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Paralegal Certificate

The Paralegal Certificate at Marist is designed to prepare students with practical experience, hands-on learning, and resources to move forward in their career at an accelerated pace. As the only ABA-approved paralegal program in the Upper Hudson River Valley, it offers a unique blend of theoretical and practical knowledge.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Complete legal research on federal and state issues
• Practice intake procedures
• Develop a professional portfolio
• Prepare settlement and disclosure statements for real estate transactions
• Draft legal memoranda, family court petitions, verified divorce complaints, last will and testaments, and more

Admission & Tuition

• Undergraduate
• Graduate and Doctoral
• International Students
• Transfer
• First-Year Abroad
• Adult and Returning Students
• Military and Veteran
• High School Pre-College Programs
• Bridge Program

Curriculum

The program combines 36 general education credits (which can be transferred from other institutions) and 24 Marist Paralegal credits. It offers two convenient scheduling options:

• Two start options: Start options are available in Fall and Spring.
• Weekend format: Designed for adults with 36 qualifying transfer college credits, this option can be completed in 12 months by attending classes either in person or on Zoom on 24 weekends and completing required asynchronous coursework.
• Evening format: Designed to work well for undergraduates, as it fits right in with the traditional course schedule.

Real-World Experience

Marist's academic approach provides a balance between theory and practice. The Paralegal Certificate is no exception, offering a wide range of essential hands-on experiences that prepare students for real work in their field.

Essential Resources for Your Career Path

• Preparing for your NYS Notary Exam? Participate in the Notary Workshop.
• Need to expand your digital toolbox? Learn Microsoft and Excel best practices for Paralegals.
• Interested in legal software? Attend an expert-led workshop on trending legal software.
• Want to make connections? Marist paralegal students are eligible to join the Dutchess County Bar Association as non-voting student members and attend CLE and other networking opportunities.
• Ready to make your mark? Local employers connect with Marist directly to recruit for available positions.

A Respected Paralegal Program that Conforms to Your Schedule

• ABA-approved: Marist's program is the only one in the Upper Hudson River Valley that is approved by the American Bar Association.
• Weekend Format: The weekend cohort is specifically designed for working professionals to complete their certificate in just 12 months.
• Real-world Experience: Be thoroughly prepared for a successful career as a paralegal with real-world experience like completing legal research and drafting legal memoranda.

Alumni Testimonials

• Katherine Farley '15, Basch & Keegan, LLP: The coursework in Marist's program prepared her with the practical and ethical knowledge necessary to succeed in the legal field.
• Katrinia Soares, Paralegal, Tarter, Krinsky & Drogin, LLP: The program helped her get started in her career at a law firm.
• Kathy DeRobertis, Legal Specialist, Fishkill Patent Center: The program helped her get started in her career at IBM.
• Dawn Marie Del Valle, Domestic Violence Paralegal, Legal Services of the Mid-Hudson Valley: Shortly after graduating, she was offered a job as a domestic violence paralegal.
• Alex Fox, Litigation Paralegal, Wilson Elser: The program covers a wide range of legal areas, giving students a strong foundation.
• Melissa Campisi, Director, Lease Administration, Seritage Growth Properties: The program helped her "round out" her professional knowledge.
• Wendy A. Freyhagen, Associate Court Clerk, Dutchess Supreme & County Courts: The program was very diversified, and she garnered two promotions since completing it.

Take Your Paralegal Education to the Next Level

The Paralegal Certificate at Marist is a stand-alone credential that is designed to provide multiple opportunities to take your education further. The program integrates seamlessly into a bachelor's degree or a master's degree to take your formal training, and your career, to the next level.