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 14 required courses and two electives. 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 $65 non-refundable application fee. Application fee includes cost of reading/writing assessment required of all newly applied certificate students at the beginning term of their coursework. Students applying for admission in Spring terms must complete the assessment during Summer term. For dates, times and location for the reading and writing assessment, contact Sue Allison at (251) 431-6405 or sallison@usouthal.edu.

The University of South Alabama reserves the right to cancel any courses that do not have sufficient enrollment. A full refund will be given to the registrants.

Failure to attend classes does not constitute withdrawal. USA Special Courses must be notified of intent to withdraw either by telephone (251) 431-6405 or in writing. If withdrawal is made one working day prior to the first class meeting, a full refund will be given.

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) 431-6405.

Attn: Special Courses
Center for Continuing Education and Conference Services
2001 Old Bay Front Drive
Mobile, AL 36615-1427 Tel: 251-431-6405
FAX: 251-431-6408

Email: sallison@usouthal.edu