Online Paralegal Certificate
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Accredited paralegal certificate online
The demand for qualified, talented paralegals has steadily increased over the past several years, and employers are eager to hire accredited applicants.
Hamline's paralegal program has been approved by the American Bar Association (ABA)—a national hallmark of excellence that many law firms and companies require—and recognized as a leader in legal education.
Not only is Hamline's certificate ABA-approved, but it is also a graduate-level program for those with a bachelor's degree, adding to your credentials and making you more competitive in the job market.
What will it take?
Be career ready with a Hamline Paralegal Certificate
With an online paralegal certificate from Hamline, you will:
- Become an expert in the foundational areas of US law, including the structure and components of the US legal system
- Master strategies and technologies to retrieve, use, and manage research materials and information like legal citations effectively and efficiently
- Couple advanced legal knowledge and skills with practical experience
Paralegal Certificate program details
Start dates and application deadlines
We review applications on a rolling basis, meaning you can apply and start your paralegal certificate at three separate times (fall, spring, and summer terms) throughout the year.
We recommend applying at least six weeks before the start of your desired start term to ensure your spot.
Paralegal program format
Hamline's paralegal certificate is fully online. Your classes meet virtually, one weekday a week, from 7 to 9 p.m. CDT or CST.
Paralegal certificate online completion
You have the option to choose a pace that works best for you. You can complete your paralegal certificate in 12 months, taking one to two classes per term.
Already have your paralegal certificate?
If you've received a paralegal degree or certificate from an ABA-approved paralegal program within the past ten years, as well as a bachelor's degree, you can earn your master's in the study of law in just 12 months.
Online paralegal certification program courses
You’ll finish your paralegal certificate online in five courses. All of your credits are graduate-level credits, giving you an edge in job market. Please see Hamline's Bulletin, linked below, for complete course descriptions.
Paralegal pathway to the Master in the Study of Law degree
Once you've completed Hamline's Paralegal Certificate program, you can apply your credits toward Hamline's Master in the Study of Law and get your master's degree after just one more year.
What's more, you don't have to submit another application as you will be conveniently admitted to the MSL degree program.
Participating in mock trial was the first time I felt like something clicked, something that I could see myself doing. I’ve learned so much from my legal studies classes, and mock trial and my internship at a law firm added to that.
A promising career outlook
Salary
The median annual salary for paralegals and legal assistants in 2023 (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
How we help make your paralegal certificate affordable
Competitive tuition
When you invest in a Paralegal Certificate from Hamline, you benefit from a prestigious degree from Minnesota's first university. We work hard to ensure our tuition, accompanied by scholarships, tuition discounts, and other financial aid, is a worthwhile investment for all students.
Generous financial aid
In addition to the scholarships and tuition discounts listed below, there is additional financial aid available. Many graduate students use low-interest loans to finance their education.
- 3M scholarships: $1,000
- Department scholarships: Up to $2,000
- Learning partnership discounts: 10% off tuition
- Service discounts: 10% off tuition
- Alumni discounts: 10% off tuition
Paralegal certificate frequently asked questions
The 20-credit core graduate Paralegal Certificate is approved by the American Bar Association for the training of paralegals. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to clients or to the public, except as permitted by law. Neither the Paralegal Certificate nor Master in the Study of Law degree qualify the recipient to sit for the bar examination or work as a lawyer.