Paralegal Studies Certificate Program | UCLA Extension
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Winter Closure: Dec 24–Jan 4. Enrollment open through Jan 11, 2026. See Holiday Closure and Academic Term Calendar for more. Paralegal Studies 
Paralegal Studies
Approved by the American Bar Association, the Paralegal Studies Certificate prepares students for a career as a professional paralegal in a law firm, businesses, government, or nonprofit organization. The program fulfills educational requirements to work as a paralegal in California and is taught by UCLA School of Law-approved instructors. Available Format: Live Online
Courses 1 Required Methods Online F-1 Visa Eligible NoGet More Info
This program is perfect for...
Individuals looking for ABA-approved, nationally recognized training to become a paralegal Pre-law and post-baccalaureate students considering law school Legal professionals working in other capacities who are interested in expanding their employment prospects in an existing legal career Paralegals who wish to expand and update their knowledge of other legal practice areasWhat you can learn.
Gain an overview of the paralegal profession as well as the responsibilities and opportunities for paralegals in various practice areas Analyze governing principles of law in the areas of contracts, torts, criminal law, real property, business organizations, and securities law Understand stages of civil procedure, from pleadings and discovery through preparing for and presenting evidence at trial Learn how to conduct legal research, analysis, draft legal documents, and utilize legal technology
ABA-approved program for 50 years. Our program was one of the first to be approved by the American Bar Association as meeting high standards in faculty selection, academics, resources, curriculum, programming, administration, and student services.
Become a paralegal in under a year
For over five decades, UCLA Extension’s Paralegal Training Program has been setting students up for success. Recognized by employers throughout Los Angeles and beyond, our program equips students with a thorough understanding of the functions and ethics needed in this ever-growing profession. Our program qualifies graduates to hold themselves as paralegals under the California Business & Professions Code §6450. It has been designed specifically to prepare students to perform and adapt successfully in an ever-changing legal environment.
Financial Aid is AvailableThe Paralegal Training Program is approved for Federal Financial Aid. For more information, see Financial Aid Eligibility and FAQs.
UCLA School of LawProgram curriculum is developed in cooperation with the UCLA School of Law, with input from our Advisory Committee of industry experts. Instructors are also vetted and approved by the UCLA School of Law and include attorneys, judges, paralegals, and other legal professionals, selected from a broad spectrum of the legal community. Some are also graduates of the program themselves, who have gone on to careers as practicing attorneys or judges. Our diverse instructor base delivers a unique and relevant perspective on the legal field.
Choose the Program That Works for YouAlready mid-career, or have a busy schedule? No problem! There's no need to put your life on hold to switch careers, or expand your career options.
5-Month Daytime ProgramMonday-Friday, from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
This 5-month program offers a more traditional class schedule, designed for those who work nights or have other obligations, but have the mornings available for study.
11-Month Evening Program2 evenings a week, from 6:30-10 p.m.
This 11-month program is designed to meet the busy schedules of working professionals.
Live Online Instruction
The 5- and 11-month programs are both offered live online which means all class meetings are scheduled and held in real-time using Zoom, allowing for live interaction with your classmates and instructors.
Note: Program offerings, including times and locations, may vary by quarter. Our program is ABA-approved. Pursuant to ABA Guidelines, students must take at least nine-semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction. Our Paralegal Training Program (LAW X 406), meets this requirement. Show More
Please Note: Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
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Online Information Session
Join us for a live webcast to learn more about paralegal career paths, industry requirements and the benefits of our program. Hear directly from a program graduate, instructor, and a member of the Los Angeles Paralegal Association.
Reserve Your Spot
Program Goals and Objectives
The goals of the Paralegal Training Program are to prepare students to:
- Function as ethical, effective, and efficient professional paralegals in law firms, businesses, government, and nonprofit organizations
- Perform a wide variety of legal work under the supervision of attorneys
- Adapt easily to the changing role of the paralegal and to the changing needs of the legal community
The objectives of the Paralegal Training Program are to:
- Provide candidates with high quality-ABA approved instruction with an emphasis on substantive and procedural law, legal analysis, and practical paralegal skills from a variety of legal professionals including judges, attorneys, and paralegals
- Develop in candidates a practical understanding of the role, function, and ethical responsibilities of paralegals in various legal environments
- Provide candidates and graduates with guidance and tools for successful career planning and professional development in the legal profession
Program Format and Options
Live Online InstructionThe 2- and 4-quarter programs are both offered live online which means all class meetings are scheduled and held in real-time using Zoom, allowing for live interaction with your classmates and instructors.
