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SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL ADVANCEMENT
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies
ABA Approved
Tulane has the oldest ABA-approved legal studies program in the region. Our curriculum reflects the rigor and quality that ABA requires and legal employers demand.
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.
Certificate Requirements
The Paralegal Studies PBC curriculum focuses on legal skills and substantive law courses. It culminates in a 100-hour internship practicum in a law office. Most students finish the PBC and embark upon their new careers within one year.
Practicing attorneys and paralegals teach all paralegal courses, offering the benefit of their real-world legal experience. Students also gain immediate access to the professional networks that enhance career success.
Students must complete nine courses (27 credits), either synchronously or asynchronously. To ensure compliance with ABA requirements, however, all students must complete at least nine credits of PARA coursework (three PARA classes) via in-person or synchronous transmission format.
If you previously earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, this certificate can help you advance in your existing career, retool for the next phase of life, or prepare for law school.
How an 8-Week Term Works
A course taken during an eight-week term covers the same material and earns the same credit as a traditional 16-week course. Classes are offered in an asynchronous format, offering you greater flexibility to accommodate your schedule. This accelerated format lets you focus on shorter classes while staying on track to complete your degree.
Not sure if an 8-Week term is right for you? For more information, visit our 8-Week Terms page.
8-Week Term Start Dates
Applications are due one week before each term start date. Visit our admissions page for more information. For a complete list of important dates, see our 8-Week Terms Academic Calendar.
FALL 2026
TERM I
AUG
17
FALL 2026
TERM II
OCT
18
SPRING 2027
TERM I
JAN
11
SPRING 2027
TERM II
MAR
15
SUMMER 2027
TERM
MAY
17
What You Will Learn While Earning Your Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies
The Paralegal Studies Post-Baccalaureate Certificate equips you with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in a variety of legal environments. Upon completion of the program, you’ll be able to:
- Analyze the functions and jurisdictions of state, federal, and administrative courts
- Conduct legal research and factual investigations using both print and electronic resources
- Draft legal memoranda, correspondence, and pretrial litigation documents
- Apply legal citation rules consistent with The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation
- Utilize law office technology for document management, billing, and docketing
- Demonstrate ethical decision-making using ABA, NALA, and NFPA guidelines
- Introduction to the Legal System
- Legal Research and Writing
- Law Office Technology and Management
- Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility
- Litigation and Trial Preparation
- General Legal Studies Practicum with Internship
Faculty Who Practice What They Teach
Our faculty of practicing attorneys and paralegals bring real-world legal experience, as well as immediate access to the professional networks that support career success.
You'll take core legal skills courses emphasizing legal technology, research, writing, and analysis. We also offer a full menu of electives that allow you to explore important areas of substantive law. Your final-semester practicum class teaches job search skills and includes a 100-hour internship.
Faculty Feature
Jacqueline Putnam Epstein, J.D.
Professor of Practice, Paralegal Studies
Jacqueline currently serves as a member of the Resolutions and Impact Review Committee of the American Bar Association House of Delegates. Jacqueline has served in various leadership roles at the American Bar and Louisiana State Bar Associations including as a member of the ABA Program Planning Committee for the American Bar Association Young Lawyer’s Division, and as a Delegate to the ABA House of Delegates for the State of Louisiana
Paralegal 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.
“I worked full-time as a ramp supervisor at the airport while I completed my degree at Tulane thanks to the School of Professional Advancement program that is tailored to help working professionals obtain a degree with online and night classes”
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies FAQ
If you have strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and enjoy problem-solving, paralegal work could be a great fit. This program is also a good option if you want to test the waters before committing to law school. Many graduates find fulfilling long-term careers as paralegals, while others use the certificate as a stepping stone to becoming attorneys.
The Paralegal Studies bachelor’s degree includes general education courses and is ideal for those earning their first degree. The post-baccalaureate paralegal certificate is a faster, more focused option for those who already have a bachelor’s degree and want practical legal training. It’s designed to prepare you for paralegal roles or law school without requiring additional general coursework.
No prior legal experience is required. The program is designed to teach you essential legal research, writing, and analytical skills from the ground up, making it a great fit whether you're new to the legal field or looking to transition from another career.
Yes! Our online and evening course options allow students to maintain full-time jobs while earning their certificate. Many students successfully complete the program while balancing work and personal commitments.
