About this Program
Paralegals play a vital role in the legal profession, providing key support services to attorneys in both public and private practice. Paralegal training has also grown in importance as many states — especially Washington — look to expand access to affordable legal representation, particularly in the areas of housing, family law and health care. As a result, job growth in the field is extremely robust.
In this certificate program, you’ll gain a solid understanding of the U.S. legal system and acquire the key knowledge and skills needed to work as a paralegal or in a related role. We’ll explore major aspects of court systems, hearings, trials and laws and explore essential subjects such as litigation, legal research, contracts, technology and professional ethics.
▸ Related Article: Hot Jobs: Paralegal
DESIGNED FOR
Paralegals, legal assistants and those seeking to become paralegals or enter other law-related occupations, including those considering law school.
See Requirements
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
To apply, you must have:
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
Completed college-level coursework in English composition and/or oral communication (non-native speakers can submit English proficiency scores in place of coursework)
Relevant skills, including the ability to work independently, manage projects, remain objective, attend closely to detail and be proficient with modern office technology
Also Recommended
Professional or technical writing experience
Strong understanding of English usage and grammar
Comfortable working with others and contributing to discussions
Transfer Requirements
This program allows students to apply a limited number of transfer credits from similar programs. Credit transfers are subject to these restrictions:
No more than 15 quarter credits/CEUs or their equivalents (see the chart on page 22 of the American Bar Association guidelines ) can be transferred
No online course credits can be transferred
To successfully transfer credits, a student must:
Provide an official transcript showing a grade of a B or better in the course(s)
Provide a syllabus or similar comprehensive summary of the course(s) being transferred
Provide proof that the course(s) were taken in the classroom (rather than online)
Indicate whether the college is approved by the American Bar Association
We reserve the right to accept or reject transfers based on how closely the transferring course(s) match our course offerings.
English Proficiency
If English is not your native language, you should have advanced English skills to enroll. To learn more, see English Language Proficiency Requirements – Noncredit Programs .
International Students
To enroll, international students must have a visa that permits study in the United States. This program does not enable students to obtain or maintain F-1 visa status. For more information, see Admission Requirements for International Students .
Technology Requirements
Access to a computer with a recent operating system and web browser
High-speed internet connection
Headset and webcam (recommended)
Earning the Certificate
You earn the certificate by adhering to the program's attendance policy and successfully completing all required courses. For more information, see Earning the Certificate .
Video Overview
An instructor and a graduate of the Certificate in Paralegal Studies talk about the educational and professional benefits of this highly respected program.
Duration: 03:32
Play
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
Legal theory and reasoning
Fundamentals of legal research, writing and analysis, including terminology and resources, interviewing, and documenting
All major aspects of litigation, covering areas such as criminal, environmental and family law
Essential topics in business law, including contracts, corporations, real estate and banking
Preeminent concerns related to professional and ethical responsibility in the legal field
Program Goals
In an effort to ensure the quality and rigor of this certificate program, it aligns with specific program goals .
APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP
You may be eligible to apply for a UW Certificate Scholarship or Rotary Scholarship to cover most of the costs of this program. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and the potential of the program to positively impact your career. For more information, see the Scholarships page.