Program Overview
Paralegal Studies Proficiency Certificate
About This Certificate
Our Paralegal Studies program, which is approved by the American Bar Association, will teach you how to navigate the field of law from the ground level up. You will learn how to conduct legal research and writing, draft legal documents, analyze legal problems and develop effective client relationships. During your first course in Paralegal Studies, a professional within the local legal community will mentor you on the realities of a career in law. If you already have a college degree, you may choose our program’s accelerated option, which enables you to earn a paralegal degree in as few as eight months. Our program also offers a range of optional activities, such as internships, guest lectures and field trips, guidance in developing job interview skills and résumés, job placement assistance, and student clubs and newsletters. Community College of Philadelphia trains paralegals who must operate under the supervision of a licensed attorney and are prohibited from practicing law.
Program Requirements
- All students seeking the A.A.S. degree or proficiency certificate are advised that they must complete 9 credit hours of legal specialty classes in a traditional face-to-face/remote synchronous classroom format. Courses in a traditional face-to-face/remote synchronous format include those meeting entirely in the classroom and classroom hours of hybrid sections. Legal specialty classes are those designed by PLS. Students are urged to meet with a paralegal advisor prior to registering for courses and are cautioned that a degree will not be awarded until this requirement is met.
Course Sequence
Required Courses
| Course Number and Name |
Prerequisites |
Credits |
| PLS 101 - Intro to Paralegal Studies |
|
3 credits |
| PLS 121 - Civil Litigation I |
PLS 101, which may be taken concurrently |
3 credits |
| PLS 111 - Legal Research and Writing I |
PLS 101, which may be taken concurrently |
3 credits |
| PLS 115 - Legal Technology |
PLS 101, which may be taken concurrently |
3 credits |
| PLS 211 - Legal Research and Writing II |
PLS 111 and ENGL 102 |
3 credits |
Elective Courses
| Course Number and Name |
Prerequisites |
Credits |
| PLS 215 - Electronic Discovery |
PLS 121 |
3 credits |
| PLS 221 - Civil Litigation II |
PLS 101 and PLS 121 |
3 credits |
| PLS 231 - Family Law |
PLS 111 and PLS 121 |
3 credits |
| PLS 241 - Tort Law |
PLS 121 |
3 credits |
| PLS 251 - Real Estate Law for Paralegals |
PLS 111 |
3 credits |
| PLS 255 - Business Organizations for Paralegals |
PLS 111, ENGL 101 |
3 credits |
| PLS 261 - Wills, Trusts and Estate Administration |
PLS 111 |
3 credits |
| PLS 265 - Intellectual Property |
PLS 111 |
3 credits |
| PLS 271 - Bankruptcy Law |
PLS 121 |
3 credits |
| PLS 275 - Employment Law |
PLS 111 |
3 credits |
| PLS 281 - Environmental Law |
PLS 111 |
3 credits |
| PLS 285 - Immigration Law |
PLS 101, PLS 121 |
3 credits |
| PLS 295 - Legal Internship |
PLS 101, PLS 111, PLS 121, and a GPA of 2.5 or better |
3 credits |
Career Opportunities
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
- Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent.
- Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.
Typical Tasks
- Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system.
- Prepare for trial by performing tasks such as organizing exhibits.
- Prepare legal documents, including briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements.
- Meet with clients and other professionals to discuss details of case.
- File pleadings with court clerk.
Salary Estimates
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants: $58,615
- Compliance Officer: $83,508
- Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers: $56,795
- Paralegals and Legal Assistants: $61,672
Related Programs
- Paralegal Studies
- Electronic Discovery Proficiency Certificate
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