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Phone: (510) 642-4231
FAQ for Paralegal Studies Program
General Program
Enrollment/Fees
Online Program
Additional Resources
GENERAL PROGRAM FAQ
What is a paralegal?
These sites, The National Association of Legal Assistants and CA Codes: Business and Professions Code Section 6450-6456, provide definitions of what it means to be a "paralegal".
Why choose a career as a paralegal?
The number of paralegals in the U.S. is expected to continue growing. Law firms and corporate legal departments are relying more heavily on paralegals, as cost-savings measures, to perform tasks once routinely handled by attorneys. The Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, forecasts a faster-than-average growth rate of 30 percent through 2014. Job rewards and satisfaction for paralegals include: excellent salaries and benefits with opportunities for bonuses and advancements; recognition for contributions to case resolutions; meaningful work helping clients; and challenging and interesting work in a professional environment surrounded by talented, educated colleagues.
What is the average salary for a paralegal?
Earnings of paralegals vary greatly, depending on education, training, experience, the type and size of employer, and the geographic location of the job. Historical trends provided by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc. in their 2006 Compensation & Benefits Study Report show that over a 13-year period through 2006, gross salaries climbed 61 percent. The average current salary reported was just over $50,000, with one-fourth of paralegals reporting a salary at or below $40,000, and one-fourth reporting a salary at or above $60,000. See the most recent NALA Salary Survey results.
Does the UC Berkeley Extension Paralegal Studies Program meet California's regulatory requirements for the paralegal profession?
Yes. The UC Berkeley Extension online and hybrid Paralegal Studies Program is in compliance with California Business & Professions Code 6450 through 6456. The California regulations require that a paralegal program offer either 24 semester units or an equivalent amount of hours related to law. This course meets or exceeds the regulatory standard of 360 classroom hours. In addition, on successful completion, you earn up to 8 semester units in Law of academic credit for the program. You should expect to devote at least 360 hours of academic work of online and/or face-to-face instruction.
Is the UC Berkeley Extension Paralegal Studies Program ABA-approved?
The UC Berkeley Extension Paralegal Studies Program has not sought ABA approval. Based on the positive reception California's legal community has given our Paralegal Studies Program, we believe graduates of the program will find themselves well prepared to meet the demands of a paralegal career.
What sets the UC Berkeley Extension Paralegal Studies Program apart from other programs?
Our program offers thorough, accelerated preparation for you to begin your paralegal career in under six months. We offer a fully online, self-paced program as well as a hybrid program in interactive and dynamic formats, providing you with a myriad of innovative and convenient resources at your fingertips. Our UC Berkeley-approved instructors are all attorneys who have demonstrated teaching ability and subject matter expertise. Our classroom instructors are members of the State Bar of California; our online instructor practices law in Florida.
What is the difference between a professional program, a professional sequence, and a certificate program at UC Berkeley Extension?
To understand the difference between these designations, please see www.unex.berkeley.edu/cert.
Can I preview the program?
Yes. Please test drive the ParaStudent website. The test drive is the same for online as for hybrid.
What is paralegalspace.com?
Paralegalspace.com is a communications portal between instructors, administrators, and students in the UC Berkeley Extension paralegal program. Instructors are required to use this resource as a great asset to themselves and students.
Are there special admission requirements?
No. We only require that you have a high school diploma and are computer literate. Otherwise, simply sign up for the classes at your convenience.
When can I begin the program?
We suggest you begin the program with Essential Paralegal Studies, which is offered in the hybrid format twice a year, and online in a self-paced format. We discourage taking a stand-alone substantive without first being enrolled in Essential Paralegal Studies.
What are the requirements for successful completion to earn the certificate?
To receive a certificate of completion, you must successfully complete the Essential Paralegal Studies course and four substantive law courses within a period of one year. Projects and exams, including a comprehensive written final exam, will be administered. All coursework must be completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0, and no grade lower than C. On successful completion of either the classroom-based or self-paced program, you are awarded a certificate of completion from UC Berkeley Extension.
Will other substantive topics in law be developed as electives?
Yes, we plan to add Immigration Law, Bankruptcy Law, and others in the near future. Currently, there are seven substantive elective courses from which to choose.
How do I get my grade once I finish a course?
Your instructor has up to three weeks to assign grades and submit them to the program office. On receipt, there is a normal two-day turn-around period when the grades are officially entered and posted. A grade report is then automatically mailed to each student free of charge.
What if I am unable to complete all assignments or exams before the course ends?
It is important that you and your instructor coordinate and agree in advance on a specific plan for successful completion. Please refer to our Incomplete Policy at www.unex.berkeley.edu/info/grades.html for full information. Failure to abide by this policy could negatively impact your ability to receive an Incomplete and finish the course.
What if I fail an exam or fail a class?
You are expected to pass all exams and all classes with a minimum grade of C or better. If you fail an exam, you may not repeat it. If you fail a class, you will have to take the class over again.
Can I earn the certificate completely online?
Yes. You can complete the certificate by taking all five required courses online.
Can I take an online class to complete my in-class requirements for the certificate?
Yes. You may "mix and match" online classes with hybrid classes to successfully earn your certificate of completion.
