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Program Format - Graduate Certificate
The GW paralegal studies 18-credit graduate certificate reflects the competency and skills requirements of law firms, government agencies, and corporations that offer the majority of employment opportunities.
The program combines classroom-based and online instruction delivered via Blackboard, GW's educational platform.The online component allows instructors to use educational tools not available in the classroom and allows students to work at their pace and convenience.
A Stackable Credential
Students who earn the graduate certificate in paralegal studies can apply the credential toward a master's degree in paralegal studies.
Core Course Sequence (12 credits total)
The core course sequence provides the education, knowledge, and skills that all paralegals must master to work in the legal field:
PSLX 210 American Jurisprudence (3 credits)
An overview of the legal system, including paralegal ethics and professionalism
PSLX 211 Legal Research & Writing (3 credits)
In-depth instruction in print and online research, writing techniques, and legal technologies
PSLX 212 Litigation (3 credits)
The elements of litigation and methods of litigation support
PSLX 213 Corporate and Contracts Law (3 credits)
Corporate practice and the basic elements of American contract law
This 18-credit program affords a superior education and prestigious credential:
- 12 credits of core paralegal skills
- 6 credits of courses in one Legal Specialty: Government Law, Intellectual
Property Law, or International Law
Legal Specialties (6 credits total)
Students in the graduate certificate program take one Legal Specialty in addition to the core course sequence. This provides a deep base of legal knowledge in a single, focused area.
Government Law (6 credits)
The legal underpinnings of government agencies and government related private practices
PSLX 214 Administrative Law (3 credits)
PSLX 215 Government Contracts Law (3 credits)
-or-
Intellectual Property Law (6 credits)
Comprehensive instruction in prosecution and litigation of American and international copyright, patent, and trademark law
PSLX 216 Elements of Intellectual Property Law (3 credits)
PSLX 217 Prosecution and Litigation in Intellectual Property Law (3 credits)
-or-
International Law (6 credits)
Elements of international law, including trade and finance
PSLX 218 International Trade and Finance (3 credits)
PSLX 219 International Litigation (3 credits)
Program Format - Master's Degree
The 32-credit GW paralegal studies master's degree curriculum reflects the competency and skills requirements of law firms, government agencies, and corporations that offer the majority of employment opportunities.
The program combines classroom-based and online instruction delivered via Blackboard, GW's Web-based educational platform.The online component allows instructors to use educational tools not available in the classroom and allows students to work at their pace and convenience.
Core Course Sequence (12 credits total)
The core course sequence provides the education, knowledge, and skills that all paralegals must master to work in the legal field:
PSLX 210 American Jurisprudence (3 credits)
An overview of the legal system and paralegal ethics
PSLX 211 Legal Research & Writing (3 credits)
In-depth instruction in print and online research, writing techniques, and legal technologies
PSLX 212 Litigation (3 credits)
The elements of litigation and methods of litigation support
PSLX 213 Corporate and Contracts Law (3 credits)
Corporate practice and the basic elements of American contract law
This 32-credit program provides an advanced credential to foster career growth,
boost earning potential, and raise federal GS level:
- 12-credit core course sequence
- 18 credits of Legal Specialty courses
- Government Law
- Intellectual Property Law
- International Law
- 2-credit Independent Research project
- Non-credit internship
Legal Specialties (18 credits total)
Master's candidates take all three Legal Specialties in addition to the core course sequence. This provides a broad, deep base of legal knowledge that candidates will then integrate theoretically with their independent research projects and practically with their internships.
Government Law (6 credits)
The legal underpinnings of government agencies and government-related private practices
PSLX 214 Administrative Law (3 credits)
PSLX 215 Government Contracts Law (3 credits)
-and-
Intellectual Property Law (6 credits)
Comprehensive instruction in prosecution and litigation of American and international copyright, patent, and trademark law
PSLX 216 Elements of Intellectual Property Law (3 credits)
PSLX 217 Prosecution and Litigation in Intellectual Property Law (3 credits)
-and-
International Law (6 credits)
Elements of international law, including trade and finance
PSLX 218 International Trade and Finance (3 credits)
PSLX 219 International Litigation (3 credits)
-and-
PSLM 290 Independent Research Project (2 credits)
Guided, independent research to demonstrate the higher level of competency
the master's degree affords
Unique Features of the GW Paralegal Suite
Advanced Standing Policy
Students admitted to the master's degree program may receive advanced standing that satisfies the 12-credit core course sequence through:
Option A:
- Successful completion of GW's Legal Assistant Program, previously offered through the GW Center for Career Education (CCE) or Center for Professional Development (CPD), with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or equivalent and
- A minimum of two years of substantive legal experience
-or-
Option B:
- Successful completion of an academic credit bearing graduate (post-baccalaureate level) certificate in paralegal studies from an accredited institution of higher learning with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or equivalent and
- Successful completion of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE), the National Association of Legal Assistant Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) exam, or the NALS PP or PLS exam
-or-
Option C:
- Successful completion of an institutionally accredited ABA-approved post-baccalaureate paralegal education program , with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or equivalent and
- Successful completion of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE), the National Association of Legal Assistant Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) exam, or the NALS PP or PLS exam
Legal Specialties for Professionals
Working paralegals, attorneys, and other professionals with legal backgrounds can take free-standing Legal Specialty courses to enhance their skills, advance their careers, and deepen their understanding of the law.
Curriculum Integration
The GW paralegal studies curriculum integrates instruction in ethics, professional responsibility, and subject matter-specific legal technologies into each course. Students receive LexisNexis and Westlaw memberships at the beginning of the program and acquire technological proficiency and ethical foundations naturally as they progress through their studies.
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