Paralegal Studies Certificate Program

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Long Island University is a private university with a campus conveniently located in downtown Brooklyn minutes from Barclays Center. For nearly a half century, the LIU Brooklyn Paralegal Program has been instrumental in educating thousands of legal professionals. Since its first graduating class in 1976, the certificate program has prepared its graduates to work for private law firms, not-for-profit organizations, government agencies, corporations, financial institutions, and real estate companies. Many certificate program graduates further their education and attend law school and/or graduate school.

The certificate program provides 328 hours of either onsite and/or online* instruction over two academic semesters and covers a wide-range of legal subjects. Typically, the certificate program offers courses throughout the calendar year. The certificate program is taught by instructors with many years of experience teaching and working with paralegals. As a result, the certificate program offers students the practical knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career as a paralegal.

One of the many hallmarks of LIU’s certificate program is that it is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). LIU was granted approval by the ABA in 1980. Of the more than 1,200 paralegal programs offered by various institutions across the nation, only approximately 22% are ABA approved. Many employers recognize the benefits of a paralegal program approved by the ABA. In addition to being one of the oldest and most respected professional organizations in the nation, employers are aware of the benefits of a paralegal program that follows the guidelines mandated by the ABA as part of their approval process.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the paralegal profession is projected to grow 12% for the years 2020-2030. With growth predicted faster than most professions, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that approximately 43,000 job openings per year through 2030 will be available.

PARALEGALS MAY NOT ENGAGE IN THE UNAUTHORIZED PRACTICE OF LAW (UPL) OR PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE OR LEGAL SERVICES DIRECTLY TO THE PUBLIC EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY LAW. PARALEGALS MUST ALWAYS WORK UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF AN ATTORNEY WHEN PERFORMING ANY LEGAL TASK.

*Pursuant to the ABA Guidelines, 9 hours of instruction must be delivered synchronously.

Program

• Students enrolled in the paralegal program are required to complete a 328-hour course of study over two (2) academic semesters.
• The Paralegal program is offered during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. It is currently offered online.
• The faculty are attorneys and skilled paralegals with extensive teaching experience.
• Classes in the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters meet two evenings per week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) from 6:00-9:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. EST (New York time).

Courses

Students enrolled in the certificate program are required to enroll and successfully complete the following courses over two academic semesters:

• PLS125 Introduction to Law
• PLS130 Litigation and Trial Preparation
• PLS135 Legal Research and Writing
• PLS145 Probate, Trusts and Estates
• PLS150 Business Organizations
• PLS155 Real Estate Law
• PLS160 Contracts
• PLS165 Criminal Law
• PLS170 Matrimonial Law
• PLS175 Torts
• PLS185 Legal Ethics
• PLS200 Computer Aided Legal Research
• PLS201 Bankruptcy Law
• PLS202 Intellectual Property

Tuition

The tuition for the certificate program is $5,350.

Mission Statement

The mission of the LIU Brooklyn Paralegal Studies Certificate Program is to provide students with an education that encompasses the theoretical, practical, and ethical skills necessary for gainful employment in a career as a paralegal. In carrying out this mission, the curriculum is designed to instruct students on substantive law as well as the practical skills necessary to succeed in a legal work environment.  

The certificate program strives to serve the needs of the legal community and to fulfill the following goals and objectives:

1. Understand legal concepts and their practical application
2. Improve oral and written communication skills
3. Develop proficiency in using legal technology
4. Gain the knowledge necessary to meet the ethical obligations of paralegals and attorneys

Student Body

Students who attend our Paralegal Studies Certificate program come from diverse backgrounds and work-related fields:

• Recent college graduates seeking employment as a paralegal
• Experienced paralegals seeking either a promotion or a new position with another employer.
• Students considering applying to law school.
• Individuals working in non-legal fields, e.g., insurance companies, educational institutions, financial institutions.
• International students that have studied law and/or are qualified to practice law in their home country seeking familiarity with American law before ultimately taking a state bar exam.
• Individuals seeking a career change.

Admission Requirements

In order to be considered for admission to the certificate program, prospective students must possess at least an Associate’s Degree (or 60 college credits from an accredited institution with a GPA of 2.5 or higher).

Transfer Policy

The program does not accept transfer credits.

Application Process

To apply to the certificate program, an official transcript from the prospective student’s undergraduate institution is required. To start the application process, please contact the certificate program director at richard.olivieri@liu.edu or by phone at 718-488-1066.

Contact Us

Richard J. Olivieri, Esq.
Director, LIU Paralegal Studies Program
richard.olivieri@liu.edu
718-488-1066

An instructor in the Paralegal Program since 2009, Mr. Olivieri now serves as the director of the Paralegal Studies Certificate Program at Long Island University. Mr. Olivieri received a B.A. from Fordham University, a J.D. from Creighton University, and completed graduate work at the London School of Economics.

School of Professional Studies

The Paralegal Studies Certificate Program is under the auspices of the LIU School of Professional Studies.

Christopher J. Adams, Ed.D.
Dean – School of Professional Studies
516-299-2919
christopher.adams@liu.edu