Paralegal Certificate of Completion Program
The University of Wisconsin Colleges offers a six-part Paralegal Certificate of Completion. This entry-level online program provides a comprehensive overview of paralegal roles and responsibilities.
Students will gain a solid understanding of what activities a paralegal must perform and how to perform them and will learn how to:
- Assist trial attorneys
- Interview witnesses
- Investigate complex fact patterns
- Research the law
- Assist in preparing cases for courtroom litigation
Who Can Enroll
Anyone with a high school diploma or equivalent can enroll in this program. College experience and/or law office experience is helpful but not required. This program is recommended for those in the legal profession seeking advancement or for someone interested in a career change.
Flexible Study
This is a flexible program is designed to let students work at their own pace. The certificate series includes a total of six classes each lasting six weeks. Classes are designed to meet the needs of both novices and those currently working in the legal field who arelooking to upgrade their skills.
Earning the Certificate
A certificate of completion will be issued to those who complete all six courses in the series. Students are free to enroll in individual classes but will not receive a comprehensive certificate of completion until the six-course series is completed.
After successfully completing the final exam for each course, the student will print an online certificate of completion. Once a student has completed the series, she or he should contact the enrolling UW Colleges campus Continuing Education Department and provide them with a copy of each completion certificate. UW Colleges will then provide the student with a final Certificate of Completion for completing the series.
Completion of all six online courses in the paralegal series prepares an individual to apply for a paralegal position
This is a non-credit program and does not lead to any type of professional certification or a degree. Although there is no current requirement in any state other than California that a paralegal have any level of professional experience or hold any type of degree, most employers prefer to hire paralegals who have experience working in a law office and/or an associate's degree, in addition to the skills and knowledge taught in this program.
Fees
Tuition for each of the six classes is $169.
Requirements
Internet access, E-mail, Internet Explorer or Netscape or Firefox Web browser.
How the Program Works
You will enroll online through the campus nearest you. Courses may be taken individually. However, we recommend students take the courses in the suggested order. A new section of each course starts monthly. Be sure to space the start date for each course at least two months apart. All courses run for six weeks, with a two-week grace period at the end. Two lessons are released each week for the six-week duration of the course. You do not have to be present when lessons are released.
About the Instructors
Scott and Lisa Hatch will guide you through your lessons, facilitate discussions, and answer your questions. Scott Hatch has presented paralegal courses since 1980 and is the author of Paralegal Procedures and Practices, as well as books on mediation and legal investigation. Lisa Zimmer Hatch, M.A., has been teaching legal certificate and standardized test preparation courses since 1987. She is co-author of numerous law and standardized test texts.
For more information:
Call 1-888-INFO-UWC and ask about the Paralegal Certificate
Email questions to paralegal@uwc.edu
Fill out contact form