Paralegal Studies, Certificate

The Paralegal Studies Certificate Program is designed for those students who have already obtained, or are in the process of obtaining, an associate degree or a baccalaureate degree in a field of study other than paralegal studies. For those students in the process of obtaining their degree, the Paralegal Studies Certificate will not be awarded until completion of the Associate or Baccalaureate degree. It allows students to obtain a paralegal education in a timely and cost-effective manner. In addition, this 24-credit certificate will help students to meet the requirements of potential employers, a large number of whom require both a college degree and a paralegal certificate as hiring standards.

RVCC’s paralegal studies program is approved by the American Bar Association and includes courses in all areas of the legal profession, with specialized courses in research and writing, litigation, real estate, family law and others. Members of the faculty are practicing attorneys or paralegals, each teaching in his or her area of expertise.

Graduates, who must work under the supervision of an attorney, will be able to:

• understand the proper role of the paralegal in the context of the larger legal profession, including application of the ethical rules that govern the conduct of the paralegal and the legal professions
• analyze and assess legal problems, identify legal issues and conduct both standard and computerized legal research
• draft and interpret legal documents, such as deeds, mortgages, wills, pleadings, probate forms and contracts
• acquire necessary computer skills in various legal software applications specific to the law office
• demonstrate substantive knowledge and practical skills in areas such as litigation, torts, family law, real estate, dispute resolution, wills and estates, law office management and intellectual property

This certificate is offered through the Business and Public Service Department, whose mission is to provide challenging career-oriented undergraduate programs to business and public service students, educating them to the level of competency needed for successful transfer to four-year institutions or immediate career path entry into the global market.

NOTE: Students in this program may not be eligible for Financial Aid; students should meet with an Academic Advisor or Financial Aid staff to discuss options for Financial Aid eligibility.