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Paralegal Certificate

Go to the course catalog for a list of the Paralegal Courses.

If you enjoy dealing with legal issues, you should consider a career as a legal assistant, or paralegal. The field has seen huge growth over the past 30 years, and it is expected to continue to be one of the fastest growing over the next 10 years.

Paralegals work with lawyers to conduct research; investigate facts; analyze, digest and draft documents; interview clients and witnesses. Most paralegals work in law offices, corporations and government agencies. To be effective, paralegals must be organized, analytical and good communicators. They must also enjoy research and writing.

Specialized training is recommended for individuals who want to become Paralegals. According to the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, more than 80% of all paralegals have received some formal paralegal education. A bachelor's degree is highly recommended, including or supplemented by paralegal training. Marist's Paralegal Certificate is certified by the State of New York and approved by the American Bar Association.

The Paralegal Certificate

The Marist Paralegal Certificate program is designed to ensure that you have a solid liberal arts foundation, plus the specialized knowledge you need to work as a paralegal. Certificate features:

• Students must complete 60 credits to earn the certificate, 24 of which are paralegal courses
• If you enter the program with 36 or more transferable credits, you only need to take the paralegal course series.
• You can enter the program with fewer credits, but will have to take additional electives to reach 60 total credits.
• Students with bachelor's degrees may use the certificate program to enhance their marketable skills.

The Paralegal Certificate provides many opportunities:

• Gives you an edge in entering a highly competitive field
• Enhances your job opportunities if you are currently employed in the field
• Complements other concentrations in our Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Degree Completion Program

This certificate offers students a college curriculum which is fully accredited by the American Bar Association. The weekend-concentrated schedule enables you to complete the 24 undergraduate credits within one year. Students with a Bachelor's degree, or 36 transferable credits may apply.

Locations and Formats:

Marist's Paralegal Certificate program is offered at several locations in either evening or weekend formats. Depending upon which location you are interested please contact the following:

Course Schedule:

September 2009 Weekend Cohort

March 2010 Weekend Cohort