Paralegal Studies Graduate Certificates
DURATION
12 up to 16 Months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
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TUITION FEES
USD 21,795 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning, On-Campus
* online / in-Person: $21,760
Scholarships
Explore scholarship opportunities to help fund your studies
Introduction
As Washington DC's only academic-credit bearing paralegal studies program, the GW Graduate Certificate in Paralegal Studies and the Graduate Certificate for California Paralegals are more than just powerful credentials; they are a signal to the best employers that you withstood the academic rigor of one of the nation's best paralegal programs.
You’ll study with the nation’s leading experts and get the critical knowledge and skills you need to enter legal, corporate, healthcare, or government practice with confidence and acumen. Paralegals perform substantive legal work, but may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.
If you choose, you can apply either the 18-credit or the 24-credit graduate certificate toward the 32-credit master's degree in Paralegal Studies. And as a credit-bearing program, these GW certificates qualify for military benefits and federal financial aid.
Program at a Glance
- Flexible
These certificates are geared towards working professionals and other nontraditional students. Evening classes and online options help you manage your life’s multiple priorities.
- Powerful
This academic credit-bearing credential has been named among the best in the nation and will boost your professional profile in tangible ways.
- Connected
With alumni across the country and in Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Italy, China, Japan, England and Taiwan, you’ll join a global network of professionals.
Where You’ll Study
You can study on campus at the Graduate Education Center in Alexandria, Virginia or online. Students in the online program must take nine semester credits of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction. This will be provided through live online class sessions.
You can study at the Graduate Education Center in Alexandria, VA & Foggy Bottom Campus in Washington, DC or online
What You’ll Study
The Graduate Certificate in Paralegal Studies comprises the Core Course Sequence, made of six courses and equating to 18 credits. These required courses provide the perspective and understanding you need to enter the legal field. Completion of this certificate typically takes two or three semesters.
The Graduate Certificate for California Paralegals comprises the Core Course Sequence plus any two of the Legal Practice Areas courses -- including the highly recommended California Law and Practice course. This set of eight courses, or 24 credits, builds on the foundational knowledge you will gain in the early courses and allows you to expand your knowledge in alignment with your academic and professional objectives. Additionally, this graduate certificate fully compiles with the educational requirements outlined in California Business and Professions Code, Chapter 5.6, §6450 (c), thereby allowing you to qualify as a paralegal in the state of California. Completion of this certificate typically takes three or four semesters.
Admissions
Program Outcome
Program Learning Objectives
- Understand key legal concepts
- Assess fact patterns to spot legal issues
- Communicate effectively orally and in writing
- Operate ethically and professionally in accordance with the law and industry guidelines
- Solve complex problems
- Demonstrate critical thinking
- Manage complex projects
- Assess, adapt and utilize technology and online resources
- Conduct research to answer legal questions
- Integrate sources and Bluebook citations
Program Tuition Fee
Scholarships and Funding
Curriculum
Core Course Sequence - Course Descriptions
- PSLX 6210: American Jurisprudence
3 credits. This course introduces students to the foundations, theories, history and applications of the American legal system.
Participants examine local, state, and federal courts and sources of law and survey ethics and professionalism.
- PSLX 6211: Legal Research and Writing
3 credits. The legal research portion of this course introduces students to the methods, tools and rules of print and online legal research and writing, including online databases and the Bluebook.
In the legal writing portion of the course, students draft, edit, and present legal documents based upon their research, including memorandums, motions, and briefs.
- PSLX 6212: Litigation
3 credits. This course provides the professional skills that are essential to supporting litigation. Ethical considerations in litigation and using legal technology are woven throughout the course.
Students explore the art and science of litigation, which includes the elements of standard civil actions; how to use technology in litigation; and examine the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, criminal procedure, juvenile procedure, and administrative procedure.
- PSLX 6223: Contracts
3 credits. This foundational course examines contract elements and attendant legal ramifications; students engage in the deep analytical thinking and develop legal reasoning skills in evaluating issues arising from contract law and practice drafting and reviewing contracts.
- PSLX 6224: Advanced Legal Writing
3 credits. This course includes advanced legal writing techniques and drafting for practice, including legal writing in plain English; strategies for effective writing. Students draft legal memoranda, legal correspondence, and legal pleadings. Students will refine and advance legal analysis, writing and legal citation skills.
- PSLX 6225: Business Entities
3 credits. This course addresses business organizations and related business law topics including securities regulation, consumer protection, regulation and compliance.
Legal Practice Areas - Course Descriptions
- PSLX 6214: Administrative Law
3 credits. This course explores sources of law, administrative procedures, immigration law, trials and hearings, and ethical considerations.
- PSLX 6215: Government Contracts
3 credits. This course surveys how to create, administer, draft, change, and terminate government contracts and introduces students to the unique research materials and sources of government contract law.
- PSLX 6226: International Law
3 credits. This course introduces students to the rules and principles that govern relations among sovereign states, international organizations, the principles and sources of international law and the differences between international and national law, trade law and international litigation.
- PSLX 6227: Intellectual Property Law
3 credits. This course surveys the legal structure of trademarks, copyrights, and patents and the processes, supporting documentation, laws, and rules regarding prosecution and litigation.
- PSLX 6228 CA: California Law and Practice
3 credits. This course looks at an overview of the California government structure, court structure, rules of court, litigation support procedures and technology, and professional ethics.
English Language Requirements
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