Paralegal Certificate

Classes:

• Introduction to the Legal System

Be introduced to sources of American law and the systems by which the law is administered and enforced. Review the origins of law through the study of the U.S. Constitution and its development and adaptation into today's legal systems. Gain practical knowledge of the courts and their impact on everyday life. 

• Legal Communications

Understand the written and oral communication skills utilized in the law office environment. Also learn the practical skills necessary to begin solving a legal problem. Legal writing skills, client interviewing techniques and the dynamics of verbal communication are emphasized. 

• Business Law

Review the basic legal practice as it applies to business dealings. Topics include formation and interpretation of business organizations including corporations, exposure to commercial law, general and limited partnerships, and general concepts of transactional law and real estate practice. The material presented acquaints students with the logical thought process required to understand and work with the law. 

• Computer Essentials for the Legal Professional

This course is designed to provide you with an overview of computer use in the law office. The benefits of Computer-Assisted Research are reviewed as well as Legal Research Databases. Legal research through LEXIS is explained and demonstrated. Selected legal software programs and databases are reviewed and discussed. 

• Ethics for the Legal Professional

Legal professionals are required to know and follow the ethical standards and rules of professional conduct in order to stay current with their profession. You will learn day-to-day application of these important standards and rules. 

• Civil Litigation I and II

Receive a thorough overview of the civil litigation process. The first of a two course series, instruction will cover the procedures for preparing a case for trial, from prelawsuit investigation through trial. The focus is on procedures within state courts with some discussion of federal court procedure also. The course describes the paralegal's function during the litigation process and ways in which paralegals can expand their level of responsibility. Note: Please note, students must successfully complete Civil Litigation 1 before enrolling in Civil Litigation 2. 

• Legal Research & Analysis

Learn the fundamental tools and skills involved in legal research and analysis. This course outlines the steps necessary to solve problems in California and Federal law through research. These steps include locating legal authority, reading and comprehending statutes and court decisions, interpreting legal authority and applying it to factual situations, and presenting the results in a memorandum of law. 

• Evidence Law

Be introduced to the study of the law of evidence. The material covered in the class presents practical applications of the rules of evidence, primarily referring to the California Evidence Code and the Federal Rules of Evidence. Instruction highlights areas that are especially relevant to the paralegal practice. 

• Paralegal Career Success

Learn the practical skills and experiences that are critical to be an excellent paralegal. The course will center on launching a successful job search campaign. Best practices in career development and job search strategies will be covered, including resume preparation, self-marketing principles, networking, interviewing skills and career enhancement resources. Topics will also include principles of law firm profitability and the paralegal's role in the profit formula, and current licensing and ethical issues. Instruction includes interviewing and interpersonal skills. 

• Electives (6 units). Examples include:

  • Contract Law

  • Discovery Principles

  • Tort Law

  • Criminal Law and Procedures

  • Immigration Law

  • Alternative Dispute Resolution

  • and more...

Duration: 1 Quarter

Delivery Method: In-person

Visa: F-1 Student Visa

Program Schedule:

• Monday - Friday, occasional Saturdays
• Daytime and evening courses
• Schedule varies

Age: 18+ 
 
Language Proficiency Requirement: 

• TOEFL iBT: 79

• IELTS: 6.5

• B2 First (Cambridge English: First-FCE): B2/C1

• C1 Advanced (Cambridge English Advanced-CAE):180-C1 and C2 Proficiency (Cambridge English Proficiency-CPE): 180-C1

• Duolingo English Test (DET): 110

• Pearson Test of English (PTE): 58

• TOEIC (all four subjects are required):

  • Listening: 445 

  • Reading: 420 

  • Speaking: 170

  • Writing: 165

• ELI level (8-week programs): 7 or higher

For questions regarding alternative English proficiency exams, please email ipadmission@ucsd.edu.

Additional Admission Requirements

• Completion of a university degree

• Copy of your academic transcripts in English, indicating a strong academic record; include grading key

• A one-page statement explaining why you would like to take the Paralegal Certificate program

• Three letters of recommendation from an instructor, employer, co-worker, and/or client

All programs close when they are full. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis until all seats available are taken by the most qualified applicants.
 
All enrolled students are required to complete an online pre-arrival orientation before starting the Paralegal Certificate. 

2024 Dates:

• September 18 - December 16 

• Application fee: $225
• Paralegal Certificate (1 quarter/3 months): $9,550
• International Student Service fee: $400 per quarter
• UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies medical insurance: $715 per quarter
• Certificate fee: $95

2025 Dates:

• September 17 - December 13

2025 Prices:

• Application fee: $225
• Paralegal Certificate (1 quarter/3 months): $9,750
• International Student Service fee: $500 per quarter
• UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies medical insurance: $780 per quarter
• Certificate fee: $95