2-Quarter Daytime ProgramMonday-Friday, from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. PT
4-Quarter Evening Program2 evenings a week, from 6:30-10 p.m. PT
Our program is ABA-approved. Pursuant to ABA Guidelines, students must take at least nine-semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction. Our Paralegal Training Program, meets this requirement.Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must possess a conferred/awarded baccalaureate (BA/BS) or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
Applicants lacking a baccalaureate degree who have the equivalent of two years of college credit may be eligible to apply using the undergraduate application. See https://www.uclaextension.edu/legal-programs/paralegal-studies/certificate/paralegal-studies-undergraduate.
Transfer Credit
The Paralegal Training Program does not accept transfer credits of legal specialty course work completed at other institutions or award legal specialty credit by examination or portfolio review.
Upcoming Program Dates and Deadlines
Application Required Prior to EnrollingCandidates must apply and be accepted into the program before enrolling in the required course.
Winter 2026
2-Quarter Program (Daytime)Location: Live Online Days & Time: Mon-Fri, 9am-12:30pm PTProgram Dates: Jan 5, 2026-June 4, 2026Paralegal Application Deadline: September 19, 2025Financial Aid Application Deadline: September 19, 2025
4-Quarter Program (Evening)Location: Live Online Days & Time: Mon & Wed, 6:30-10pm PTProgram Dates: Jan 6, 2026-Dec 3, 2026Paralegal Application Deadline: September 19, 2025Financial Aid Application Deadline: September 19, 2025
Spring 2026
2-Quarter Program (Daytime)Location: Live Online Days & Time: Mon-Fri, 9am-12:30pm PTProgram Dates: April 1, 2026-September 2, 2026Application Deadline: November 21, 2025Financial Aid Deadline: November 21, 2025
4-Quarter Program (Evening)Location: Live Online Days & Time: Tue & Thurs, 6:30-10pm PTProgram Dates: April 2, 2026-March 16, 2027Application Deadline: November 21, 2025Financial Aid Deadline: November 21, 2025
Apply Now
Application Deadline: Spring 2026 Application and Financial Aid Deadline is November 21, 2025.Please note: Winter 2026 Application Deadline Has Passed.
Paralegal Studies Certificate
Baccalaureate (BA or BS) or higher degree required.
Apply Now
Paralegal Studies (Undergraduate) Certificate
Associate degree (AA) or 60 semester / 90 quarters units(equivalent to 2 years) required.
Apply Now
Cost and Fees
All courses in this program are paid for individually, unless otherwise noted. An application form is required to establish candidacy in this program. From the 'Apply Now' button, complete the online application and pay the application fee if applicable. Application and Candidacy Fee N/A Estimated Textbooks and Materials $1750 Estimated Program Tuition $7995Payment Options
- Eligible for VA Benefit
- Federal Financial Aid is available
This program is a total of 36 quarter units. Estimated tuition per credit hour is $222.08.
Internship Opportunities
An internship in paralegal training can provide you with practical experience in a variety of paralegal job functions. This course is restricted to students and graduates of the Paralegal Training Program.
Learn More
Study with a nationally recognized program.
Recognized by employers throughout Los Angeles and beyond, our Paralegal Studies program equips students with a thorough understanding of the functions and ethics needed in this ever-growing profession to launch their career.
Download our brochure, or contact us for more information.
Download Brochure
Related Programs
Paralegal Studies (Undergraduate)
certificateParalegal Studies (Undergraduate)
certificate Approved by the American Bar Association, the Paralegal Studies (Undergraduate) Certificate prepares students for a career as a professional paralegal in a law firm, businesses, government, or nonprofit organization. The program fulfills educational requirements to work as a paralegal in California and is taught by UCLA School of Law-approved instructors. Available Format: Live Online.Approved by the American Bar Association, the Paralegal Studies (Undergraduate) Certificate prepares students for a career as a professional paralegal in a law firm, businesses, government, or nonprofit organization. The program fulfills educational requirements to work as a paralegal in California and is taught by UCLA School of Law-approved instructors. Available Format: Live Online.
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