Can I take a hybrid class to complete my online requirements for the certificate?
Yes. You may "mix and match" hybrid classes with online classes to successfully earn your certificate of completion.
Can I transfer paralegal or other law courses from a non-UC institution to apply toward successful completion of the Paralegal Studies Program?
No. We do not accept the transfer of any outside courses toward the Paralegal Studies Program at UC Berkeley Extension. In order to earn the certificate, all the courses toward the certificate must be taken through UC Berkeley Extension.
Can I transfer paralegal or other law courses from a UC institution to apply toward successful completion of the Paralegal Studies Program?
On a case by case basis, this is possible. Please query the program office.
What if I earn a certificate of completion from UC Berkeley Extension and then move to another state? Will my paralegal status change or be jeopardized?
No other state has requirements to work as a paralegal. Some states (e.g., North Carolina and Florida) have voluntary certification exams, but even those are not required. You will therefore be eligible to work as a paralegal in any state.
How long does it take to complete the Paralegal Studies Program?
Most students finish within the time allotment of just under six months; however, it is permissible to extend the time frame of completion to up to one year. If the time exceeds one year, please query the program office in advance for advice.
How do I get my transcript once I finish the program?
If you need to request an official transcript to send to another university or for other purposes, see www.unex.berkeley.edu/info/grades.html#transcript for complete information.
How do I get my certificate?
On successful completion of all five required courses, you will be asked to fill out an online form which is then e-mailed to the program office. Otherwise, please call or e-mail the program office when you've completed your final course.
How long does it take to receive the certificate?
Once you have successfully completed all five required courses, your academic record will be verified and your certificate awarded. It normally takes up to six weeks to process your certificate request.
Is independent certification or credentialing necessary once I complete the UC Berkeley Extension Paralegal Studies Program?
While no state requires you to sit for an exam to be a "certified" or "credentialed" paralegal or legal assistant, many choose to attain the professional designations to enhance their stature in the field. The CLA (Certified Legal Assistant) and CP (Certified Paralegal) exams are the nation’s premier certifications, along with the NFPA Pace exam. For more information about sitting for these exams, please visit the National Association of Legal Assistants professional certification website or the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc.
Is job placement assistance available for graduates of the program?
We do not provide job placement assistance; however, graduates of the program are encouraged to post their résumés on a special "graduate support" web page which Bay Area employers and law firms frequently scan. In addition, job announcements are posted and disseminated to students from time to time. Please visit http://resumes.ucberkeleyparalegalstudies.com.
ENROLLMENT/FEES FAQ
Is there a special application or enrollment fee?
No. Unlike other certificate or study programs at UC Berkeley Extension, we do not require a special enrollment or application fee in order to qualify for entry into the Paralegal Studies Program. Simply sign up for the classes at your convenience.
How much does the program cost?
The current tuition fee for the hybrid (classroom-based) program is $6,280. This includes tuition for all five required classes. The current tuition fee for the online program is $6,995. This includes tuition for all five required classes. In addition, there is a one-time mandatory materials fee for both formats—$300 for hybrid; $500 for online. You are also responsible for purchasing, separately, your own textbooks. Materials and textbooks for all courses must be purchased prior to the class start date at www.books.ucberkeleyparalegal.com for the hybrid program, or www.onlinebooks.ucberkeleyparalegal.com for the online program.
Is financial aid available?
No financial aid is available for the Paralegal Studies Program.
Is financial assistance available?
For complete information, please visit www.unex.berkeley.edu/info/enrollment.html#finassist.
Is the program approved for Veterans' Educational Benefits?
The Paralegal Studies Program is approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education (BPPVE) to train veterans and eligible persons under Title 38 U.S. Code. Determine the appropriate benefits and obtain authorization or proof of eligibility from your Veterans Administration (VA) office. You should contact the VA at (800) 827-1000 for information about your qualifications. UC Berkeley Extension cannot provide information about benefits, but please contact Registration at (510) 642-4111 if you need course information. The Registrar's Office will verify your enrollment for benefits purposes upon completion of the courses. Please call (510) 642-4172 for enrollment verification requirements. Please note that not all online certificate programs are eligible for veterans' benefits; call (510) 642-4172 for further information.
Is there an installment payment plan?
No. You may enroll in each class individually as you progress through the sequence, but all tuition fees must be paid at the time of each individual enrollment.
What does the materials fee include?
Hybrid format includes: text for Essential Paralegal Studies (vols. I & II); Essential Skills Study Support CD-ROM; Client File Folder; Lexis and/or Westlaw subscription (individual access for approximately the length of the program); access to ParaStudent Website; access to ParalegalSpace.com; Job Strategies for Paralegals Guidebook; and Study Support Guide.
Online format includes: text for Essential Paralegal Studies (vols. I & II, with Workbooks); Study Support CD-ROM; Study Support Guide; Job Strategies for Paralegals Guidebook; access to ParalegalSpace.com and ParaStudent Website; Essential Skills for Paralegals Lecture Notebook; Client File Folder; Client File Sample Docs and Resources; Lexis and/or Westlaw access.
How do I pay the materials fee?
