The University of South Alabama has created the Paralegal Certification Program, which closely mirrors the skills required for an individual with little or no paralegal experience as well as the advanced legal worker, to become a confident and competent legal professional.

Students will be trained to assist trial attorneys, interview witnesses, investigate complex fact patterns, research the law and assist in the preparation of cases for courtroom litigation. They will be able to increase their office's efficiency, productivity and billable hours, while learning new marketable job skills. The instruction is practice-oriented and is related to those areas of the law in which paralegals are most in demand.

The program's primary objective is to develop occupational competence through nine required courses and seven electives, for a total of 16 courses. Students are expected to complete a significant amount of homework and research for each weekly session. Coursework must be completed within five (5) years. Admission to the university is NOT required.

This non-credit program will award graduates a Certificate of Paralegal Studies. All courses award CEUs toward your professional development. Member of Alabama Association of Paralegals, Inc.

What you will learn:

• Legal analysis: critical thinking approach to problem solving
• Legal terminology
• Legal ethics
• Interviewing and investigating techniques
• Proper drafting of pleadings, discovery and other legal documents
• Elementary and advanced legal research and writing
• Preparation of cases for courtroom litigation
• Marketable job skills for new career opportunities
• Job search techniques

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A high school diploma, GED certificate or college grade report is required for admission. To apply, send completed application form, copy of high school diploma, GED certificate or college grade report, and a $25 non-refundable application fee.

The University of South Alabama reserves the right to cancel any course for which there is not sufficient enrollment. If a course cancels after you enroll, you may transfer to another class or receive a full refund. Decisions to cancel a course, based on enrollment, are made three business days prior to the course start date, see course descriptions for specific cancellation details. Failure to attend classes does not constitute withdrawal. Decisions to cancel your registration can be made by calling, faxing or emailing our department and must be received by 5 p.m. at least three business days prior to the start of your class. Refund requests received after this will not be granted.

Bruce McCall Endowed Memorial Scholarship for Paralegal Studies:

The Bruce McCall Endowed Memorial Scholarship for Paralegal Studies was established to assist students enrolled in the USA Special Courses Paralegal Studies Certificate Program. This annually awarded scholarship is an excellent opportunity for students demonstrating high academic achievement in this program to receive financial assistance toward completing program course work.

Eligible students must have completed a minimum of three courses from the University of South Alabama Special Courses Certificate Program curriculum with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. For more information, application and required documentation call (251) 405-9928.
Click here to view current application and deadlines.

The Taylor Martino Endowed Scholarship in Paralegal Studies has been created through a generous contribution of the legal firm Taylor Martino. This scholarship will be awarded to students from Mobile and surrounding counties who demonstrate high academic achievement in previous coursework and an interest in the Paralegal Studies Certificate Program. Only students entering the Paralegal Studies Certificate program may apply for this scholarship and are required to apply to the certificate program before submitting the scholarship application.
Click here to view the current Taylor Martino Endowed Scholarship in Paralegal Studies Application.

Course Rotation:

Email: sastephens@southalabama.edu