SPCS launching a new Paralegal Professional Certificate program in January 2027
The University of Richmond School of Professional and Continuing Studies is launching a Paralegal Professional Certificate designed to give working adults practical legal skills and a clear, career-focused pathway into the legal profession.
The fully online program consists of four sequential, eight‑week modules — Paralegal I, Legal Research, Legal Writing and Litigation — that build knowledge and skills progressively in paralegal fundamentals, research, writing, and litigation practice. Students who complete the Professional Certificate are also eligible to enroll in one Advanced Paralegal Studies Certificate at no additional cost. Graduates receive a 25% lifetime discount on additional Advanced Certificates. Planned advanced certificate specialties include business and contract law, AI and electronic discovery, real estate law, torts, wills/trusts/estates, family law, environmental law, employment law and criminal law.
“Paralegal professionals are taking on a growing range of responsibilities in law offices, and employers are looking for individuals with practical, job‑ready skills,” said Jamelle S. Wilson, dean of the School of Professional and Continuing Studies. “Our Paralegal Professional Certificate pairs rigorous training with flexible, stackable credentials, so students can launch or advance their careers while balancing work and life.”
The Paralegal Professional Certificate does not carry college credit but awards continuing education units (CEUs), a University of Richmond professional certificate, and a digital badge.
The program is aimed at aspiring paralegals, career changers, legal professionals seeking formal credentialing, and those interested in legal technology, AI and emerging practice areas. The program is open enrollment, and students may pay for the full pathway at registration or pay per module; eligibility for the included Advanced Certificate is contingent on payment of the full Professional Certificate tuition (either paid in full at registration or through accumulated module payments equaling the total fee). Students who have paid in full may enroll in the included Advanced Certificate before completing all four modules.
The program leverages the University of Richmond brand and a career‑focused curriculum aligned with employer needs. Its stackable credentials, evening live online schedule for working adults, and emphasis on future‑focused topics — such as AI and e‑discovery — are intended to help students pivot into high‑need legal specialties.
To learn more, register for an upcoming virtual information session.