UC Riverside Extension

Paralegal Studies (Professional Certificate)

Tip the Scales in Your Favor

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.

NOTE: This program is offered completely online, and per ABA requirements, students are required to complete 13.5 quarter units as synchronous instruction. Please see the Requirements section below for needed documents. All courses in this program are offered as synchronous instruction, and therefore meet the stated requirements of the ABA.

What You'll Learn

• 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.

Professional Licensure and Certification

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.

What You Should Know

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 our website.

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.

Required Courses

Required (24.00 Units )

• Fundamentals of Law for the Legal Professional
  
• Legal Research and Writing I
• Legal Research and Writing II
• Civil Litigation and Procedures
• Contract Law
• Tort Law
• Ethics for the Legal Professional

Elective (7.00 Units )

• Criminal Law for Paralegals
• Family Law
• Paralegal Internship
• Probate Practices and Procedures
• Rules of Evidence
• Bankruptcy Law and Procedure