Paralegal Certificate

Purpose

The Wilmington University Paralegal Certificate allows students to concentrate their studies in the specific content areas relevant to the profession. It is designed to provide the education needed to begin a paralegal career working under the supervision of an attorney or advance an existing career in related fields. Because certificate programs are valued by those in the legal field, it is perfect for those who want to enhance their marketability, make a career change, or simply expand their career options.

PARALEGALS MAY NOT PROVIDE LEGAL SERVICES DIRECTLY TO THE PUBLIC, EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY LAW.

Program of Study

The certificate program was designed by paralegals and attorneys to concentrate exclusively on the skills and knowledge needed by working professionals. The program includes a core curriculum of eight classes (24 credits), but can be tailored to the individual student through the selection of two substantive courses. Students who already possess a bachelor’s degree or are actively pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Wilmington University will be permitted to enroll in the Certificate program, but will not receive a certificate until conferral of a bachelor’s degree.

General Requirements

Each prospective student must submit the following:

1. An undergraduate application for admission.
2. An official transcript showing completion of a bachelor’s degree.
3. No more than two courses (6 credits) may be transferred into this certificate program.\

Program Competencies

In addition to demonstrating college level proficiency in the Wilmington University undergraduate competencies, Legal Studies graduates will also be able to:

1. Locate, evaluate, use, and communicate legal and non-legal information effectively and appropriately.

2. Apply legal and ethical principles to guide professional behaviors and decision-making.

3. Demonstrate an understanding of the use, management, assessment, and application of technology in the legal environment.

4. Exercise critical thinking strategies, including reasoning, problem solving, analysis, and evaluation in the legal context.

5. Demonstrate effective written communication of legal issues, concepts, and authority, utilizing the Bluebook Uniform System of Citation.

6. Exercise effective interpersonal skills, including building and enhancing interpersonal relationships, and interacting effectively with others.

“Legal Specialties”

Students must take a minimum of 18 credits of “legal specialty” courses to earn a Post-Bachelor’s Paralegal Certificate. The 18 credits may be satisfied with a combination of transfer courses and courses taken at Wilmington University. A legal specialty is defined by the American Bar Association (ABA) as a course that covers substantive law or legal procedures or processes, has been developed for paralegals, emphasizes practical paralegal skills, and meets the ABA’s instructional requirements. The Legal Studies program offers legal specialties in face-to-face, hybrid, and online formats. Legal specialty courses are designated with (LS) below; however, they can also be identified by course description and by the Basic Course Information provided on the website.

Face-to-Face Requirement

Students must take a minimum of 9 credits of legal specialty courses through traditional, face-to-face or synchronous classroom instruction. This requirement may be satisfied through any combination of semester, block, or hybrid courses.

Transfer Policy

The Paralegal Certificate may accept in transfer equivalent courses considered legal specialties that are taken at another institution. A maximum of 6 credits of legal specialty courses may be accepted for equivalent LES courses.

Credit Through Alternate Sources

The award of credit for legal specialty courses through portfolio assessment or by examination is coordinated by the Legal Studies Program Chair to ensure that the quality and integrity of the program are maintained. Any award of credit requires the approval of the Program Chair upon demonstration that the credits can be classified as legal specialty, meets the course objectives and practical skills to be developed for the course for which credit is being awarded, meets the needs of the legal community the program serves, and is comparable to course work offered within the program. A maximum of 15 credits may be earned through portfolio assessment, and a maximum of 15 credits may be earned through examination. For more information, please consult the Student Handbook section entitled “Alternative Credit Methods” or speak to the Program Chair or an academic advisor.

Minimum Grade Policy

The Legal Studies program has set a minimum passing grade of “C” for LES 200, LES 220, LES 225, LES 226, and LES 228. Students receiving a grade lower than “C” in any of these courses must retake that course.

Total credits for the Legal Studies Certificate: 24