Career Focused Education
The Paralegal Certificate Program is designed and taught by local, practicing attorneys to prepare participants to be knowledgeable, ethical, and effective while emphasizing legal areas where paralegals are most in demand.
Paralegals, also called legal assistants, perform many tasks under attorney supervision, such as legal research, document drafting, fact investigation, case management, and preparation for trial.
The program is comprised of three phases/semesters: Paralegal 1, Paralegal 2, and Paralegal 3. The program builds skills from the ground up at an accelerated rate (approximately 14 weeks long per phase). The entire program can be completed in 11 months.
Paralegal Program Graduate Akaza Flores '21 details her journey from student to full-time paralegal as she pursues law school.
Learning Modalities
Virtual Classroom
Following the same format as a traditional classroom learning environment, the virtual classroom delivers the same professional toolbox as face-to-face instruction.
Online Learning
This online, asynchronous learning model is instructed by practicing attorneys and designed to quickly and efficiently develop the job skills demanded by legal employers.
Career Outlook
In Texas, Paralegal and Legal Assistant positions are expected to grow at a rate of 19% between 2022-2032, almost five-times faster than the average growth rate of 4% for all occupations nation-wide.
Background
According to U.S. News and World Report, Paralegal is ranked as the 74th best job in the 2024 100 Best Jobs rankings. The rankings consider annual salary, career advancement, work-life balance, and career demand to determine rank.
Sample of reported job titles include: Certified Paralegal, Corporate Law Assistant, Law Associate, Legal Analyst, Legal Assistant, Litigation Paralegal, Paralegal, Paralegal Assistant, Paralegal Specialist, Real Estate Paralegal, Immigration Paralegal.
Skills Needed
- 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.
- Gather and analyze research data, such as statutes, decisions, and legal articles, codes, and documents.
Industries
It is a common misconception that paralegals work exclusively in law firms. Paralegals are employed in a wide variety of industries including:
- Accounting
- Banking
- Government Agencies
- Healthcare
- Insurance
- Non-Profit
- Oil and Gas
- Protective Services (Police and Detectives)
- Real Estate
Program Outline
The program is comprised of three phases/semesters: Paralegal 1, Paralegal 2, and Paralegal 3. The program builds skills from the ground up at an accelerated rate (approximately 14 weeks long per phase). The entire program can be completed in 11 months
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Phase 1 - 75 Clock Hours
Phase 1 includes: Introduction to Law, Legal Research, and Civil Litigation I. This phase takes approximately 14 weeks to complete.
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Phase 2 - 75 Clock Hours
Phase 2 includes: Civil Litigation II, Legal Writing, Contracts and Business Organizations, LexisNexis and ProDoc. This phase takes approximately 14 weeks to complete.
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Phase 3 - 75 Clock Hours
Phase 3 includes: Family Law, Wills and Probate, Criminal Law and Procedure. This phase takes approximately 14 weeks to complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
The program consists of three semesters. Program cost for each semester is $1,785. Additionally, in any given semester a student may pay tuition using a payment plan..
UTSA has declined to pursue approval by the American Bar Association (ABA) because such an approval is not required for students to take the national Certified Legal Assistant (CLA)/Certified Paralegal (CP) exam if they meet certain NALA requirements. The program, along with some college credit or experience as a legal assistant, qualifies students to sit for the NALA national Certified Legal Assistant Exam. Visit NALA's website for more information.
Completing the UTSA Paralegal Certificate Program does not make you a Certified Legal Assistant (CLA). The certificate earned in the UTSA program is, however, widely recognized by employers and acts as a stepping stone toward gaining your CLA status. The CLA exam is administered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). NALA requires that candidates wishing to sit for the certification exam must possess at least 45 verifiable college semester hours in any field of study and have completed an educational program like the UTSA Paralegal Certificate Program. NALA sets its own eligibility requirements and fees, sponsors the exam review courses, and administers the exam. Various combinations of credentials may be acceptable. Students are not required to take the CLA exam to work as a paralegal, though many employers do look for the CLA credential when hiring.
Once a student begins Phase 1 (P1) of the Paralegal Certificate Program, they will have up to 18 months to complete all program requirements. Within this period, students may pause their enrollment for up to one semester, if needed. If the program is not completed within the 18-month timeframe, the student will be required to restart from Phase 1.
The CLA exam is offered every January, May, and September. Registration for the exam is through NALA, not UTSA. The CLA exam is administered at locations across the United States and many schools, universities and junior colleges may serve as testing centers through an arrangement with NALA. The testing date deadlines, application forms, fee information, and other test related information is available at www.nala.org.
Individuals wishing to work in the paralegal field typically will need one of the following: a paralegal certificate, a college degree, the CLA credential, or experience in the legal field. Some large law firms and corporate legal departments seek job candidates with both a college degree and a paralegal certificate. Others simply require job skills, a good attitude and the ability to get the job done. Hiring criteria appears to be the most flexible among the small to mid-sized law firms, particularly among the solo practitioners.
While no school can guarantee that every student who completes its program will find a job, our program does include important tools to help you obtain a job in the legal field. All classroom students will receive assistance in drafting a resume and writing a cover letter particular to the legal industry, and will participate in a mock interview. Online students and alumni can have their resume and/or cover letter reviewed by the program director. Additionally, the Paralegal Program office posts job opportunities in the San Antonio area and surrounding areas for students and alumni.
To register for a new phase, a student’s account balance for the current phase must be paid in full. If payment is not received before the start of the next semester, the student will not be permitted to enroll.