Paralegal Studies
A foundation of law
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series Description
Launch your paralegal career
The job outlook for paralegals and legal assistants is bright, adding jobs at a brisk 10 percent annually and it's especially good if you've you've got strong computer and database management skills. Whether you're interested in supporting a law office, diving into banking or corporate programs, or hanging your own shingle, the diverse paralegal profession needs skilled paralegals.
We offer two levels of paralegal training to help you gain a comprehensive understanding of the American judicial system—the Paralegal Certificate Course© and the Advanced Paralegal Certificate Course. While not UCSC-designated certificate programs, the combined courses meet state of California paralegal certification requirements and culminate in a certificate of completion.
Meet California education requirements
Completing both the Core Requirements and the Advanced Requirements of the Paralegal Certificate Program provides comprehensive training and skills to work in the quickly-growing paralegal profession. In combination, the two paralegal programs meet the requirements of the California Business and Professional Code §6450.
The Paralegal Certificate©
In two seven-week intensives—Paralegal I and Paralegal II—Center for Legal Studies instructors will teach you practical skills to assist trial attorneys, interview witnesses, investigate complex fact patterns, research the law, and assist in preparing cases for courtroom litigation.
Paralegal I Objectives
- The origins and history of the American legal system
- The meaning and application of important legal terminology
- Attorney and paralegal ethics
- Techniques of jury selection and the jury selection process
- How to prepare legal documents including demand letters, pleadings, discovery documents, motions and memos
- Significant elements of the substantive law of torts, contracts
- The important rules of civil procedure and evidence
- How to conduct a legal interview
- How to conduct a legal investigation
- How to conduct legal analysis and perform legal problem solving
Paralegal II Objectives
- The importance of precedence
- What legal authority is, and which authority is the most important
- How to conduct legal research and learn how to use the 4 most effective legal research tools found in virtually every law library
- How to Shepardize your authority
- How to properly cite your authority
- How to conduct computerized legal research used extensively in law offices throughout the country.
- Proper and effective legal writing style
- The basic documents for several important substantive areas of law
- Advocacy techniques for usage in formal or informal settings, and
- How to begin your job search and perhaps begin a freelance paralegal business after your education
Advanced Paralegal Certificate Course
See the next session start dates.
These advanced legal studies classes help students build on their knowledge of law by allowing you to specialize in facets of contemporary law.
Your study gives you a strong competitive edge over other paralegals.
Focus on topics that interest you. You are required to complete six seven-week sessions of Advanced Paralegal course topics to receive a certificate of completion. Please choose from the sessions listed below.
- Advanced Legal Research
- Alternative Dispute Resolution (Mediation)
- Bankruptcy Law
- Business Law
- Constitutional Law
- Criminal Law
- Criminal Procedure
- eDiscovery
- Education Law
- Estate Planning
- Family Law
- Immigration Law
- Intellectual Property
- Real Property Law
- Victim Advocacy
- Water Law
Introducing new learning formats
Online—Scheduled course sessions over 14 weeks
Online Flex—Start course any time during a six-month period.
Live Lecture—Scheduled live lectures over an eight-week period.
See details of new learning formats.
Center for Legal Studies—Our Curriculum Partner
These legal studies courses, provided in partnership with Center for Legal Studies, A BARBRI Company, are focused on providing affordable, up-to-date, and effective legal education. Student payment plans are available through CLS.
Learn about other legal studies courses.
Learn About the Paralegal Certificate Course®️
In this in-depth informational webinar by CLS by BARBRI, you'll hear how to prepare for the comprehensive Paralegal Certificate Course®️ and learn about trends in the industry, opportunities for graduates, and the career services available to support students and graduates of the program. (April 2025)
Advanced Paralegal Certificate Course Overview
In this informational webinar, you'll hear the ins and outs of Advanced Paralegal Certificate Course®️, an online course available through CLS by BARBRI. You will learn about study options and how you can prepare for a successful career. (June 2024)
Program Overview
Estimated Cost: Paralegal: $2,095-$2,195. Adv. Paralegal: Starts at $3,300 or $660 a topic.
Program Requirements: Paralegal Program: 9 CEUs • Advanced Paralegal Program: Up to 27 CEUs
Minimum Hours of Instruction: Varies
Estimated Duration: Paralegal: Two 7-week sessions • Advanced Paralegal Program: Six 7-week sessions
Modality: All of these courses are online. There are some live-online options.
Special Programs: This program is not approved for workforce or international students.
Series Inquiry Form
Begin with Paralegal Core Certificate Course© (Paralegal I & II) Students must successfully complete the core requirements before they take the Advanced Paralegal Certificate Course. Advanced course topics can be taken in any order.
State Requirements
Anyone can take the core Paralegal Certificate Course and work as such in most states except California where they need additional training taught in the Advanced Paralegal Certificate Course. The APCC is designed to meet the requirements of California Business and Professions Code §6450.
Please visit The Center for Legal Studies for more information and learn more about our Licensure and Certification Policy.
Please review course descriptions. Without any prior degrees or legal experience, you will need to take both courses and receive a certificate of completion to practice in California. Please visit The Center for Legal Studies for more information on California Business & Professions Code §6450.