Paralegal Studies

Certificate

A professional meeting with a woman reviewing documents with two colleagues at a table.

Certificate

Learn the essentials to support successful Legal teams.

Paralegals play a vital role in today's legal system, supporting attorneys through research, case preparation, client communication, and legal document management. MCC's American Bar Association (ABA)-approved Paralegal Studies Certificate provides focused training in legal concepts, research, writing, and law office technology while emphasizing ethical and professional responsibilities. Designed for students who already hold a degree, this program prepares graduates for entry-level paralegal positions in a variety of legal settings.

AREA OF INTEREST

Community Engagement & Development

DEPARTMENT

 Law/Criminal Justice

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585-292-2000

admissions@monroecc.edu 

 In our Paralegal Studies program, you’ll learn how to: 

Draft Legal Documents — Develop professional writing skills for legal correspondence, reports, and case-related materials

Apply Ethical Standards — Explore ethics and professional responsibility within the legal profession.

Support Case Development — Learn how to investigate facts, organize information, and assist attorneys with case preparation

Use Law Office Technology — Gain experience with technology tools commonly used in legal environments

Communicate Effectively — Build oral and written communication skills for professional legal settings

Think Analytically — Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in legal contexts

Build Key Skills

Analytical Thinking

Legal Research

Professional Writing

Interested in something else? Explore by your interests

Paralegals play an essential role in the legal profession, helping attorneys research the law, investigate facts, prepare legal documents, manage cases, and support clients. MCC's American Bar Association (ABA)-approved Paralegal Studies Certificate prepares graduates for entry-level positions in a wide range of legal settings.

Career Opportunities

Paralegal
Legal Assistant
Litigation Assistant
Corporate Legal Assistant
Real Estate Paralegal
Law Office Administrator
Legal Research Assistant
Compliance Specialist

Where You Could Work

Law firms
Government agencies
Courts
Insurance companies
Corporations
Legal and regulatory organizations

Local Employers

Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC
Monroe County District Attorney's Office
Monroe County Public Defender's Office
Segar & Sciortino, PLLC
JustCause
Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP
Empire Justice

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Applying to MCC is free, with no college essay or test scores required.

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Prepare for a legal career with MCC's ABA-approved Paralegal Studies Certificate. Build skills in legal research, writing, case preparation, and law office technology.

CERT

Certificate

MCC's ABA-approved Paralegal Studies Certificate prepares graduates for entry-level employment as paralegals by providing training in legal research, writing, ethics, law office technology, and practical legal applications. Admission to this program requires a bachelor’s degree or an associate degree with at least 18 credits in liberal arts courses.

Length

2 years / 33 credit hours 

Students typically complete this program in 4 semesters of part-time study.

Location

Downtown Campus

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Certificate Courses & Prerequisites

Important Links

Requirements for Program Admission

Quality Education That Fits Your Budget

MCC’s low tuition, plus financial aid like grants and scholarships, make your education possible.

Financial Aid Available Scholarships

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Student & Professional Expectations

In all areas of law, paralegals and legal assistants are prohibited from establishing attorney-client relationships, from setting legal fees, from giving legal opinions or advice, and from representing clients in court. They may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as provided by law. Students must take at least nine semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through traditional classroom synchronous instruction.

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Prepare for a career in law enforcement, corrections, security, or community advocacy with MCC’s Criminal Justice A.S. program. Gain foundational knowledge in policing, criminal law, investigations, and justice systems while building the skills needed to transfer or enter the workforce

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Liberal Arts & Sciences: Professional Studies

Explore career-focused fields at MCC. Build professional skills while preparing for business, education, criminal justice, or human services programs.

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Advance your career in emergency communications with MCC's Public Safety Communications degree. Develop dispatch, call-taking, and emergency response coordination skills.

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Common search terms

Paralegal Studies

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