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The Program
The Georgetown University post-baccalaureate Paralegal Studies Program was established in 1973 and is a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE), the International Paralegal Manager's Association (IPMA), the National Capital Area Paralegal Association (NCAPA), and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA). Georgetown Paralegal has been approved by the American Bar Association continuously since 1977 and is designed to contribute to the development of the paralegal profession by offering students quality education, specific skills, and the knowledge needed to be effective paralegals in a highly competitive, professional marketplace. Upon successful completion of the program, students are awarded a Certificate of Paralegal Studies.
The Paralegal
The American Bar Association (ABA) defines a paralegal as a person, "qualified by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible."
The American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) defines a paralegal as a person that “perform(s) substantive and procedural legal work as authorized by law, which work, in the absence of the paralegal, would be performed by an attorney. Paralegals have knowledge of the law gained through education, or education and work experience which qualifies them to perform legal work. Paralegals adhere to recognized ethical standards and rules of professional responsibility.
Please be aware that there are restrictions to the practice of law. To practice law without a law license is prohibited under most jurisdictions. For more information regarding the unauthorized practice of law in the District of Columbia click on the following link: http://www.dcappeals.gov/dccourts/appeals/cupl/index.jsp
Objectives
The Georgetown University Paralegal Studies Program seeks to accomplish two interrelated goals: to teach students the skills and knowledge they need to become effective and productive members of the legal profession; and to empower students to become more effective members of the legal profession through integration of skills, knowledge, and personal values. The Paralegal Studies Program has been approved by the ABA since 1977.
The Paralegal Studies Program is designed to:
- communicate a basic understanding of legal concepts and terminology;
- equip students with legal research and writing skills;
- develop participants' ability to think in a legally sophisticated manner about complex issues encountered in a paralegal career;
- provide a general understanding of principles of ethical and professional responsibility;
- acquaint participants with fundamental issues of law and theories of justice;
- prepare participants for the effective delivery of legal services in both the private and public sectors of our society;
- contribute to the advancement of the legal profession by offering students quality education.
The courses in the Paralegal Studies Program are academically challenging. Examinations are administered in most courses and grades are awarded for each course. The courses do not provide credit towards a degree. In recognition of successful completion of the program, Georgetown University awards graduates with a certificate.
Enrollment Options
The Paralegal Studies Program offers two options of study.
The one-year Evening Certificate Program consists of three 13-week semesters that meet on Tuesday and Thursday nights for three hours each night. Four additional Wednesday classes will be scheduled throughout the semester. The Summer Intensive Certificate Program is a full-time commitment that begins in late May and ends in late August.
While enrollment in the full certificate program is recommended, applications for individual classes will be reviewed, and those accepted will receive non-certificate status.
*Please see Curriculum and Courses page for more information on program schedules.
Location
Evening Certificate classes are held on Georgetown's main campus, located at 37th and O Streets, NW, Washington, DC.
Summer Intensive classes are held at both the main campus and the Georgetown University Law Center (GULC) located at 600 New Jersey Avenue, NW, Washington, DC.
The Paralegal Studies Program office is located in Clarendon at 3101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 200, Arlington, VA 22201. Business hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Telephone: 202-687-6694.
*Please see Student Resources page for more information on location and transportation.
