Paralegal Studies Proficiency Certificate

Our Paralegal Studies program, which is approved by the American Bar Association, will teach you how to navigate the field of law from the ground level up. You will learn how to conduct legal research and writing, draft legal documents, analyze legal problems and develop effective client relationships. During your first course in Paralegal Studies, a professional within the local legal community will mentor you on the realities of a career in law. If you already have a college degree, you may choose our program’s accelerated option, which enables you to earn a paralegal degree in as few as eight months. Our program also offers a range of optional activities, such as internships, guest lectures and field trips, guidance in developing job interview skills and résumés, job placement assistance, and student clubs and newsletters. Community College of Philadelphia trains paralegals who must operate under the supervision of a licensed attorney and are prohibited from practicing law.

All students seeking the A.A.S. degree or proficiency certificate are advised that they must complete 9 credit hours of legal specialty classes in a traditional face-to-face/remote synchronous classroom format. Courses in a traditional face-to-face/remote synchronous format include those meeting entirely in the classroom and classroom hours of hybrid sections. Legal specialty classes are those designed by PLS. Students are urged to meet with a paralegal advisor prior to registering for courses and are cautioned that a degree will not be awarded until this requirement is met.