Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies
![ABA](/sites/default/files/2023-11/aba-approved-paralegal-program-rgb.png)
Online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies
If you previously earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution and are seeking to advance in your existing career, retool for the next phase of life, or prepare for law school, our nine-course (27 credit) Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (PBC) in Paralegal Studies provides an excellent path to your goal. Our Paralegal Studies PBC has been approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) Standing Committee on Paralegals since 1981. Its curriculum reflects the rigor and quality that ABA requires and legal employers demand.
The Paralegal Studies PBC curriculum focuses solely upon legal skills and substantive law courses, culminating in the practicum course, in which students complete a 100-hour internship in a law office and develop job search skills in the classroom. Most students finish the PBC and embark upon their new careers within one year.
All courses are taught by practicing attorneys and paralegals, who offer our students the benefit of their real-world legal experience and immediate access to the professional networks that enhance career success. Thanks to the long history and the success of our alumni, the program enjoys broad support in the local legal community, giving graduates access to a robust network of potential employers.
All of our classes may be completed remotely, either synchronously or asynchronously. To ensure compliance with ABA requirements, however, all students must complete at least nine credits of GLSP coursework (three GLSP classes) via in-person or synchronous transmission format.
Paralegals are trained professionals who work under the supervision of licensed attorneys. Paralegals are not lawyers and are not permitted to practice law or to provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
Faculty Who Practice What They Teach
Our program faculty is composed entirely of practicing attorneys and paralegals, who offer our students the benefit of real-world legal experience and immediate access to the professional networks that enhance career success. In addition to core legal skills courses that emphasize legal technology, research, writing, and analysis, we offer a full menu of electives that allow you to explore important areas of substantive law, followed by a final-semester practicum class composed of a 100-hour internship and classroom instruction focusing on job search skills.
![Jacqueline Epstein](/sites/default/files/2023-11/jacqueline-epstein400x600.jpg)
SoPA Faculty Feature
"As a SoPA professor and lawyer with over a decade of experience, I prepare students with the practical knowledge and skills they need to excel in their legal careers."
Jacqueline Putnam Epstein, J.D.
General Legal Studies
Professor of Practice
![Christina Gourley](/sites/default/files/2023-11/christina-gourley800x600.jpg)
SoPA Student Spotlight
"I worked full-time as a ramp supervisor at the airport while I completed my degree at Tulane thanks to the SoPA program that is tailored to help working professionals obtain a degree with online and night classes."
Christina Gourley
Tulane SoPA class of 2018
Legal Studies Graduates at Work
Many of our graduates are now pursuing successful careers as paralegals in law firms, courts, corporations, government agencies, non-profit legal service providers, and other legal offices, while others enter law school and become attorneys. Graduates of our program have access to a robust network of alumni and potential employers. General Legal Studies graduates are employed across the region.
Admissions Deadlines
Spring Semester
Summer Session I
Summer Session II
Fall Semester
![general legal studies](/sites/default/files/2023-12/2205-tulanesopa-digitaldownloadgraphics-generallegalstudies-kg-a-01_0.png)
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