PARALEGAL PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE
- Full or Part Time Options
- ABA Approved
- Certificate + Digital Badge
- 270 Clock Hours
Pursue a Purpose-Driven Career in Law.
A career as a paralegal is ideal for professionals passionate about the legal field and supporting others through meaningful work.
Villanova’s ABA-approved Paralegal Professional Certificate Program has educated future paralegals for over 30 years. Offered in both full-time day (in-person) and part-time evening (online) formats, the program blends legal theory, ethical practice and practical skill-building to prepare students for success in law firms, corporations, government and more.
Courses are taught by experienced attorneys and paralegals, covering key topics such as legal writing, research, contracts, ethics, and various specialty law areas.
The program also includes professional development opportunities and access to Villanova Career Management resources.
PARALEGAL CAREER OUTLOOK
$71,110
median annual salary for a paralegal in the Philadelphia region
43,000
projected job openings for paralegals and legal assistants over the next year
$60,970
median annual salary for a paralegal nation-wide
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics
ENROLLMENT OPTIONS
Full Time In-Person
- 4 Months
- In-Person, On Campus
- 15 Courses
Part Time 100% Online
- 10 Months
- 100% Online Evening Courses
- 15 Courses
PROGRAM COURSES
- Introduction to Paralegal Profession and Principles
- Legal Research
- Civil Procedure and Litigation
- Legal Writing
- Business Organizations
- Contract Law
- Paralegal Office Coordination
- Family Law
- Estates and Trusts
- Tort and Personal Injury Law
- Criminal Law
- Intellectual Property Law
- Real Estate Law
- Employment Law
- Ethics Capstone
CREDENTIALS
Earn a program certificate and program digital badge upon completion of required courses. Showcase your new skills and gain a competitive edge by adding badges backed by Villanova University to your resume, LinkedIn profile or email signature.
THE VILLANOVA DIFFERENCE
The College of Professional Studies has cultivated a distinguished reputation for delivering the hallmark Villanova experience — academically rigorous, top-quality and innovative programs within a supportive community — to students who are pursuing higher education amidst busy professional and personal lives. As an internationally recognized institution, Villanova is proud of its vibrant community of alumni, faculty, students and staff who are dedicated to driving meaningful impact and transformative change within their communities.
At Villanova, we believe where you've been is just the beginning.
Pursue the Next You.™
LEARNED SKILLS
- Foundational knowledge of substantive and procedural law
- Legal research skills
- Professional legal writing and document drafting
- Legal analysis and problem-solving
- Proficiency with legal technology and software
- Strong attention to detail in legal work
- Understanding of paralegal ethics and professional conduct
FACULTY
Jonathan Schiffman, JD
Professor Schiffman has been sharing his vast experience with students in Villanova’s Paralegal program for over 25 years and has served on the Villanova ABA Paralegal Advisory Board since 1985. The former Philadelphia Assistant District Attorney; former General Counsel & Corporate Secretary Royal Bank America; and Senior Partner in the Philadelphia law firm Schiffman & Ross teaches Basic Legal Principles and Criminal Law. In addition, he authored a book titled “Fundamentals of the Criminal Justice Process.”
Matthew Carluzzo, JD
Matt Carluzzo has directed Villanova’s Paralegal Program since 2016. As the Assistant Dean of Students and Academic Success at Villanova’s law school, Matt helps students develop the specialized academic skills necessary to succeed in law school and in practice. Prior to his academic career, Matt practiced law at a private firm in Washington, DC, where he specialized in large-scale civil and appellate products liability litigation.
Teena M. Amador, ESQ
Teena Amador has been teaching courses in Contracts and Intellectual Property at Villanova for three years. As Legal Counsel for LifeScan Global Corporation, Professor Amador oversees and provides legal advice to LifeScan Global and its affiliates for a variety of matters in connection with commercial, intellectual property, employment matters, and other general corporate matters. In addition, she manages and oversees all intellectual property matters for LifeScan Global including patent and trademark licensing, enforcement and prosecution.
Students enrolled in the Paralegal Professional Certificate program may be interested in becoming licensed. Each state/jurisdiction has unique educational and prerequisite requirements that candidates must meet in order to obtain licensure. The Provost's Office website provides additional information on whether this program meets the educational requirements for each state/jurisdiction.
IMPORTANT: Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.