®
Preparing
aspiring
paralegals
for successful
careers.
Paralegal Certificate Program
Approved by the American Bar Association
Professional Certificate in Paralegal Studies
Embark on a new career in the exciting and rewarding legal profession! UC San Diego Extension’s ABA-Approved Paralegal Program offers you the opportunity to expand your knowledge of legal procedures and increase your chances for promotion. In as little as one quarter (through an intensive accelerated curriculum) or one year (through a series of quarterly evening and/or day courses), you can complete the training required to become a paralegal.
UCSD Extension’s Paralegal Program
Our Paralegal Program features a curriculum that combines practical skills with legal theory and analysis. Classes are taught by prominent attorneys, judges and advanced paralegals to provide students with a balanced perspective and expertise of the tasks that paralegals perform. Emphasis is placed on the working relationship between the paralegal and the attorney. Course content focuses on civil litigation, criminal procedure, legal research, writing, inter viewing, substantive and procedural law.
American Bar Association www.abanet.org
National Federation of Paralegal Associations
www.paralegals.org National Association of Legal Assistants www.nala.org
American Association for Paralegal Education
www.aafpe.org
What is a Paralegal?
California Business & Professions Code § 6450 defines “Paralegal” as a person who either contracts with or is employed by an attorney, law firm, corporation, governmental agency, or other entity and who performs substantial legal work under the direction and supervision of a practicing licensed attorney. Tasks performed by a paralegal include, but are not limited to, case planning, development, and management; legal research; interviewing clients; fact gathering and retrieving information; drafting and analyzing legal documents; and collecting, compiling, and utilizing technical information to make an independent decision and recommendation to the supervising attorney. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.
The American
Bar Association’s
Definition of
Paralegal
A paralegal is a person, qualified by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible.
American Bar
Association
Approved
American Bar Association (ABA) approval has become a benchmark for many employers who hire paralegals. To be considered for approval by the ABA, a program must meet rigorous standards adopted by the ABA Standing Committee on Paralegals. Both UC San Diego accelerated and part-time programs were granted approval by the ABA in February 1990.
American
Association for
Paralegal Educators
(AAfPE)
AAfPE is a national organization that serves the needs of paralegal educators and institutions offering paralegal educational programs. Formally established in 1981, its roots go back to the mid 70’s when the American Bar Association sponsored conferences for paralegal educators. From this beginning, much has been accomplished in the field of paralegal education. The UC San Diego program is a member of AAfPE in addition to being ABA approved.
“We are extremely pleased with the high quality and competency of UCSD paralegal graduates hired by Perkins Coie. The in-depth paralegal training students receive allows them to make an instant contribution at a law firm, and to succeed in today’s fast-paced legal environment.”
Jennifer L. Severson, J.D. Office Administrator Perkins Coie, LLP
paralegal.ucsd.edu I (858) 534-8164 I [email protected]
Accelerated Program
The intensive Accelerated Program allows students to complete instruction in as few as 12 weeks. This program is offered three times a year, in Fall, Spring, and Summer quarters. Classes meet four days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Students can also expect additional hours of work per session to complete outside the classroom. Classes are held at the UC San Diego Extension University City Center.
Part-time Program
The Part-time Program allows participants to study for a new career without disrupting their work schedules. Quarterly courses meet one night per week. Students pay for courses when they enroll and need not pay for the entire program in advance. On average, the part-time program takes 12 to 24 months to complete. Students who enroll in three to four classes each quarter can satisfy certificate requirements within one year. Daytime courses are also available to accelerate completion of the certificate. Classes are held at the UC San Diego campus and UC San Diego Extension University City Center.
Program Goals & Objectives
UC San Diego Extension upholds the highest quality educational standards in order to provide students with an in-depth perspective into the legal field, as well as the essential skills required for success in the workplace. The goals of the program are to:
• Familiarize students with the legal system and the role of the paralegal in the delivery of legal services in the public and private sectors.
• Train students in critical paralegal skills such as investigation, legal research, interviewing, written and oral communications.
• Provide students with the theoretical background to perform the paralegal’s tasks in substantive areas of law and legal specialties. • Educate and train students in areas of procedural law, emphasizing
the paralegal’s role in litigation, mediation and arbitration. • Teach students about the general principles of ethical legal practice
as defined by the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility, and California’s Business & Professions Code § 6450 et seq.
• Encourage students to contribute to the advancement of the paralegal profession.
• Provide counseling during the program and to assist students in preparing for and obtaining meaningful careers in the paralegal field.
