PARALEGAL STUDIES CERTIFICATE

The certificate program in Paralegal Studies combines a liberal arts foundation with a career concentration in the paralegal area. Applicants must have already earned at least 36 liberal arts college credits in a minimum of four disciplines. A total of 63 college credits must be earned, 27 of which must be taken at Northern Essex for completion of the certificate.

While paralegals assist attorneys with a wide range of tasks, paralegals must not set fees, give legal opinions or advice, or represent a client before a court or agency.

ABA Approval: This program is approved by the American Bar Association.

Additional Admissions Criteria: The Office of Admission will provide additional admissions criteria for this program. Please call 978-556-3700 for more information. Download a Criteria Review Packet here.

Paralegal Electives: PAR201 Real Estate Law, PAR203 Wills, Estates and Trusts, PAR204 Corporate Law, PAR205 Family Law, PAR206 Tort Law, PAR207 Computer Applications in Law and any other special topics paralegal elective courses designed for Paralegal Program students that may be proposed in the future. All PAR courses are taught by experienced attorneys. Students must obtain a minimum grade of C in all PAR courses to meet Paralegal Program graduation requirements. Credit for law specialty courses taken more than 6 years prior to completion of the Paralegal Studies program will not be awarded, unless the student’s proficiency in the area can be demonstrated. Students interested in transferring credits taken at Northern Essex to a bachelor’s degree, should consult the institution receiving the credits.