Program Description

Our Paralegal program was founded in 1982. Our non-credit Certificate Program is fully recognized by the National Association of Legal Assistants. As members of the American Association for Paralegal Education, our program is in substantial compliance with its guidelines.

Normita Garcia Paralegal of the Year 2008-2009

The program consists of 679 contact hours of legal education. Our program is comprised of fourteen (14) courses (5 Core Courses and 9 Specialty Courses) and sixteen (16) seminars. Students must complete the core courses before taking the specialty courses. The program may be completed in one year if the student attends classes full-time. Sixteen seminars are offered within a year’s time so that the student may complete the program in one year. Continuing Legal Education units will be awarded for any course or seminar with this program at the participant’s request. All our courses are taught by attorneys and judges who are experts in the specific area of law being taught.

Our program is structured to accommodate working adults. Classes are held weekday evenings and/or selected Saturdays (morning and afternoon sessions). Specialty seminars are offered on selected Saturdays, once a month. On Saturdays when seminars are scheduled classes will not be held, so that  there is no conflict of schedule.

Orientation Details

An Orientation session is conducted each semester before classes start. New students, as well as those who have been inactive for a period of two semesters or more, are required to participate. Next Orientation session will be announced prior to the beginning of each semester. Call the LSI Office at (305) 348-2491 to reserve your space. Registration will be open following the orientation and students must present the application form and supporting documentation at the time of registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sets FIU’s Paralegal Certificate Program apart from other programs?

FIU’s Paralegal Certificate Program is a comprehensive training Program that will prepare the student to work in the complex, ever-growing legal field. This Program offers core courses like The Legal System, Civil Litigation, Legal Research and Legal Writing, which are the basic building blocks a solid paralegal education. The Introduction to Paralegalism class is a requirement for all students. Beyond these basics, the Program will offer  in depth training and exposure through specialty course, to all the basic areas of practice where competency is required to succeed as a paralegal. This is an intensive Program designed to fully prepare the student to excel in the legal field, regardless of where he or she chooses to practice.

What is the Paralegal Certificate Program’s reputation in the community?

Our Program enjoys a wonderful reputation in the community. We have close ties with the Florida Bar,The American Association for Paralegal Education, and with the South Florida Paralegal Association. Additionally, our graduates work throughout all the industry bases in the area, as well as in courts and law firms throughout Miami-Dade County.

How is the Paralegal Certificate Program structured?

Students enrolled in the Paralegal Certificate Program must take fourteen courses - five core courses and nine specialty law courses. The core courses are requirements and must be completed by all students. Once these core courses are completed, students must complete fourteen courses in different areas of law, as well as sixteen seminars.

I’m a working adult. Will I be able to complete the Paralegal Certificate Program?

Our Program was designed to accommodate the needs of working adults. Classes are scheduled on weekday evenings and on weekends. Saturday classes meet in the mornings and afternoons  for four hours for a period of ten consecutive Saturdays. This structure allows working adults the flexibility to meet their work commitments and still pursue their education goals.

Is there an Orientation  session for the Paralegal Certificate Program?

A mandatory orientation session is conducted each semester before classes begin. All new students are required to attend the Orientation. Students returning to the Program after an absence of two semesters or more are also required to attend.

Make a reservation for the orientation by calling the LSI office at (305) 348-2491. Registration will follow the Orientation session. If registering at this time please be prepared to present the application form and supporting documents.

What is the basis for the Paralegal Certificate Program’s curriculum?

The Paralegal Certificate Program’s curriculum is based on the NALA and the American Association for Paralegal Education curricula for paralegal education. As a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education, our Program is in substantial compliance with its course guidelines. This ensures that our students receive an education based on ABA guidelines and at par with that of any Paralegal Certificate Program in the United States.

How long does it take to complete the Paralegal Certificate Program?

The Program is structured so that it can be completed in one year if the student carries a full course load. This will require the student to attend weeknight and weekend classes. If the student carries half a course load by only attending Saturdays  or weeknight classes, it  can takes  up to two years to complete the Program.

What are the seminar requirements for the Paralegal Certificate Program?

In addition to the core and specialty law courses, students must attend sixteen seminars. These seminars are offered  over a one year period to allow students to complete the Program within that time frame.

Seminars are offered one Saturday per month from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Classes are not scheduled on seminar dates so as to avoid any scheduling conflicts. In addition, one weekday evening seminar is offered each semester.

Seminar schedules are posted at the beginning of each semester. Students may register on site.

I’m going to law school. Can the Paralegal Certificate Program help me prepare for that?

Yes. In the past, many of our graduates have gone on to succeed in law school. This program will expose you to the basics of jurisprudence and many different areas of law. The Program will enforce  learning  terminology, theory, and practical applications of the United States legal system and jurisprudence. It will prepare you to train your mind to analyze and solve legal issues. This Program will serve as a solid foundation on which to build your law school career.

If I am an attorney in a foreign country, what would be the advantages to completing the Paralegal Certificate Program?

