Paralegal Certificate (PAC)
2019-2020
Type: Career, Certificate (C1)
Special admissions requirement
Division: Career & Technical Education and Business
The certificate program provides career education, professional skills and a credential for students with either an associate's or baccalaureate degree. Students with an associate's degree must meet the general education requirements set by the American Bar Association. This certificate program can be completed in a year: September to August. This program is approved by the American Bar Association.
Paralegals are qualified through education and training to perform substantive legal work under the supervision of an attorney. The objective of the Paralegal Program is to provide high quality paralegal education combining legal theory and practice to enable students to achieve professional competence and to contribute to the advancement of the profession. The study of legal ethics, including the prohibition against the unauthorized practice of law by lay-persons, is an integral part of the curriculum. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law. Students are prepared to assist attorneys in investigating facts, researching legal issues, drafting legal documents and correspondence, and preparing for trial.
If you have questions related to program admissions or applications, please contact
info@northshore.edu or call 978-762-4188
If you have advising related questions, please contact paralegal@northshore.edu or call 781-477-2215.
First Year
Fall
| CPS100 | Information Technology and Its Applications | 3 |
| PLG101 | Introduction to Law and Paralegal Practice | 3 |
| PLG102 | Legal Research | 3 |
| PLG202 | Litigation | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
Spring
| PLG106 | Legal Writing | 3 |
PLG-ELECTIVE
| Paralegal Certificate Directed Elective | 9 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
Summer 1
| PLG205 | Computer Applications for the Law Office | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Requirement Notes
CPS100: May be fulfilled by challenge exam and 3 liberal arts elective credits
PLG-Elective: Paralegal Certificate Directed Elective: PLG104, PLG108, PLG201, PLG203, PLG204, AND PLG206
Program Information
Communication and Mathematics proficiency required to graduate.
See guided pathway sheets for advising information specific to your area of focus.
Total Credit Hours: 27
Program Student Learner Outcomes
- Demonstrate ability to think critically, reason abstractly, use oral and written language effectively
- Display knowledge of legal theory, practice, and ethics
- Develop the organizational and interpersonal skills necessary to work as part of a legal team
- Demonstrate computer literacy
Occupational Skills Required
- Using computers and computer systems
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Interpersonal communication
- Critical thinking
Experiential Learning Optional in Program
- PLG206 - Field Placement for Paralegals
Most Common Linked Occupation Title – Associate’s or Less
- Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Average Annual Growth (10-Year Projection)
- US - 1.40%
- Boston MSA – 1.40%
- Essex County – 1.20%
- Boston MSA Average Entry-Level Wages (2016) – $34,700
- Boston MSA Median Wages (2016) – $53,300