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Find out why there's never been a better time to become a paralegal, and learn how Duquesne University School of Law's Paralegal Institute help you expand your career opportunities.
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Expand your opportunities
Paralegal Institute
Convenient classes in the
heart of downtown Pittsburgh
On the Cover: Mary Olson and David Gerber
Career opportunities for paralegals and legal assistants are expected
to grow an average of
through 2022
There has never been a better timeto become a paralegal
Why Duquesne?The legal industry is in a period of significant change. It is increasingly clear that success as a practicing paralegal depends upon receiving a comprehensive education in the field, one that responds to ever-changing needs of the legal profession.
Recognizing this important role in serving the legal community, the University’s Paralegal Institute is now part of Duquesne’s School of Law.
The ProfessionA paralegal or legal assistant is a person who performs specifically designated substantive work for which a lawyer is responsible. A paralegal is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, government agency, real estate company, or other entity.
Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.
Client and Witness Interviews
Legal Research
Drafting Correspondence
Handling Pleadings and Other Legal Documents
Participating in Real Estate Closings
Summarizing Discovery Documents
Responsibilitiestypically include:
Duquesne has prepared more than
professionals for paralegal careers over the past 30 years
Top-notch“Duquesne was the clear choice for my paralegal
education. Its faculty and resources are top-notch, and the faculty members clearly care about each student.”
Jennifer Lawyer,Paralegal Student
Job OpportunitiesThe U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that careers for paralegals and legal assistants are expected to grow an average of 17 percent through 2022, faster than the average of all occupations.
Duquesne’s Paralegal Institute offers you an in-depth educational program and the practical skills that will prepare you for your new career and opportunities.
Ann Foster,Paralegal
law school certificate programs in the country approved by the
American Bar Association
One of only
Evening Classes Evening classes meet four nights per week, Monday-Thursday, 5:30-8:30 p.m., for 11 weeks.
Intensive Summer TermThe summer program is a full-time intensive day format in which students can complete the entire program and earn a Certificate in General Practice in 12 weeks.
Summer intensive classes are held Monday – Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Evening classes continue with one class a week, 5:30-8:30 p.m. in the summer, although enrollment is for part-time students only.
The ProgramDuquesne offers a post-baccalaureate, noncredit certificate program that requires a bachelor’s degree for admission.
The School of Law program offers comprehensive training in essential research and writing skills, ongoing opportunities to expand critical thinking skills related to legal issues, and detailed information on the ethical responsibilities of paralegals.
After completing two-thirds of coursework in accordance with the highest academic standards, students are considered for membership in the prestigious National Paralegal Honor Society, Lambda Epsilon Chi. The honor society induction ceremony is held each December, an event attended by graduates, faculty, advisory board members, employers, and family members.
Fall TermSeptember-December
Winter TermJanuary-March
The summer term is a popular option. Seats are limited so early registration is strongly recommended.
Four Opportunities to Begin Your Studies
Program of Convenience
Spring TermApril-June
Summer TermJune-August
Two Law Libraries at Your ServiceStudents can tap into the extensive resources of Duquesne University School of Law’s two law libraries: the Duquesne Center for Legal Information in the School of Law in Hanley Hall, and the Allegheny County Law Library in the City-County Building downtown.
Possibilities“I am grateful every day for
the opportunity to participate in and complete Duquesne’s
Paralegal Institute program. So many doors are open to me and the possibilities are endless.”
Rachelle Vopal,Paralegal
Excellence“My time at the Paralegal
Institute was nothing short of amazing. The Paralegal Institute’s dedication to
academic excellence and career preparation allowed me to be immediately effective in the
legal field. Thanks to the readily available and helpful faculty, I was hired at a tremendous firm and gained academic
notoriety by way of winning the LEX scholarship.”
David G. Gerber,Paralegal
Internships Students may be placed in a paralegal intern position with a private law firm, government agency, court office, corporation, insurance company, bank, real estate company, community service agency, health care facility, or other appropriate office.
