Certificate in Paralegal Studies

The Program

The growing complexity of legal services has steadily increased the need for paralegals - individuals who are not lawyers, but who assist them by performing law-based work requiring knowledge of specific legal forms, concepts, procedures, and practices used in concrete legal situations. The paralegal does research, drafts and files memorandums and legal documents, interviews witnesses and clients, helps prepare for trial, and handles the paperwork for real estate and other business transactions. The Touro College Paralegal program grants a Certificate in Paralegal Studies that qualifies graduates to obtain work in industries such as law, insurance, real estate, banking, finance and government.

Course of Study

The certificate program in Paralegal Studies consists of ten courses comprising 300 hours of training. The sequence begins with three required courses which provide a general overview of the history and organization of the field of law and the paralegal's place in the system. Students then choose seven elective courses which provide training in specialized areas of law.

Courses Offered Include:

• Introduction to Paralegal Studies
• Introduction to Law and Ethics
• Legal Research
• Civil Litigation
• Real Property Law
• Contracts
• Business Organizations
• Probate Procedures
• Interviewing and Investigation
• Wills, Trusts and Estates
• Elder Law
• Criminal Law
• Family Law
• Paralegal Internship

Who Should Enroll?

The Paralegal Certificate Program is appropriate for students who wish to work in the legal environment or become knowledgeable about the legal field.

Admission Requirements

• A completed application for admission to the Paralegal Program at the Touro College Graduate School of Business.
• High School diploma or GED or transcript(s) of all college level work completed.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Written statement of your motivations, interests and goals in pursuing a Certificate in Paralegal Studies.
• Personal interview.

Program Requirements

The Certificate in Paralegal Studies requires the completion of ten courses, three of which are required and seven of which are elective. A GPA of 3.0 or better is required to satisfy graduation requirements.