“It’s pretty amazing that after just three months I understood the steps of the litigation process, I was confident in my ability to draft correspondence and pleadings, and I had a solid resume to cast into the job market.”
Monica Thompson
Law Offices of Bobette Fleishman Alumnae, Accelerated Program
“I have found my education at the UCSD Extension Paralegal Program to be the keystone in preparing me for my career path as a certified paralegal. From the variety of classes to the knowledgeable and hands-on instructors to the CLA/CP exam preparatory course, every aspect of the program ensures quality. I am proud to be a graduate of the UCSD Extension Paralegal Program.”
Kristine M. Custodio, C.P. Butterfield Schechter LLP Alumnae, Part-time Program
Admission Requirements
Standards are set by the American Bar Association and are reviewed periodically. Applicants must meet entrance requirements prior to admission. The basic requirements and submissions are as follows: • Bachelor’s degree (for the Accelerated Program); preferred for the
Part-time Program
• Minimum of an Associate’s Degree or equivalent of general education units (for the Part-time Program)
• Application for Candidacy in the Paralegal Training Program (see next page)
• A nonrefundable $50 processing fee, payable to UC Regents. This fee covers the application evaluation, interview, and counseling throughout the program
• Official transcripts of college work
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with the applicant’s academic and/or professional background
Application Deadlines
Applications must be submitted six weeks prior to the beginning of the quarter. Students applying for the Accelerated Program are advised to apply early; enrollment in this program is kept small and can fill up quickly.
Certificate Program Enrollment
Anyone may enroll in any or all of the evening courses; however, those who wish to earn a certificate must formally apply for the certificate before enrolling in their third course. Upon acceptance into the program, candidates have four years from the date of enrollment (Accelerated Program will finish in 12 weeks) in their first class to successfully complete all requirements. Certificate enrollees have priority enrollment in courses.
Fees
A $50 nonrefundable fee is required upon submitting the certificate application. Upon acceptance into the Accelerated Program, a deposit of $200 is to be made. The remaining tuition fee includes all books, course materials, orientation, graduation and certificate. Part-time students pay on a course-by-course basis. For information on the refund and withdrawal policy, please visit paralegal.ucsd.edu.
Financial Aid
UC San Diego Extension will assist in providing you with the best financial assistance options. You get 100% of the money you borrow and there are no fees. You are welcome to make payments before completing your program to help lower monthly payments later, but it is not necessary. Rates are based on the prime rate as published in The Wall Street Journal. For further information, call (858) 534-3400.
Internships
Internship assistance can be offered and arranged through the program but is not a requirement of the program. Internships provide students with valuable experience in the delivery of legal services and allow them to apply their skills upon completion of their certificate.
Career Services
The UC San Diego Extension staff conducts individual counseling sessions and workshops on interviewing techniques, resumé drafting, sources of employment contacts, and general job assistance. While UC San Diego Extension cannot guarantee job placement, counselors are available to help students develop career skills, identify personal strengths and goals, and ultimately translate these elements into successful employment opportunities.
“Butz Dunn & DeSantis has been very pleased with our experience in hiring a paralegal whose paralegal education was completed through the UCSD Extension Paralegal program. She was hired to fill in on a temporary basis for someone who was on maternity leave. As it turned out, her comprehe nsive paralegal skills and attention to detail were of such value to the firm, we ultimately hired her as a full-time employee of the firm.”
Patti L. Groff, CLM
Director of Administration, Butz Dunn & DeSantis, APC
paralegal.ucsd.edu I (858) 534-8164 I [email protected]
Course TiTle Crs. No. uNiTs
required Courses (All 10 courses are required)
Introduction to the Legal System LAW-40000 1
Legal Communications LAW-40015 2
Business Law for the Legal Professional LAW-40001 3
Computers for the Legal Professional LAW-40027 2
Ethics for the Legal Professional LAW-40028 1
Civil Litigation I LAW-40018 3
Civil Litigation II LAW-40021 3
Legal Research and Analysis LAW-40003 3
Evidence Law LAW-40035 2
Practice and Procedures LAW-40020 2
eleCTives (6 units required)
Administrative Law and Procedure LAW-40047 3
Alternative Dispute Resolution LAW-40384 3
Bankruptcy Law LAW-40016 3
Intellectual Property Law BUSA-40263 2
Contract Law LAW-40019 2
Computer and Software Law BUSA-40211 1
Corporate Law LAW-40044 3
Criminal Law and Procedure LAW-40049 3
Domestic Relations Law LAW-40006 3
Employment Law for the Paralegal LAW-40030 3
Estate Planning and Administration LAW-40017 3
Immigration Law LAW-40038 2
Real Property Law LAW-40022 3
Tort Law LAW-40037 2
reCommeNded
Certified Legal Assistant Exam Preparation
and Review LAW-40042 3
Transfer Credit
Credit from other University of California paralegal programs is accepted. Credit from other schools is accepted only by special permission. Nine courses must be taken through UC San Diego Extension, regardless of whether the students have completed core requirements elsewhere.
