The UCSB Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE) Paralegal Studies Professional Certificate Program provides education and practical training for individuals pursuing careers in the legal field. The program's goals and objectives describe its educational priorities, the knowledge and skills students are expected to develop, and its commitment to professional preparation.

Program Goals

  1. Preparation for Paralegal Responsibilities

    Provide instruction and training to students in how best to assist attorneys and work with the courts in specified tasks and duties of the paralegal.

  2. Educational Quality

    Provide an exemplary education to qualified students who desire employment as paralegals.

  3. Professionalism and Ethical Responsibility

    Instill the commitment level and dedication necessary to be a successful legal professional and provide the ethical principles which govern paralegals not only in their jobs, but also to their employers and the client they assist.

Program Objectives

  1. Practical Occupational Competence

    Develop occupational competence through courses that emphasize the practical skills used by paralegals.

  2. Substantive and Procedural Legal Knowledge

    Foster substantive and procedural competency in a broad range of legal areas, such as litigation, legal research and writing, and wills and trusts.

  3. Career Planning and Professional Development

    Provide career planning direction and promote professional development.

How We Maintain Program Quality

The Paralegal Studies Program evaluates its curriculum and educational effectiveness using feedback from students, graduates, employers, faculty, and legal professionals serving on its Advisory Committee.

This feedback helps the program assess how well its courses prepare students for paralegal responsibilities, identify opportunities for improvement, and respond to developments in legal practice and workplace technology.

For information about required and elective courses, enrollment, program requirements, and certificate completion, visit the Paralegal Studies Professional Certificate Program webpage.