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Hamline student in Paralegal program in law library

Online Paralegal Certificate

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Accredited paralegal certificate online

The demand for qualified, talented paralegals has steadily increased over the past several years, and employers are eager to hire accredited applicants.

Hamline's paralegal program has been approved by the American Bar Association (ABA)—a national hallmark of excellence that many law firms and companies require—and recognized as a leader in legal education.

Not only is Hamline's certificate ABA-approved, but it is also a graduate-level program for those with a bachelor's degree, adding to your credentials and making you more competitive in the job market. 

What will it take?

5
courses
20
credits
Cost per Credit
850
Time to Complete
12
months
Next Session Starts
January 27, 2025

Be career ready with a Hamline Paralegal Certificate

With an online paralegal certificate from Hamline, you will:

  • Become an expert in the foundational areas of US law, including the structure and components of the US legal system
  • Master strategies and technologies to retrieve, use, and manage research materials and information like legal citations effectively and efficiently
  • Couple advanced legal knowledge and skills with practical experience

Paralegal Certificate program details

Important Dates
SVG
Format
SVG
Time to Complete
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Courses
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Start dates and application deadlines

We review applications on a rolling basis, meaning you can apply and start your paralegal certificate at three separate times (fall, spring, and summer terms) throughout the year.

We recommend applying at least six weeks before the start of your desired start term to ensure your spot.

How to Apply

Spring 2025 term starts
Summer 2025 term starts

Paralegal program format

Hamline's paralegal certificate is fully online. Your classes meet virtually, one weekday a week, from 7 to 9 p.m. CDT or CST.

Paralegal certificate online completion

You have the option to choose a pace that works best for you. You can complete your paralegal certificate in 12 months, taking one to two classes per term.

Already have your paralegal certificate?

If you've received a paralegal degree or certificate from an ABA-approved paralegal program within the past ten years, as well as a bachelor's degree, you can earn your master's in the study of law in just 12 months.

MSL for Paralegals

Online paralegal certification program courses

You’ll finish your paralegal certificate online in five courses. All of your credits are graduate-level credits, giving you an edge in job market.

  • LGST 8000: Foundations in Law (4 credits)
  • LGST 8020: Legal Writing and Research (4 credits)
  • LGST 8010: Civil Litigation Survey and Procedure (4 credits)
  • LGST 8012: Transactions and Contracts in Business (4 credits)
  • LGST 8015: Regulation in America (4 credits)

Paralegal course descriptions

Paralegal pathway to the Master in the Study of Law degree

Once you've completed Hamline's Paralegal Certificate program, you can apply your credits toward Hamline's Master in the Study of Law and get your master's degree after just one more year. 

What's more, you don't have to submit another application as you will be conveniently admitted to the MSL degree program.
 

MSL for Paralegals

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Aoife Zamacona Hamline Student headshot

Participating in mock trial was the first time I felt like something clicked, something that I could see myself doing. I’ve learned so much from my legal studies classes, and mock trial and my internship at a law firm added to that.

Aoife Zamacona '22, legal studies and women's studies; paralegal at Sand Law Firm in Saint Paul, Minnesota

A promising career outlook

Job growth

10.6%

The estimated job growth in Minnesota for paralegals from 2020-2030 (MN DEED)

Salary

$61k

The median annual salary for paralegals and legal assistants in 2023 (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Work-life balance

80%

The percentage of firms that expect all or most of their workforce to be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement (The Estrin Report)

How we help make your paralegal certificate affordable

Competitive tuition

When you invest in a Paralegal Certificate from Hamline, you benefit from a prestigious degree from Minnesota's first university. We work hard to ensure our tuition, accompanied by scholarships, tuition discounts, and other financial aid, is a worthwhile investment for all students.

Paralegal Tuition

Generous financial aid

In addition to the scholarships and tuition discounts listed below, there is additional financial aid available. Many graduate students use low-interest loans to finance their education.

  • 3M scholarships: $1,000
  • Department scholarships: Up to $2,000
  • Learning partnership discounts: 10% off tuition
  • Service scholarships: 10% off tuition
  • Alumni discounts: 10% off tuition

Scholarships

Financial Aid

Scholarships of up to $2,000 each are available.

Paralegal certificate frequently asked questions

The 20-credit core graduate Paralegal Certificate is approved by the American Bar Association for the training of paralegals. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to clients or to the public, except as permitted by law. Neither the Paralegal Certificate nor Master in the Study of Law degree qualify the recipient to sit for the bar examination or work as a lawyer.

Take your first step today