Electives: a combination of one-, two-, and three-unit electives that total six units are needed to complete the program. Please see the quarterly UC San Diego Extension catalog for detailed course offerings and information.
Advisory Committee
luciana B.A. Case, ClA Certified Paralegal Butz Dunn & DeSantisKarla m. Castetter, J.d., mls Professor of Law and
Library Director
Thomas Jefferson School of Law Angelo Corpora
Coordinator,
Legal Studies Program Palomar College Julia m. dunlap, esq. Attorney and Director of Legal Education UC San Diego Extension Patti l. Groff, Clm Director of Administration Butz Dunn & DeSantis
Carole m. leffler Asst. Administrator/Billing Coordinator
Farmer Case & Fedor suzie Johnson Paralegal,
Office of General Counsel San Diego County Regional Airport Authority
deborah murphy, ClA Administrator,
Legal & Corporate Department Biosite, Incorporated
Katherine B. scheele Paralegal Manager Robbins Umeda LLP
Katherine B. Wilkins, ClAs Certified Paralegal
Administrative Staff
Julia m. dunlap, esq.Director of Legal Education (858) 534-8164
Carla s. Haney, ACP, mBA, Career Services Manager Paralegal Program (858) 534-8152 [email protected]
vicki l. Krantz
Managing Director of Business, Science & Technology
UC San Diego Extension Katherine sears Marketing Representative, Business Programs (858) 534-8178 [email protected]
Julia m. dunlap is the Program Director for UC San Diego Extension’s American Bar Association (ABA) Approved Paralegal Certificate Program, established in 1990. Additionally, she teaches Legal Communications, Legal Research and Writing and other electives for UC San Diego. She brings to the position 15 years of teaching experience in the paralegal field.
Ms. Dunlap received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of California at Berkeley. She graduated with her Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Diego School of Law and became an active member of the California Bar Association in 1993.
In addition to her duties at UC San Diego, she is a solo practitioner in San Diego specializing in estate planning.
. UCSDD 52 805 Miramar Rd. Eastgate Mall Executive Dr. Governor Dr. Governor Dr. La Jolla Village Dr. Regents Rd .
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Campus Point Dr. Voigt Dr. Gilman Dr . Villa La Jolla Dr . Girard Ave . Torrey Pines Rd . Prospect St. . N. Torrey Pines Rd.
John Jay Hopkins Dr.
N. Torrey Pines Rd. Roselle St . Sorrento
Valley Rd . Vista Sorrento Pkwy
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La Jolla
The Neurosciences Institute ˜Opening July 2011 UCSD Extension Scripps Hospital Thornton Hospital UCSD Extension University City Center Gr eenwich Dr . FA 11 -2 03 1Intellectual Property Certificate
Discover the principles of intellectual property and its importance in stimulating and safeguarding innovation and creativity.Whether you’re a novice or seasoned professional, you will benefit from core classes that teach essential and timely concepts in patents, trademarks, property law and copyrights. In addition, you can develop your area of expertise through our customizable program.
visit extension.ucsd.edu/iplaw for complete certificate information.
Mandatory Continuing Legal
Education (MCLE)
UC San Diego Extension brings the best and brightest minds together to offer approved continuing education courses. There are a variety of beneficial topics for legal, business, medical and administrative professionals.
Fulfill your hourly requirements with an assortment of classes that suit your interests and schedule. With several classes offered each quarter that satisfy MCLE requisites, you are free to choose from one-day seminars or weekly courses.
For more information: Julia dunlap, esq.
director, legal education Program, uC san diego extension (858) 534-8164
uCsd Campus, la Jolla UCSD Extension Complex 9600 North Torrey Pines Road La Jolla, CA 92093
Phone: (858) 534-3400 Fax: (858) 534-8527
Locations and Phone Numbers
UCSD University City Center
6256 Greenwich Drive San Diego, CA 92122 Phone: (858) 534-9999 Fax: (858) 246-1031
