Paralegal Program

Selecting University of San Diego’s Paralegal Certificate Program is an ideal way to embark on your journey to a successful career as a legal professional. Not only are we the oldest ABA-approved program in San Diego, we are also one of the few ABA-approved paralegal programs affiliated with an ABA-accredited law school. For more than four decades we have been an important component of San Diego’s local business and law community, as our graduates transition from students to legal professionals.

Our paralegal school offers students a dedicated program staff, access to the University of San Diego’s expansive law library, discerning faculty who are also practicing attorneys, experienced paralegals and legal specialists, intimate class settings, and a robust local internship program.

We meet our students where they are with accelerated online day or evening options. All of our programs meet the ABA requirements for synchronous instruction. Local employers are well aware of the quality of our program and often seek out our graduates to fill open paralegal positions.

Our active Advisory Committee continuously reviews curriculum and employment trends to ensure that our paralegal graduates are prepared to meet the needs of employers. Our program options are ideal for students from all backgrounds and walks of life, and we offer an array of financing options.

American Bar Association (ABA) approval is a national benchmark that ensures quality in curriculum, faculty, libraries, and student services. According to California’s Business and Professions Code, graduation from an ABA-approved paralegal certificate program is one of the criteria for using the title of paralegal, so it is an incredibly important factor to consider when selecting a paralegal school. As part of our commitment to providing the highest-quality paralegal courses, our Advisory Committee, which is comprised of attorneys, paralegals, educators, and members of the general public, meets regularly to review curriculum and employment trends.

As defined by the American Bar Association Standing Committee on Paralegals, paralegals perform "specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible."

At the University of San Diego School of Law, paralegal students are taught by practicing attorneys and experienced paralegals and legal professionals, whose expertise and knowledge are critical to training successful paralegals. This training offers our paralegal students the experience and knowledge needed to research and manage cases, draft documents, interview clients, and prepare trial exhibits, all of which are tasks they may complete when they embark on their careers as legal professionals.

Paralegals work in law firms, corporations, insurance companies, banks, hospital districts, government agencies, and other legal entities. Students who are interested in our online paralegal program can experience a day in the life of one of our graduates who currently works at the San Diego District Attorney’s Office.

Although there is no required license for paralegals, there are voluntary national exams available that are sponsored by professional associations. Typically, attorneys seek out paralegals who possess an American Bar Association-approved certificate, such as the one offered through our online paralegal certificate program. University of San Diego is proud to have held this esteemed distinction since 1977.

Students interested in undertaking paralegal studies at the University of San Diego’s School of Law should review admission requirements for our day program and evening program, then contact the Paralegal Program Office to discuss which of our online paralegal program options is the best fit.

The University of San Diego School of Law’s Paralegal Program does not accept transfer credits. Students enrolled in our online paralegal certificate program will complete all 24 credits through the University of San Diego. At least nine semester credits of legal specialty courses are delivered through synchronous instruction as required by the ABA.

Yes, our Paralegal students can complete their studies online. The majority of our courses are delivered through synchronous (live online) instruction during the times noted on our day and evening sample schedules. If you are outside of California, you should note that the times listed are in the Pacific time zone. Our Paralegal program does not transfer in credits; therefore, graduates are ensured to comply with the ABA requirement of nine semester credits of legal specialty courses delivered through synchronous instruction.

The University of San Diego School of Law is committed to offering a variety of financing options for our paralegal program. Prospective students can review our financing options page for additional information.

University of San Diego paralegal classes do not transfer to law school. You will find, however, that should you complete the paralegal certificate program and continue on to law school, your knowledge of legal terms and research skills will make your first year a bit easier. Furthermore, your knowledge of the practical aspects of practicing law will enhance your success as an attorney. Many of our students complete the certificate program to "test the waters" before incurring the time and expense of law school or choose to work as a paralegal while completing law school.

Whether you enter the University of San Diego School of Law’s paralegal program with experience or not, the courses and internship opportunities are designed to provide you with practical assignments, training, and education that help you gain experience and hit the ground running as a legal professional after graduation. Employment workshops and individual appointments help you tailor your resume to the type of job you want and guide you through your job search.

Yes, in California. Section 6450(d) of the California Business and Professional Code, which pertains to paralegals, requires four hours of mandatory continuing legal education in legal ethics every two years, as well as four hours of mandatory continuing legal education in general law or an area of specialized law every two years.

As a State Bar of California-approved provider of MCLE, University of San Diego School of Law frequently offers MCLE programming and encourages graduates to attend San Diego Paralegal Association events. Graduates who secure employment outside of California should consult their individual state’s requirements.

Prospective students can learn more about pursuing a dynamic career in paralegalism by visiting our Resources page.

Although paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law, employers can utilize paralegals to perform many tasks that were previously only done by lawyers, thereby reducing costs, while increasing the availability and efficiency of their legal services. Review the most current job outlook data from the BLS.

Prospective students can review the application requirements and apply online.