Paralegal Professional Certificate
Prepare To Become a Valued Member of the Legal Team
Part Time 100% Online or Full Time In Person Options
Villanova University's Paralegal Professional certificate program is an ABA approved program that has been educating paralegals for more than 30 years.
Offered in both full-time and part-time formats, graduates of Villanova's Paralegal program are highly sought after by law firms and legal departments in the Philadelphia region. Our courses are taught by highly experienced lawyers and paralegals, and cover topics such as legal writing, legal research, contract law, family law, business organizations, ethics, and intellectual property law, among others.
The paralegal plays a more important role in today's business and legal arena than ever before. Charged with assisting attorneys in supporting clients, conducting research, and completing casework and documentation, a paralegal is a critical member of the legal team. A career as a paralegal is ideal for professionals who are excited about the legal field and passionate about helping others.
IMPORTANT: Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.
Program Options
Part-time Evening Program (100% online)
9 months to complete
August Start
Full-time Day Program (in person)
4 months to complete
January and August Start Dates
Complete this short form to receive more information about the paralegal program.
Where Could You Go Next?
You can find Villanova Paralegal Certificate graduates in law firms and legal departments throughout the region (and beyond). Here are some of the more recent employers where our students forged careers:
- Kane, Pugh, Knoell, Troy & Kramer, LLP (Norristown, PA)
- Nescio & Seace, LLP (West Chester, PA)
- Unruh Turner Burke & Frees, PC (West Chester, PA)
- Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office (Philadelphia, PA)
- Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (Wayne, PA)
- Susanin, Widman & Brennan, PC (Wayne, PA)
- Fowler Hirtzel McNulty & Spaulding, LLP (Philadelphia, PA)
- Rawle & Henderson LLP (Philadelphia, PA)
- Simon & Simon, PC (Philadelphia, PA)
- Choi & Park, LLC (Trenton, NJ)
The Villanova Difference
A Villanova Education, Built for Professionals
As a nationally recognized and respected University, a certificate from Villanova enhances your resume and helps you stand out to employers. Our instructors are practitioners in the field who enrich the student experience through the use of current, real world examples in the classroom.
Alumni Network
As part of the Villanova community, you join a powerful and engaged network of over 125,000 alumni across the globe. Paralegal graduates have access to the Nova Network, an online community which connects professionals from all industries to other graduates and current students.
Career Guidance
Our paralegal students have the opportunity to attend numerous professional development events to help them jump start their career. For example, the Paralegal Panel invites practicing paralegals and lawyers in the Philadelphia region to discuss their career paths and what roads led them to success. Students are encouraged to ask questions and glean as much information as possible from the experienced professionals on the panel.
Industry Connections
CPS has a Paralegal Advisory Board, comprised of practicing paralegals and lawyers. Part of the Advisory Board's role is to provide regular input into the curriculum so that the program is nimble and applied. In addition, Villanova has established a reputation for producing exceptional paralegal graduates. Many law firms in the area contact the Paralegal Program Coordinator to recruit Villanova graduates for open positions.
Paralegal Program Coordinator
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.