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Paralegal Certificate

School of Professional Programs

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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 practical experience, hands-on learning, and resources to move you forward in your career at an accelerated pace. Students with 36 qualifying credits can finish the 24 credits of paralegal coursework in a new hybrid format, that provides classroom learning experiences in person and synchronously on zoom.

Paralegal Certificate Virtual Information Session

Experience for yourself what makes the Paralegal Certificate at Marist so unique by attending one of our Virtual Information Sessions. 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 via the button below.

RSVP for an Information Session

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.

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ABA-approved

Marist's program is the only one in the Upper Hudson River Valley that is approved by the American Bar Association.

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Weekend Format

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

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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.

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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 program combines 36 general education credits (which can be transferred from other institutions) and 24 Marist Paralegal credits. The 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 adults with 36 qualifying transfer college credits, this option can be completed in 12 months, by attending classes either in person or on zoom on 24 weekends and completing required asynchronous coursework.
  • Evening format: designed to work well for undergraduates, as it fits right in with the traditional course schedule.
View the Fall 2025 Calendar
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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
  • Prepare settlement and disclosure statements for real estate transactions
  • Draft legal memoranda, family court petitions, verified divorce complaints, last will and testaments, and more
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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. 

Image of different employers' logos for the paralegal studies certification.
Image of different employers' logos for the paralegal studies certification.

Prior to enrolling in the Marist Paralegal Program, I knew that I wanted to work at a law firm, but I wasn’t sure which area of law. As a result of enrolling in the program my professors were a valuable asset in helping me get started. Through their various teaching methods, I gained a better understanding of the legal profession and which areas of law that would pique my interest. The Marist Paralegal Program was impressive from beginning to end.

Katrinia Soares

Paralegal
Tarter, Krinsky & Drogin, LLP, NYC law firm

I was nervous about going back to college at 40 years old but Marist was a wonderful experience for me. I was working full time and went to Marist at night and I took one class a semester and it was perfect for me. .The program helped me get started in my career at IBM.

Kathy DeRobertis

Legal Specialist
Fishkill Patent Center

These courses are not your run of the mill, sit all day and listen to the the instructor lecture type of courses You will participate hands-on individually and also collectively with your classmates. Shortly after graduating from the paralegal program I was offered a job as a domestic violence paralegal for a local non-profit.

Dawn Marie Del Valle

Domestic Violence Paralegal
Legal Services of the Mid-Hudson Valley

The program covers a wide range of legal areas which gives you a strong foundation in many expertise. This also helps you explore the different areas of law and find what interests you most. My time at Marist really gave me the strength and insight I needed to build a solid career as a paralegal.

Alex Fox

Litigation Paralegal
Wilson Elser, Manhattan, NY insurance defense firm

Of all of my higher education experiences, my time as a student in the Marist College Paralegal Program was one of the most enjoyable. I began the Program with an interest in the subject matter, but the courses, the professors, and the discussions with my classmates helped to foster a true appreciation for the law. The professors not only provided real-world application of the subject matter which made class discussions relatable, but made themselves available outside of class hours for questions and further discussion. The Program is structured to help students succeed, creating an environment where students are engaged and enjoying their time in the classroom.

Melissa Campisi

Director, Lease Administration
Seritage Growth Properties

Marist’s Paralegal Program helped me to “round out” my professional knowledge. Although I was a little bit apprehensive about going back to school after so many years, those thoughts quickly diminished. The program was very diversified, I never once felt out of place. I have garnered two promotions since I completed the program and I have no doubt that the knowledge and experience I gained was integral in obtaining those promotions.

Wendy A. Freyhagen

Associate Court Clerk
Dutchess Supreme & County Courts

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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.

View Bachelor’s Degrees >
View Master’s Degrees >

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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.