Overview
Tailored for paralegals, this hands-on program, designed by legal professionals, imparts real-world skills sought by law firms, attorneys, corporations, and government agencies, providing the certification necessary for career advancement.
With the University of South Florida's Paralegal Certificate program, you can start (or advance) a rewarding, lucrative career in the legal field — and do it fast. This is a self-paced, accelerated, online class. Participants have 6 months to complete the program.
Designed for paralegals by paralegals, attorneys and judges across the country, our hands-on program focuses on the real-world skill sets in demand by law firms, legal divisions, attorneys, corporations and government agencies.
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Curriculum & Course Details
The USF Paralegal Certificate is designed for those aspiring toward a career in the legal field, legal students, as well as current paralegals who desire further knowledge and credentials. Taught by sitting judges and providing practical skills that not only prepare you for a paralegal career but also give you a valuable head start toward law school, this program is a great choice for anyone considering a future in law.
It includes essentials track that has three subcategories:
- Torts
- Contracts
- Procedures
USF’s flexible program options mean students go at their own pace. You will be immersed in legal processes, court structure, interviewing, investigation, document preparation, file maintenance, correspondence, research, writing and analysis, as well as substantive topics of law, such as torts, contracts, and civil procedure – all taught by an esteemed faculty of Judges. Students are trained in online legal research with an individual subscription to Lexis. This high-quality educational experience includes access to customized texts and dynamic interactive online support tools, such as practice exercise questions, lecture notes, quizzes, writing labs, mock exams and more.
The USF Paralegal Certificate curriculum now also breaks new ground by integrating paralegal training with cutting-edge AI skills, preparing students for evolving law office environments where technology plays a pivotal role. You will develop traditional paralegal skills while incorporating AI tools that enhance productivity and accuracy in legal tasks.
Why choose USF's Paralegal Certificate?
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Learn from a distinguished faculty of sitting judges.
- Earn a sought-after credential backed by a major research university.
- Register on an open-enrollment basis — no application required.
- You will graduate with an official USF certificate backed by a major research university, as well as a digital badge that you can display on LinkedIn and other social media profiles, highlighting your achievement.
- Tort Law, Contract Law, Procedures, Legal Writing and Research are all first-year law school classes. This course is an incredible base for law school and introduction to the law.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, learners will be able to:
- Learn to master legal processes, including court structure, interviewing clients, investigation, research and analysis and document preparation.
- Study the most substantive topics of law, such as torts, contracts and civil procedure.
- Explore the Lexis legal database system, and be introduced to AI as it pertains to today’s legal professionals.
- Graduate with a final case study portfolio in-hand, which is highly desired by employers who value proof of real-time Paralegal experience and expertise.
Advisor
Our advisors are here to support you every step of the way – whether you have questions about courses, need guidance on your learning path, or simply want to explore your goals.
