The Post-Graduate Paralegal Certificate Program is a concentrated academic program designed for students who wish to become paralegals, and MUST possess a bachelor or requisite associate degree. This certificate prepares graduates to meet all Paralegal Program goals, outcomes and objectives.
Paralegal courses are offered so students can complete the certificate program in as little as 18 months or longer at the students’ option. The Paralegal Program Director or College Counselors/Advisers are available to assist students to plan their courses. Also, this certificate is great preparation for law school.
Note: Students must take at least nine (9) semester credits of legal specialty courses through traditional live classroom instruction under American Bar Association Guidelines. Also, paralegals and graduates do not practice law or give legal advice unless permitted by law.
Paralegal Certificate Curriculum (30 credits)
Click on the course title to get the description and outline:
- PA 1102: Introduction to the Law and Contracts: 4cr
- PA 1103: UCC and Business Organizations: 4cr
- PA 1105: Criminal Justice System: 2cr
- PA 2201: Family Law: 3cr
- PA 2202: Litigation and Trial Practice: 3cr
- PA 2204: Probate: 3cr
- PA 2205: Real Estate Law: 3cr
- PA 2220: Legal Research: 3cr
- PA 2222: Legal Writing and Analysis: 3cr
- PA 2289: Paralegal Internship: 2cr
Students must obtain the program director’s written approval one semester in advance of registration for internship.
Paralegal Electives
The following paralegal electives enhance students’ skills and increase knowledge in these areas of law, but do not count toward the required paralegal coursework to graduate. These courses are currently not offered due to the COVID -19 pandemic. However, students with paralegal experience may petition to substitute one 2-credit paralegal class from the paralegal elective classes below (except Law Office Procedures and Technology) for the 2-credit paralegal internship.
- PA 1115 Law Office Procedures and Technology: 2cr
- PA 2206 Interviewing and Investigative Techniques for Paralegals: 2 cr
- PA 2208 Employment Law: 2 cr
- PA 2212 Personal Injury and E-Discovery: 2 cr
- PA 2218 Computerized Legal Research and the Internet: 2cr
Paralegal Certificate Completion Plan
Click on the course sequence to plan certificate completion:
For more information about the Paralegal Certificate Program at 651-450-3567 or ryoungren@inverhills.edu.
Obtain Computer Skills Independently
It is strongly recommended that paralegal students obtain computer skills independently as these classes are not part of the program. However, students will obtain the National Society of Legal Technology Certificate through paralegal internship coursework, and be required to use Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint in the paralegal classes. The ability to use the keyboard and word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software are basic skills needed in the paralegal profession. Feel free to plan early with a counselor or program director.
Paralegal Certificate Information – also see Employment Statistics on this website for detailed Paralegal data – The Post-Graduate Paralegal Certificate can be completed in 18 months (not in 9 months)