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 |
General Education Requirements:
All general education requirements necessary for graduation are met through the courses in the program as indicated above. Students who wish to take courses that differ from the general education courses indicated above must complete a course substitution request form. To access the form, login to the MyCCP portal, and in the Student tab, under Electronic Forms, click on the Records and Registration Forms link, then choose Request For Course Substitution Of Graduation Requirement link. A more detailed explanation of the College's general education requirements is also available.
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