.
3 Units
Probate Practices and ProceduresMethods of gathering facts, court requirements for probate and general office procedures for effective administration.
3 Units

Getting Started

We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your eduction, life and work schedules.

Oct19Fall 2021
Nov18Fall 2021
Jan04Winter 2022
Future Dates

Teasers

Program Brochure

Get the facts! Decide if this program is right for you.
Download PDF Program Brochure

Help Center | Resources

Got questions? Explore our Help Center for more info.
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Completion Verification

You've completed your courses! Take the final step to receive your certificate.
Apply Now Completion Verification

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