These courses, approved by the American Bar Association, are designed to qualify students for entry-level positions in the paralegal field. Students who have earned an Associate in Arts (A.A.), an Associate in Science (A.S.) or a bachelor's degree from an institution accredited by a regional member of the Commission of Higher Education can complete this program in a short amount of time. Community College of Philadelphia trains paralegals who must operate under the supervision of a licensed attorney and are prohibited from practicing law. Students with an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree may also be eligible; see College Catalog for entrance requirements.
Paralegal Studies Proficiency Certificate
Career Options
Careers
Find your path.
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants – est. salary $58,615
Title Examiners, Abstractors and Searchers – est. salary $46,651
Compliance Officers – est. salary $83,508*
**EMSI Data, 2022; Philadelphia County, PA; a percentage of people in these jobs may have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Courses and Completion Sequence
The following courses and sequence of courses is designed for the optimal success and completion of the Paralegal Studies Proficiency Certificate degree/certificate. Any alterations should be discussed with your academic advisor.
| Course Number and Name | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PLS 101 - Intro to Paralegal Studies | 3 credits | |
| PLS 121 - Civil Litigation I | PLS 101, which may be taken concurrently | 3 credits |
| PLS 111 - Legal Research and Writing I | PLS 101, which may be taken concurrently | 3 credits |
| PLS 115 - Legal Technology | PLS 101, which may be taken concurrently | 3 credits |
| PLS 211 - Legal Research and Writing II | PLS 111 and ENGL 102 | 3 credits |
Note: students must select four courses from the electives below:
| Course Number and Name | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PLS 215 - Electronic Discovery | PLS 121 | 3 credits |
| PLS 221 - Civil Litigation II | PLS 101 and PLS 121 | 3 credits |
| PLS 231 - Family Law | PLS 111 and PLS 121 | 3 credits |
| PLS 241 - Tort Law | PLS 121 | 3 credits |
| PLS 251 - Real Estate Law for Paralegals | PLS 111 | 3 credits |
| PLS 255 - Business Organizations for Paralegals | PLS 111, ENGL 101 | 3 credits |
| PLS 261 - Wills, Trusts and Estate Administration | PLS 111 | 3 credits |
| PLS 265 - Intellectual Property | PLS 111 | 3 credits |
| PLS 271 - Bankruptcy Law | PLS 121 | 3 credits |
| PLS 275 - Employment Law | PLS 111 | 3 credits |
| PLS 281 - Environmental Law | PLS 111 | 3 credits |
| PLS 285 - Immigration Law | PLS 101, PLS 121 | 3 credits |
| PLS 295 - Legal Internship | PLS 101, PLS 111, PLS 121, and a GPA of 2.5 or better | 3 credits |
Featured Career
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.
Median Salary
$61,672
$61,672
Number of Jobs
4,308
in the region
4,308
in the region
10 Year Job Outlook
+5%
in the region
+5%
in the region
Typical Tasks
- Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system.
- Prepare for trial by performing tasks such as organizing exhibits.
- 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.
- File pleadings with court clerk.
How well does it pay?
New workers generally start around $37,599. Normal pay for Paralegals and Legal Assistants is $61,672 per year, while highly experienced workers can earn as much as $96,015.
Program Information
Paralegal Studies Proficiency Certificate
Degree Type:
Proficiency CertificateCredits Needed to Graduate:
27
Online Learning Availability:
50% or Greater