The materials fee is part of the Essential Skills Bundle that is paid through the website at www.books.ucberkeleyparalegal.com for the hybrid program, or www.onlinebooks.ucberkeleyparalegal.com for the online program.
Where can I purchase my textbooks?
You can purchase textbooks anywhere, including Amazon, but we recommend www.books.ucberkeleyparalegal.com for the hybrid program, or www.onlinebooks.ucberkeleyparalegal.com for the online program.
ONLINE PROGRAM FAQ
How do I get started in the online program?
Enroll in Essential Paralegal Studies (be sure to include your e-mail address in the enrollment form). Before the first meeting, you will receive a Welcome Letter, with information pertaining to tracking your shipped materials via UPS or FedEx, and getting started with your unique user name and password, and URL to access the site. Enroll in no more than two courses at a time until you finish each course.
Can I access my course from anywhere?
You can access the course anywhere that you have Internet access. Some companies have firewalls that prevent you from participating in the chat sessions. Please check with your company before you attempt to access the course.
Is my online course an instructor-led course?
No. This is a self-paced course. However, you will be given a recommended course syllabus to follow. Your instructor will be available via e-mail to respond to any queries you may have.
Will I be able to see my online instructor or communicate with him/her via telephone?
Unless there is an extreme instance, all communication with your instructor will be done either through e-mail, the discussion forums, or the chat sessions. Please do not expect your instructor to telephone you or meet with you in person. We strongly encourage you to use these modes of communication, as faxed or mailed assignments are not accepted.
Who do I contact if I am having problems with the instructor?
Please contact Alyssa Navallo at alyssa@berkeleyparalegal.com immediately to help us determine the problem. Your instructor should be very explicit on the course syllabus or welcome message as to his/her availability. If the instructor is going out of town or will be away from the computer for an extended period of time, he/she must notify each student.
How many hours are required outside of class time to complete reading assignments and homework?
You should expect to spend up to a minimum of 360 total hours of study for successful completion of either the online or hybrid program. You will most likely spend approximately 17 hours+ per week going over class lecture notes, performing exercises, viewing demonstrations, using online labs and other online support materials, and completing assignments. Approximately 10 hours will be needed for the core Essential Skills part of the program, and approximately 7+ for the substantive courses. The actual time required for each course will vary from student to student.
Are there specific dates that I need to log on to the website?
No. The online program is self-paced, or open enrollment. You may sign up for any course at your convenience during the time the course is open.
How long do I have to complete each course?
You have six months from the date of your enrollment to complete Essential Paralegal Studies, and two months from the date of your enrollment to complete a substantive course. The time you spend online is determined by your own schedule. All assignments, quizzes, exams, and projects must be completed within the time frame allotted for the course. Your instructor will set individual due dates for your assignments, projects, and exams.
What if I am unable to complete all assignments or exams before the course ends?
It is important that you and your instructor coordinate and agree in advance on a specific plan for successful completion. Please refer to our Online Incomplete Policy at www.unex.berkeley.edu/info/grades.html for full information. Failure to abide by this policy could negatively impact your inability to receive an Incomplete and finish the course.
What happens if I fall behind or complete the course early?
The online paralegal courses are self-paced within the time frames allowed, but you will have deadlines and due dates for assignments just as you would in a traditional classroom setting. Thus, it is recommended that you sign-up for the online version of this program only if you can commit the time to complete it successfully.
What kind of computer peripherals are required to take an online class?
You will need either a PC computer or Mac. A high-speed internet connection is highly recommended, but not required, and Internet Explorer is the preferred browser. You must have Microsoft Word.
What happens if I have trouble accessing the URL with my login and password?
Contact our technical support team at TechSupport@berkeleyparalegal.com. We will assess and work to fix any problems in the most expeditious manner. In order to better serve you, please note the problem as it occurred.
Do I need to have cookies enabled?
Yes. Your Internet browser must be set to accept cookies.
How do online courses work?
Once you begin your course, you will be able to access the Study Support Website. Your instructor will contact you to provide you with contact information and additional getting started tips. You will work through the core Essential Skills part of the program in Segments, earning passwords to continue as you complete assignments and exams. The substantive programs are set up chapter by chapter. For each chapter of the books, you will have online study support. It is recommended that you read the assigned material chapter by chapter, reviewing the online study support as you progress. Please contact your instructor with any questions you may have, but also check the online Help page in the web modules for commonly asked questions.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FAQ
Where can I find out more information about the UC Berkeley Extension Paralegal Studies Program?
Please call the program office at (510) 642-4231 or e-mail us at business@unex.berkeley.edu. Also, plan to attend one of our frequent free Information Sessions in San Francisco, Redwood City, or Berkeley.
What resources are available for general information on a career as a paralegal?
Standing Committee on Paralegals, American Bar Association
www.abanet.org/legalservices/paralegals
National Association of Legal Assistants
www.nala.org
National Federation of Paralegal Associations
www.paralegals.org
American Association for Paralegal Education
www.aafpe.org
Paralegals and Legal Assistants, Occupational Outlook Handbook, US Department of Labor
www.bls.gov/oco/ocos114.htm
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