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Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies

Discover a Rewarding Career with Paralegal Training

For 45 years, °µÍø½ûÇøÆƽâ°æ’s established program has helped students like you make an immediate impact in a law firm, company or social justice organization.

Add a paralegal certificate to your undergraduate degree to change careers, prepare for law school or expand your job opportunities. 

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Why °µÍø½ûÇøÆƽâ°æ for your Certificate

American Bar Association | ABA Approved Paralegal Program

Approved by the American Bar Association 

°µÍø½ûÇøÆƽâ°æ's certificate in paralegal studies is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). The ABA has an intensive review process, which means that your courses will be relevant, high quality and well-rounded. 

Study with practicing attorneys, experienced paralegals and a Cook County Circuit Court Judge.

Program Goals and Objectives

The goal of the program is to provide education and training that prepares students for the paralegal profession. The following objectives support this goal.

  1. Understand the basic concepts of substantive and procedural law including the operation of the legal system and the theory of law.
  2. Be able to work competently as a paralegal under the supervision of an attorney, including proficiency in using legal technology and software.
  3. Understand the ethical obligations of a paralegal.
  4. Contribute to the advancement of the paralegal profession.
Female students visiting career fair

Lifetime career assistance

Whether you’re landing your first job or changing careers, you’ll have help finding a role in a growing job market. Take advantage of our online job site, one-on-one career advising, workshops and career manual. Gain experience while in the program as an intern with law firms and organizations throughout Chicago. Some recent internship sponsors include:

  • Ulta Beauty
  • Reyes Kurson, Ltd.
  • Mintel Group, Ltd
  • Circuit Court of Cook County
  • Center for Disability & Elder Law
  • Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing
Student working on laptop in °µÍø½ûÇøÆƽâ°æ library

Flexible online and in-person courses

For the first time in program history, you can earn your certificate fully online. You must take at least nine semester hours of courses with live instruction over Zoom.

business students in conversation

A booming career field

Employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 14% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. The average Illinois salary is $60,920.

Students networking at an outdoor event

Affordable career advancement

Choose a program that works for your budget. The °µÍø½ûÇøÆƽâ°æ certificate is an affordable option for aspiring paralegals. 

See tuition and fees.

Smiling graduate in Auditorium

Earn your certificate on your schedule

The program can be completed fully online in 9 – 16 months. We have both full-time and part-time online schedules allowing students who work full-time the option to take 1 to 2 courses at a time. Full-time students can take more classes per semester and complete their certificate in 9 months.

If you prefer in-person classes, we offer daytime classes at our Chicago Campus. Full-time students can complete the program in Chicago in 9 months. The Chicago classes can also be completed on a part-time basis. Certain classes are offered on Saturdays at our Schaumburg Campus.

We can help you choose a schedule that works best for you!

 

“Every day, I get to support a team of fierce, expert advocates help clients turn employment challenges into positive outcomes. My work includes drafting legal documents and correspondences, client contact, docketing, e-Filing and research—everything that makes work in the legal profession rewarding.â€

 

Allison Wolcott, Paralegal Studies Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program
Paralegal, The Prinz Law Firm

MEET YOUR FACULTY

Disclaimer

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

According to ABA Guidelines, students must take at least nine semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction.