Paralegal Plus, Certificate

Have a passion for justice and a desire to help others? Consider a job in the legal profession by earning a paralegal degree or certificate in Highline's Legal Studies department. Learn how the legal system works, how to find relevant laws, interpret and apply them. Learn legal writing skills to communicate with attorneys and courts. Learn legal-specific software and gain the soft skills attorneys are looking for in their paralegals. The Paralegal Plus certificate is designed for students who have a bachelor's degree already.

http://legal.highline.edu

Requirements

Prerequisites

Bachelor’s degree from four-year college or university or enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program- BA must be completed prior to completion of certificate.
Some or all of the following are required. Talk to a faculty adviser.
This paralegal program is approved by the American Bar Association. See statement in the college catalog.
The program can be completed remotely, without coming to campus.
Some classes have entry requirements not listed here.

Specific Requirements

Professional-Technical Core Courses

Total Core Credits: 40

Supporting Courses

Select 15 credits from courses listed below. Talk to a faculty adviser.

Total Supporting Course Credits: 15

Total Program Credits: 55 credits

Learning outcomes

Demonstrate proficiency in legal research and application of procedural and substantive authorities, including areas of law in which the student may not be familiar.
Demonstrate writing skills that are consistent with generally accepted standards within the legal profession, including the ability to communicate legal analysis and application through organized and well-written correspondence, memoranda and pleadings.
Analyze and articulate the different sides to any argument using critical-thinking skills.
Demonstrate the ability to develop discovery plans, prepare cases for trial and capably assist in all courtroom proceedings.
Use technology commonly found in the legal environment, including the electronic courtroom. This technology includes Microsoft Office products, electronic databases and other appropriate legal software.
Communicate effectively with colleagues and clients utilizing good listening skills and through appropriate interactions in small group work.
Demonstrate professionalism through leadership, cultural awareness, appropriate attire and conduct, and attention to detail.
Demonstrate the ability to work independently, comply with preset deadlines and utilize well defined problem-solving skills as required by an assignment and/or situation.
Demonstrate a thorough understanding and application of ethical issues in and out of the legal employment setting.
Explain the need for civic responsibility in diverse and multifaceted environments and the role that legal professionals play in providing access to justice to those who currently or historically have been denied access.

Important notes

The paralegal program is approved by the American Bar Association. See statement in the college catalog.
The program can be completed remotely, without coming to campus.
Students must achieve a minimum 2.0 GPA in each LEGAL course to attain a Paralegal Plus Certificate.
This program emphasize preparation in specific job skills required for entry-level employment.
Not all classes are offered every quarter.
Coursework is highly interactive and includes field-based internships.
Highline’s Paralegal Plus certificate program is designed for students with strong verbal and written skills, individual initiative and discipline, and high ethical standards.
A conference (telephone, zoom or in person) with a faculty advisor is recommended prior to enrolling. Visit https://legal.highline.edu/ or email blamb@highline.edu or cdawson@highline.edu
All Paralegal students are required to complete a course satisfying the Diversity & Globalism requirement.