Paralegal Studies Certificate Program

Long Island University – Brooklyn Campus

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Overview

Long Island University is a private university with a campus in downtown Brooklyn, just minutes from Barclays Center. For nearly half a century, the LIU Brooklyn Paralegal Studies Certificate Program has educated thousands of legal professionals. Since its first graduating class in 1976, the program has prepared graduates to work in private law firms, not-for-profit organizations, government agencies, corporations, financial institutions, and real estate companies. Many graduates go on to law school and/or graduate school.

Program Format and Hours

The Paralegal Studies Certificate Program provides 328 hours of live, synchronous online instruction over two academic semesters and covers a wide range of legal subjects. Courses are offered throughout the calendar year and are taught by experienced attorneys and paralegals who have many years of teaching and practice. The curriculum emphasizes both substantive law and practical skills so that students are ready to contribute in a legal work environment.

ABA Approval

A key hallmark of the LIU Brooklyn Paralegal Studies Certificate Program is its approval by the American Bar Association (ABA). LIU received ABA approval in 1980. Of the more than 1,200 paralegal programs nationwide, only about 22% are ABA approved. Employers recognize the value of an ABA-approved paralegal program that follows ABA Guidelines as part of the approval process.

Career Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the paralegal profession is projected to grow 12% between 2020 and 2030, faster than average for all occupations. During this period, approximately 43,000 paralegal job openings per year are projected nationwide.

Important Notice About Paralegal Work

PARALEGALS MAY NOT ENGAGE IN THE UNAUTHORIZED PRACTICE OF LAW (UPL) OR PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE OR LEGAL SERVICES DIRECTLY TO THE PUBLIC EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY LAW. PARALEGALS MUST ALWAYS WORK UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF AN ATTORNEY WHEN PERFORMING ANY LEGAL TASK.

Courses

Students enrolled in the Paralegal Studies Certificate Program are required to enroll in and successfully complete 13 of the 14 courses listed below over two academic semesters. Course offerings include:

PLS 125 Introduction to Law

PLS 130 Litigation and Trial Preparation

PLS 135 Legal Research and Writing

PLS 145 Probate, Trusts and Estates

PLS 150 Business Organizations

PLS 155 Real Estate Law

PLS 160 Contracts

PLS 165 Criminal Law

PLS 170 Matrimonial Law

PLS 175 Torts

PLS 185 Legal Ethics

PLS 200 Computer Aided Legal Research

PLS 201 Bankruptcy Law

PLS 202 Intellectual Property

Tuition

The tuition for the Paralegal Studies Certificate Program is $5,350.

Mission Statement

The mission of the LIU Brooklyn Paralegal Studies Certificate Program is to provide students with an education that combines the theoretical, practical, and ethical skills needed for gainful employment as a paralegal. The curriculum is designed to:

• Teach core legal concepts and their practical application.

• Improve oral and written communication skills.

• Develop proficiency in legal technology and research tools.

• Build the knowledge necessary to meet the ethical obligations of paralegals and attorneys.

Student Body

Students in the Paralegal Studies Certificate Program come from diverse educational and professional backgrounds, including:

• Recent college graduates seeking entry-level paralegal positions.

• Experienced paralegals seeking promotion or a position with a new employer.

• Students considering law school.

• Professionals in non-legal fields (insurance, education, finance, etc.) who work closely with legal matters.

• International students who have studied law and/or are qualified to practice law in their home country and want familiarity with American law before taking a state bar exam.

• Individuals seeking a career change into the legal field.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants must:

• Possess at least an associate’s degree, or

• Have completed a minimum of 60 college credits from an accredited institution with a GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Transfer Policy

The Paralegal Studies Certificate Program does not accept transfer credits.

Application Process

To begin the application process, prospective students should contact the program director. An official transcript from the applicant’s undergraduate institution (or institutions) is required.

Contact Information

School of Professional Studies

The Paralegal Studies Certificate Program is offered through the LIU School of Professional Studies

Richard J. Olivieri, J.D.

Director, LIU Brooklyn Paralegal Studies Certificate Program

Email: richard.olivieri@liu.edu

Phone: 718-488-1066

.

Christopher J. Adams, Ed.D.

Dean, School of Professional Studies

Phone: 516-299-2919