GMCTA · Certificate Program
Paralegal
Prepare to support attorneys with research, drafting, discovery, and client communication. Complete this certificate in 1–3 months with 300 total hours focused on practical legal skills and professional standards.
Program Overview
This accelerated program trains you to assist attorneys in litigation and transactional practice. You’ll develop competence in legal research, drafting pleadings and motions, organizing discovery, managing case files, and communicating professionally with clients and the court.
What You’ll Learn
- Legal Research: primary vs. secondary sources, citators, case law, statutes, regulations.
- Legal Writing & Drafting: memos, pleadings, discovery requests, contracts, correspondence.
- Litigation Support: case organization, calendars, e-filing basics, trial prep, exhibits.
- Discovery & Evidence: requests, responses, privilege, preservation, basic eDiscovery concepts.
- Ethics & Professional Responsibility: confidentiality, conflicts, supervision limits, UPL awareness.
- Client Communication: intake, updates, records, professionalism, and service mindset.
Sample Curriculum
| Module | Topics |
|---|---|
| Legal System & Ethics | Court structure, attorney–paralegal roles, confidentiality, conflicts |
| Research Methods | Case law, statutes, regulations, citators, research strategy |
| Legal Writing & Drafting | Objective memos, pleadings, motions, contracts, citation basics |
| Litigation Practice | Calendaring, filing, service, trial notebooks, exhibits |
| Discovery & Evidence | Interrogatories, RFPs, RFAs, privilege logs, preservation |
| Practice Areas Overview | Civil, criminal, family, real estate, corporate, IP (survey) |
| Career & Professional Skills | Resumes, interviews, matter management, timekeeping |
FAQ
Is this program fully online?
Yes—coursework and assignments are delivered online. Some employers may value internship or externship experience, which you can pursue locally.
Does this qualify me to practice law?
No. Paralegals work under attorney supervision and may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.
Where can I work after graduation?
Law firms, corporate legal departments, courts, nonprofits, and government agencies depending on your interests and local job market.