Virtual Classroom
Virtual courses are taught by practicing attorneys who embed a depth of experiential knowledge in their instruction. Students receive identical content as in-person instruction. Interactive learning strategies and activities are utilized throughout the program to ensure effective engagement and student comprehension.
Virtual Classrooms will be held on Saturdays, with live instruction from the instructor and participation from students. To effectively engage in the program, students must have a computer, access to the Internet, and a camera with video conferencing ability.
Upon successful completion of the program, participants receive the UTSA Paralegal Certificate, recognized by employers. The program, together with a certain amount of college credit or experience as a legal assistant, qualifies students to sit for NALA’s Certified Legal Assistant exam, although many employers do not require employees to do so.
Curriculum Overview
The Paralegal Program consists of the following sections: Introduction to Law, Legal Research, Civil Litigation I & II, Legal Writing, Contracts and Business Organizations, Nexis Uni and TXdocs, Family Law, Wills and Probate, and Criminal Law and Procedure.
Family Law
The paralegal's role in a family law practice, including the substantive law and procedures relating to divorce, community property, conservatorship and child support.
Criminal Law
The paralegal's role in the criminal justice system with emphasis on legal research and drafting projects. Includes criminal law discovery lab and career skills workshops.
Wills and Probate
The paralegal's role in a wills and probate practice, including the law of intestate succession, preparation of basic wills and other estate planning documents.
Civil Litigation
Interviewing clients and witnesses; recognizing causes of action underlying civil litigation, including intentional torts, negligence and professional.
Legal Research
Hands-on use of digests, case reporters, statutory codes and secondary sources to locate relevant law; introduction to legal analysis and legal writing.
Nexis Uni and TXdocs
Learn to leverage technology to complement traditional legal research methods and streamline legal document drafting.
Virtual Classroom vs. Online Learning
Virtual Classroom students receive identical content as in-person instruction. Interactive learning strategies and activities are utilized throughout the program to ensure effective engagement and student comprehension.
| Description | Virtual Classroom |
Online |
|---|---|---|
| Courthouse Project | optional |
|
| Classroom Attendance Required | ||
| Personal Instructor Feedback | ||
| Communication Workshops (resume, cover letter, mock interviews) | optional |
|
| Access to Library Resources | ||
| Library Research Experience | optional |
|
| Offered year-round (fall, spring, summer) | ||
| Instructed by Practicing Attorneys | ||
| Program can be Completed in 11 Months |
| Description | Virtual Classroom |
Online |
|---|---|---|
| Access to Nexis Uni on your Personal Computer | ||
| Access to TXdocs on your Personal Computer |
| Description | Virtual Classroom |
Online |
|---|---|---|
| Videotaped Lectures | ||
| Discussion Board Participation Required | ||
| Friday Deadlines for Assignments and Quizzes |
Virtual Information Sessions
Receive a 10% Registration Discount!
Want to learn more about the Paralegal Certificate Program before you register? Sign up to attend an information session!
Led by the PaCE Paralegal Program Coordinator, you will be introduced to program curriculum, the opportunity outlook in the paralegal field, and the required skills to become a successful paralegal.
Can't decide what learning option is best for you? The advantages of both the online and live, virtual classroom delivery method will be discussed.
- After registering for your desired session, you will receive an email one week prior to the start date with a link to the virtual session.
- By attending an information session, you will receive a 10% registration discount for the first semester of the program.
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.
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 Cost & Policies
Review tuition, estimated expenses, payment options, discounts and important enrollment policies for the UT San Antonio Virtual Paralegal Certificate Program.
Program Cost
$1,785 per semester
$5,355 total tuition
The Virtual Paralegal Certificate Program is completed over three consecutive semesters. Textbooks and personal expenses are not included in tuition.
Payment Options
Up to three payments per semester
Financing options may be available
Students may pay each semester in full or request an installment plan. Continuing education loans and approved education-benefit programs may also be available.
Policies & Discounts
10% first-semester discount
Refund restrictions apply
Students who attend an eligible virtual information session may receive a first-semester discount. Review refund, withdrawal and consecutive-enrollment requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
The UT San Antonio Virtual Paralegal Certificate Program is an 11-month professional training program taught live online by practicing Texas attorneys. Students develop practical skills in legal research, legal writing, civil litigation, contracts, family law, criminal law, wills and probate, and legal technology. The virtual classroom provides the same curriculum as the program’s face-to-face instructional format. Prospective students can also explore legal careers that do not require a law degree.
The three-semester UT San Antonio Virtual Paralegal Certificate Program currently costs $5,355, or $1,785 per semester. Textbooks are not included and are estimated to cost approximately $800 for the full program. Payment plans, continuing education loans and approved education-benefit programs may be available. Students who attend an eligible virtual information session may receive a 10% discount on the first semester.
The Virtual Paralegal Certificate Program is completed over three consecutive semesters, or approximately 11 months. Live classes are generally held on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Students should also plan time outside the scheduled classroom sessions to complete readings, legal research, writing assignments, quizzes and other coursework. Exact dates may vary by semester and are listed with the current registration information.
The live virtual classroom includes scheduled Saturday classes with real-time instruction, student participation and personal feedback from practicing attorneys. Students complete the same curriculum offered through face-to-face instruction and can ask questions and participate in interactive activities during class. Unlike a self-paced online course, attendance at the scheduled virtual meetings is required.
Students study introduction to law, legal research, legal writing, civil litigation, contracts and business organizations, family law, criminal law and procedure, and wills and probate. The curriculum emphasizes Texas and federal law and includes practical work such as client and witness interviewing, case analysis, legal drafting and document preparation. Students also receive experience using legal research and document-production resources such as Nexis Uni and TXdocs.
The UT San Antonio Paralegal Certificate Program is not identified as an American Bar Association-approved paralegal education program. It is a university-issued professional certificate program taught by practicing Texas attorneys and focused on practical legal skills. Prospective students who specifically require graduation from an ABA-approved program should review the ABA’s current program directory and the requirements of their intended employer or certification organization before enrolling.
Successful graduates receive the UT San Antonio Paralegal Certificate, but completing the program does not automatically grant an independent Certified Paralegal credential. Depending on their college education or legal-assistant experience, graduates may qualify to apply for the NALA Certified Paralegal examination. NALA determines examination eligibility, and candidates must separately apply for and pass the required certification exams.
Students need a computer, reliable internet access, a webcam and video-conferencing capabilities to participate in the live virtual classroom. The program provides access to library resources, Nexis Uni and TXdocs for legal research and document preparation. Career-focused activities include communication workshops addressing resumes, cover letters and mock interviews. The program provides career preparation but does not guarantee employment or formal job placement.
