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Diploma in Paralegal Studies

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    Diploma Program in Paralegal Studies

    Program content taught by top New York area attorneys and legal professionals; access to one of the nation’s finest law libraries; and flexible course schedules make the Diploma Program in Paralegal Studies at the NYU School of Continuing and Professional Studies (NYU-SCPS) the ideal choice for aspiring paralegals.

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    Is a Paralegal Career Right for Me?

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Since 1972, the New York University School of Continuing and Professional Studies (NYU-SCPS) has offered the Diploma in Paralegal Studies, which provides students with the knowledge and the understanding required to enter into and to succeed in the rapidly evolving paralegal profession.

Whether you are just embarking on your career path, are considering a change in profession, or are interested in gaining experience in the legal field en route to law school, the Diploma in Paralegal Studies provides you with the knowledge base and the level of expertise in legal concepts and procedures necessary to succeed as a paralegal. Uniquely designed to impart a comprehensive overview of all facets of paralegal specialization, the program is taught by prominent New York area attorneys and legal professionals. Day and evening classes, summer intensives, and semester-length courses provide a variety of study options to fit your busy lifestyle.

The Diploma in Paralegal Studies is ABA-Approved

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From the Director

From the Director

Julie Sisti on opportunities in the paralegal market...
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Faculty Spotlight

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Alumni Spotlight

Alumni Spotlight

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Program Details

Eligibility

  • NYU-SCPS welcomes paralegal diploma candidates with a minimum of 60 undergraduate credits from an accredited undergraduate institution. A bachelor’s degree is strongly preferred, but not required.
  • A limited number of exceptions to this requirement may be made for applicants with significant law-related work experience. See the admissions criteria page for more details.
  • The Diploma in Paralegal Studies course sequence can satisfy elective credit for Paul McGhee Division undergraduate students who have completed more than 60 credits. Speak with your advisor for more information.

Required Courses

  • Two six-credit courses are required to earn the Diploma in Paralegal Studies: Basic Concepts in Paralegal Studies and Advanced Concepts in Paralegal Studies.
  • The program requires approximately 270 50-minute hours of classroom instruction and 15 to 20 hours per week of assignment and exam preparation. 

Flexible Formats

To help accommodate a variety of student schedules, NYU-SCPS offers the Diploma in Paralegal Studies as year-round, day and evening programs in a two-semester format, or as an intensive, one-semester program format.

  • Two-Semester Program. Students complete one course each semester for a total of two semesters.
  • One-Semester Intensive Program. Students complete the intensive version of each course, consecutively, within one semester.
When are classes offered?
Curriculum

The Diploma in Paralegal Studies offers students a unique, rich and comprehensive review of all topics highly valuable in the legal field today. Students acquire a deep understanding of key legal concepts and areas of specialization, including trademark and copyright, litigation, real estate, trusts and estates, securities and exchange, and much more. Taught by practicing attorneys, the curriculum is kept current and brought to life through case studies that cite trends drawn directly from experience in the field.

Comprised of two courses, Basic Concepts in Paralegal Studies and Advanced Concepts in Paralegal Studies, the program addresses key concepts and issues relevant to the local, state, and federal court systems; essential legal theories and doctrines of the most important areas of the law; and legal and ethical issues commonly found in the paralegal field.

Upon completion of the curriculum, you will have acquired the knowledge and the understanding to:

  • Conduct interviews with clients and prepare appropriate memoranda, depositions, and interrogatories
  • Prepare and file all court documents, such as complaints, answers, motions, and orders
  • Research, draft, and analyze legal memoranda and documents in the manner most helpful to an attorney
  • Analyze and define potential legal problems in any factual situation
  • Carry out fruitful online research in today’s technology-driven workplace
Faculty

Students in the Diploma in Paralegal Studies Program learn from prominent legal practitioners in the New York City area. Our faculty members are attorneys from leading companies, organizations, and government agencies who bring a wealth of practical knowledge and understanding of the latest legal trends and issues to the classroom. These practice-based perspectives enrich students’ experience in the classroom and provide valuable context to apply throughout their careers.

View Program Faculty
Advisory Committee

The Paralegal Studies Advisory Committee serves as a valuable body of expertise that helps to shape the overall experience of students enrolled in the Diploma in Paralegal Studies program. The Committee’s in-depth understanding of the field translates into: a curriculum that evolves to meet the changing demands of the industry, abundant networking opportunities, and career development for students.

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Academic and Career Resources

Paralegal students benefit from access to the broad array of academic, industry-specific, and career development resources offered at NYU.

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NYU Libraries

The University’s library system is comprised of more than 4.7 million volumes located at 15 sites across the city and overseas in Florence, Italy and in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. As an NYU-SCPS student, you will have access to a plethora of library resources including articles accessed via database, e-journals, and video and audio recordings, all of which are linked together by the BobCat system, the computerized catalog available throughout the library branches. The NYU Law Library, which has historically been regarded as housing the most comprehensive legal research collections not only in the country but also in the world, is an advantageous resource for paralegal students.

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Computer Services and Internet Resources

Information Technology Services (ITS) provides technology-based services to NYU students, faculty members, and staff. ITS offers computing services, Internet and NYU Home access, software, student computer labs, classes, technical assistance, and various other resources to help students with coursework and research projects.

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Career Development/Management Services

As an NYU-SCPS student, in addition to the career resources offered through your academic program, you will enjoy the benefit of career development/management services provided by the School and the University at large. NYU-SCPS and the University’s Wasserman Center for Career Development work in partnership with the School’s academic program areas to provide supplemental services and programs specifically for NYU-SCPS students.

The Wasserman Center for Career Development helps all NYU students to take advantage of the University’s New York City location and the internship and professional opportunities it affords. The Center posts job listings; connects students with alumni and mentors; coaches students on the most effective interviewing skills; and provides career advice.  A broad range of events, programs, and services are available to enhance your overall learning experience.

View More University-Wide Student Resources
Outcomes

Diploma in Paralegal Studies graduates go on to become paralegals in law firms, corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Others enroll in law school. Many of our students return to a field in which they have worked, applying their paralegal expertise in a new role.

Below you will find examples of how the Diploma in Paralegal Studies can help you to achieve your goals:

  • Launch Your First Career, or Prepare for a New One. Whether this is your first professional step, or a step toward a career change, the Diploma in Paralegal Studies is a credential that speaks volumes to private practice, corporate, government, and nonprofit employers.
  • Advancement. Students often return to the fields in which they have prior experience, bringing their enhanced knowledge base and skill set to a new role.
  • A Step Toward Further Study. The Diploma in Paralegal Studies provides exposure to legal study that often sparks or confirms students’ interest in law school or related graduate study.
  • The NYU Network. From networking events to informal but highly valuable academic and career advice, your fellow students and the industry experts who teach you on a daily basis are indispensible allies in supporting your paralegal career now and in the future.

Alumni Spotlight

Olena Senova, Paralegal, Commercial Litigation, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.

Olena Senova, Paralegal, Commercial Litigation, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.

“Enrolling in NYU-SCPS to earn the Diploma in Paralegal Studies was one of the best decisions and investments I have ever made.”
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