Traditionally, a large percentage of our students have law degrees from schools in other countries. They have experienced several advantages as a result of completing the Program. This course  serves as a means to familiarizing themselves with the terminology, theory, and practical applications of the United States legal system and jurisprudence. Some of our students have recently immigrated to the United States and our Program  serves as an initial educational step while preparing for acceptance into a U.S. law school.

Some foreign attorneys choose to take our course because they are considering expanding their practice in their native countries to serve clients from the United States. This Program helps introduce them to the terminology of law in the United States and to the intricacies of the various practice areas covered by our specialty courses, always keeping in mind that Paralegals must work under the supervision of an attorney.

Who are the instructors for the Paralegal Certificate Program?

The instructors for our Program are well-respected members of the legal community. Among our instructors are several Judges from courts throughout our jurisdiction. Most of our instructors have many years of teaching experience in our Program and at other higher education institutions. Many are experts in the fields they teach. Our instructors also serve as excellent role models and mentors for our students.

What is the grading system for the Paralegal Certificate Program?

The classes are graded on a pass/fail basis. Pursuant to the student handbook, a passing grade is a “C” - 70-79 points or above. If you prefer a letter grade, you can request one from the individual instructor at the beginning of each class. A grade report will be provided to the student at the end of each semester and copy of the grade report will be placed in the student’s permanent file.

Am I given credit for the Paralegal Certificate Program courses?

The Paralegal Certificate Program is a non-credit professional Program. Students will not earn regular college credits towards a degree.

Is there a graduation ceremony for the Paralegal Certificate Program?

Upon successfully completing all course work and seminars for the Program, the student is awarded a Certificate of Completion by the Legal Studies Institute, Continuing and Professional Studies at FIU. Additionally, the student will be invited to participate in a graduation ceremony celebrated once a year by LSI for its graduates. Family members are invited to participate in the ceremony.

Does the Paralegal Certificate Program offer job placement assistance?

Yes! Because our Program is so well-respected in the community, our office receives many job offers for our students. These offers are posted in the office. These positions are also announced at the seminars.

We also provide our students with job placement assistance, including opportunities for placement with various local government agencies, law firms and corporate legal departments. Those students interested in taking advantage of this service are encouraged to register their information at Job Bank of  the Legal Studies office, this will allow us to contact you about prospective employment opportunities.

Does the Paralegal Certificate Program offer any internship opportunities?

Our students are eligible to participate in various internship opportunities. Participants will benefit from the experience gained and will also enhance their marketability. The student is required to spend a minimum of ten hours a week at the internship position, for a total of one hundred fifty hours for per semester. There are a limited number of internship positions available, therefore students are encouraged to apply in advance.  Internships are optional and can be substituted for the specialty course in the area of the internship. .

What are the requirements for enrolling in the Paralegal Certificate Program?

Prospective students must complete an application form and submit it along with two letters of character reference, a resume, and appropriate fees to the office of the Legal Studies Institute. Students may apply in person at our office, MARC 130, or complete and mail the form, along with documentations and payment, to: Florida International University, College of Continuing and Professional Studies, Legal Studies Institute, University Park, MARC 130, Miami, Florida 33199. Upon receipt of your documentation, we will send you a letter confirming admission into the Program along with a registration form and course schedule.

Can I get credit for courses I’ve taken at other schools?

A student who wishes to have the Program give them credit for courses taken at another school must submit a written request and present an official transcript copy from the previous institution with a copy of the school  catalogue description for the courses for which the student is seeking credit. Transcripts from previous post-secondary educational training or legal experience in specific areas of law will be evaluated. If the credit is accepted and/or granted, the corresponding course within our Program will be waived. There is a limit to the number of courses for which waiver will be granted per student.

What is the refund policy if I need to drop a course?

The one time payment of $25 for the application fee is non-refundable.  A full tuition refund may be granted for a course or seminar after a written request has been submitted and only if requested on or before the first day of class.  A 75% tuition refund may be granted for a course or seminar after a written request has been submitted and only if requested by the second day of class.

What is the refund policy if I cannot attend a seminar?

Credit for seminars will only be awarded if the student notifies the office, in writing, no later than the following working day.  It is highly recommended that students do not pre-register for seminars but instead pay the day of the seminar at the door.

What are the financial aid options available to me?

Financial Aid is available only in the form of a “Stafford Loan.” Students may contact the Office of Financial Aid at (305) 348-7272 for further information.

When is the best time to start the Paralegal Certificate Program?

Right now! Because our Program only spans one calendar year, the sooner you start the Program, the sooner you will complete your studies and receive your certificate! A new course starts each term: Spring, Summer, and Fall. You never have to wait to begin your coursework. If any of our courses appeal to you, you can also register for individual courses, as opposed to the entire program, as a special student.

Transcripts Information

Transcript from previous post-secondary educational training or legal experience in specific areas of law will be evaluated. Credit(s) may be accepted and/or granted, waiving certain courses within our program.

Official transcripts will be provided to each student upon his/her request at no charge upon completion of the program. A fee of $5.00 will be required after the second request.