The Bar is Higher Than Ever
As the only ABA-approved paralegal program in the Upper Hudson River Valley, the Paralegal Certificate at Marist is designed to prepare you with the practical experience, hands-on learning, and endless resources to move you forward in your career at a rapid pace. The Marist Paralegal Program has articulation agreements in place with three local two-year community colleges, SUNY Ulster, SUNY Orange, SUNY Columbia-Green. In addition, the Paralegal Program is a jointly registered program with SUNY Ulster. These graduates earn an Associate in Science in Individual Studies from SUNY Ulster and an ABA-approved Paralegal Certificate from Marist.
Paralegal Certificate Virtual Information Session
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 @ 12:30 PM
Experience for yourself what makes the Paralegal Certificate at Marist so unique by attending our Paralegal Certificate Virtual Information Session on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 @ 12:30 PM (ET). During the Virtual Information Session, you will have the opportunity to meet the Marist Paralegal Program Director/Pre-Law Advisor, Annamaria Maciocia, and learn more about the Paralegal Profession.
If you are interested in attending, RSVP below.

Overview of the Paralegal Profession
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. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
Specialized training is recommended for individuals who want to become Paralegals. A bachelor's degree is highly recommended, including or supplemented by paralegal training. Students with bachelor's degrees may use the certificate program to enhance their marketable skills.

Get Your Certificate On Your Schedule
At Marist, we know that your busy schedule makes it easy to put off your professional development. With classes taught by practicing attorneys, our 60 credit Paralegal Certificate combines 36 general education credits (which can be transferred from other institutions) and 24 Marist Paralegal credits. The Paralegal Certificate program offers two convenient scheduling options to fit in with your fast-paced lifestyle, so there are no more excuses.
- Two start options: Start options are available in Fall and Spring.
- Weekend format: designed for working adults with 36 transferrable college credits, the weekend option can be completed in just 12 months, attending class on 24 weekends.
- Evening format: designed to work well for undergraduates, as it fits right in with the traditional course schedule, or can be taken as a stand-alone certificate for working adults.

Gain Real-World Paralegal Experience
Marist’s academic approach provides a balance between theory and practice, and the Paralegal Certificate is no exception. You’ll complete your certificate with a wide range of essential hands-on experiences that will prepare you for real work in your field.
- Complete legal research on federal and state issues
- Practice intake procedures
- Develop a professional portfolio
- Participate in workshops such as Notary Prep, Microsoft and Excel for Paralegals, and Resume Development
- Prepare settlement and disclosure statements for real estate transactions
- Draft legal memoranda, family court petitions, verified divorce complaints, last will and testaments, and more

Essential Resources for Your Career Path
In the Paralegal program at Marist, we understand that everyone’s goals are different, which is why we offer a very flexible approach to prepare you for your career. Regardless of your desired career path, you’ll receive the appropriate resources to take you there.
- Preparing for your NYS Notary Exam? Participate in our Notary Workshop.
- Need to expand your digital toolbox? Learn Microsoft and Excel best practices for Paralegals.
- Interested in legal software? Attend an expert-led workshop on trending legal software.
- Want to make connections? Marist paralegal students are eligible to join the Dutchess County Bar Association as non-voting student members and attend CLE and other networking opportunities.
- Ready to make your mark? Local employers connect with us directly to recruit for available positions.
A Respected Paralegal Program that Conforms to Your Schedule
As the only ABA-approved paralegal program in the Upper Hudson River Valley, the Paralegal Certificate at Marist is designed to provide you with crucial hands-on experience and resources. The weekend cohort is the perfect option to work with the schedule and lifestyle of a professional adult.

ABA-approved
Marist's is the only Paralegal Certificate program in the Upper Hudson River Valley that is approved by the American Bar Association.

Weekend Format
The weekend cohort is specifically designed for working professionals to complete their certificate in just 12 months over 24 weekends.

Real-world Experience
Be thoroughly prepared for a successful career as a paralegal with real-world experience like completing legal research and drafting legal memoranda.

Red Fox Spotlight: Katherine Farley '15
Basch & Keegan, LLP
The coursework in Marist's program prepared me with the practical and ethical knowledge necessary to succeed in the legal field and set myself apart from other job applicants. Because of the program's excellent reputation and ABA approval, I was able to obtain gainful employment as a paralegal prior to graduating with my certification. I have been employed in the legal field for 6 years. I currently work at a law firm that handles exclusively personal injury and medical malpractice cases in Kingston, New York. The most rewarding part of my job is my ability to help our clients during what often becomes an extremely challenging time in their lives. I thank Annamaria Maciocia, Esq. and the rest of the paralegal program faculty for helping me get a foothold into a professional industry that has elevated my career aspirations.
Top-Tier Employers
With the reputable Paralegal Certificate from Marist on your resume, there is no limit to your career success. Past program graduates have begun careers at premier institutions in their fields, and below are only a few examples.



Take Your Paralegal Education to the Next Level
Why stop here? The Paralegal Certificate at Marist is a stand-alone credential that is designed to provide multiple opportunities to take your education further. The program integrates seamlessly into a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree to take your formal training, and your career, to the next level.