The Paralegal Studies Certificate Program is an intensive program of courses designed to fulfill the needs of those who are interested in work related to the law, human services, government, or public policy, continuing their studies in the legal field. This program provides students with a broad exposure to various areas of the law and provides them with paralegal skills. Students who complete the certificate most often find employment with legal firms, banks, real estate agencies, and business corporations. Many students use the paralegal program as a foundation for either reading for the law or entering a law program.
Students complete 30 semester credits of coursework offered by practicing attorneys with practical experience in the legal profession. The credit requirements are inclusive of a 3-credit internship in a law office, agency, or advocacy group or in the Burlington College ProSe Legal Clinic under the instruction and supervision of an attorney. Unique to the Burlington College Paralegal Studies program, the clinic is designed to help people understand the legal system and learn how to represent themselves in the courts. Along with providing this important service to the community, the clinic educates paralegal students in a hands-on way to understand litigants, the courts and legal strategies. A certificate of completion of the Paralegal Studies Certificate Program is awarded to those who satisfy the program requirements.
