Our 306-hour program is approved by the American Bar Association.
The Paralegal Studies Certificate Program at Hofstra Law provides a rigorous, practice-oriented curriculum designed to prepare students to perform substantive legal work under the supervision of an attorney. The program emphasizes legal knowledge, analytical reasoning, ethical awareness, communication, and technical proficiency.
Program Goals and Learning Outcomes
Students gain exposure to a wide range of legal practice areas through coursework in substantive and procedural law, legal research and writing, and the use of legal technology. The program is structured for students who have already completed a significant portion of undergraduate education and wish to pursue focused professional preparation for a paralegal career.
Program Goals
The goals of the Paralegal Studies Certificate Program are to:
- Develop Competent Paralegals: Provide students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to perform substantive legal work under the supervision of a licensed attorney.
- Promote Legal Literacy: Foster an understanding of the American legal system, court structure, and sources of law.
- Build Research and Writing Skills: Train students to conduct effective electronic legal research and to draft clear, accurate, and professional legal documents.
- Ensure Ethical and Professional Standards: Instill an understanding of the ethical responsibilities of paralegals and the boundaries of the unauthorized practice of law.
- Integrate Legal Technology: Prepare students to use technology effectively in law practice.
- Support Career Development: Encourage professionalism, communication, and career readiness through practical instruction and workshops.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Paralegal Studies Certificate Program, students will be able to:
- Explain the organization and function of the U.S. legal system and the role of the paralegal within it.
- Conduct legal research using primary and secondary sources through electronic legal databases.
- Analyze facts and apply relevant law to develop logical, well-reasoned conclusions.
- Draft and edit a variety of legal documents, including pleadings, contracts, and correspondence.
- Apply procedural rules in civil, criminal, and specialized legal settings.
- Demonstrate professional ethics, including confidentiality, competence, unauthorized practice of law, and proper attorney supervision.
- Use technology to support legal practice through electronic research, document preparation, and case management.
- Exhibit effective communication, critical thinking, and organizational skills appropriate to a legal environment.
Paralegal Program
Ariana Militello
“I think that it gives you a good overview not as intense as law school but a good overview so that you have a good starting point where you have a little bit of basis for a little bit of everything.”
Paralegal Program
Erin Stevenson
“Each instructor is experienced in their chosen field and excited to share their knowledge and insight. They were very accessible and eager to help in our success.”
Paralegal Program
Katharine Saxton
“The Program as a whole was excellent in how it got me thinking in the legal frame of mind.”
Program Schedules
The Paralegal Certificate program provides flexible learning options: a hybrid format for daytime students and a fully online format for evening students.
Fall 2025
Fall Day
- Commences: September 9, 2025
- Concludes: February 23, 2026
- Days Offered: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
- Times Offered: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Note: Some class schedule times vary.
Fall Evening
- Commences: September 9, 2025
- Concludes: February 26, 2026
- Days Offered: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday
- Times Offered: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 9 a.m.-noon Saturday
Note: Some class schedule times vary.
Spring 2026
Spring Day
- Commences: February 4, 2026
- Concludes: July 1, 2026
- Days Offered: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Times Offered: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Note: Some class schedule times vary.
Spring Evening
- Commences: February 4, 2026
- Concludes: July 6, 2026
- Days Offered: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday
Times Offered: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and 9 a.m.-noon Saturday
Note: Some class schedule times vary.
Course Offerings
Note: The Law School reserves the right to adjust class offerings and/or schedules.