The term of the elective internship is 16 hours per week for 10 weeks. An additional classroom component of eight hours is held in four two-hour sessions during the evenings. Supervised by a licensed, practicing attorney and usually by a
practicing paralegal, the student will be both an observer and a participant in the operation of the assigned office. A student must have a minimum 2.75 GPA and have completed certain prerequisite courses.
Career ServicesStudents and program alumni can take advantage of a number of Duquesne’s career services, including access to the University’s job bank.
The Paralegal Institute faculty and staff also provide career guidance and support. In addition, the Institute shares postings by law firms, placement firms, businesses, and government agencies seeking paralegal candidates.
Prepare Yourself for Success
“Duquesne’s program has prepared me for my current job in a profound way. Through my class
work and meetings, I am head and shoulders above other paralegals who have not attended Duquesne’s program.”
Stefan Heidinger,Paralegal
Certificate Options Certificate in General Practice All Core Courses Five Electives
Certificate in Civil Litigation Concentration All Core Courses Civil Litigation I Commercial Contract Law Civil Litigation II Torts/Personal Injury Law Advanced Civil Litigation
Certificate in Corporate Law Concentration All Core Courses Commercial Contract Law Real Estate Procedures or
Intellectual Property Corporate and Business Law I Corporate and Business Law II Federal/State Securities Corporate Financing
Certificate in Estates Concentration All Core Courses Estates, Wills and Trusts Real Estate Law Corporate and Business Law I or
Healthcare Law Elder Law Federal and PA Death Tax
Certificate in Litigation Technology Concentration All Core Courses Civil Litigation I Civil Litigation II Advanced Civil Litigation Litigation Technology I Litigation Technology II
Curriculum
Tax Returns Public Policy, Governance and LawReal Estate LawTorts/Personal Injury Law
Core courses and electives or concentration courses can be taken at the same time. Ethical considerations and issues are taught throughout the curriculum.
Core CurriculumAll students are required to complete the following core courses:
Introduction to the Legal System and Paralegalism Professional Responsibility and Paralegal Practice Legal Research Methods Legal Writing and Case Analysis I Legal Writing and Case Analysis II
For proper sequencing, Introduction to the Legal System and Paralegalism should be taken at the beginning of the program. Legal Research Methods is a prerequisite for Legal Writing and Case Analysis I, the prerequisite for Legal Writing and Case Analysis II. Students do not, however, have to complete all core courses before taking other classes.
ElectivesAdministrative LawAdvanced Civil Litigation Advanced Legal Research Alternative Dispute ResolutionBankruptcyCivil Litigation I Civil Litigation II Commercial Contract LawCorporate and Business Law ICorporate and Business Law IICorporate Financing Criminal LawDomestic LawElder Law Environmental LawEstates, Wills and TrustsFederal and State Securities Law Healthcare LawInternshipImmigration Law and ProcedureIntellectual Property Laws and ProceduresLabor and Employment LawLitigation Technology ILitigation Technology II Pennsylvania Law in Oil and GasPreparation of PA Inheritance and Federal Estate
Promotion“My recent promotion
to supervisor is due in large part
to my education at Duquesne’s Paralegal
Institute.”
Lissette Maney,Paralegal
Earning Your CertificateA Paralegal Certificate is granted after the faculty has carefully evaluated your performance based on written and oral assignments, examinations and participation in class discussions.
The general certificate comprises a total of 33 CEUs. Courses required for the certificate are non-credit. The Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is a nationally recognized, standard unit of measurement that has been adopted for post-secondary programs and educational courses not carrying credit. Ten hours of in-class participation equals one CEU.
Tuition and ScholarshipsDuquesne University School of Law offers a paralegal education of the highest standards at a competitive rate. Students who earn a 4.0 GPA are eligible to be considered for the Genevieve A. Mealy Scholarship, the highest award given to a paralegal student. In addition, students are eligible for external scholarships through the Lambda Epsilon Chi (LEX) scholarship of the American Association for Paralegal Education, and also for scholarships offered through the Pittsburgh Paralegal Association.
Academic Standards and Administrative PoliciesThe School of Law posts the Paralegal Institute’s academic calendar, academic standards, grading policies, refund policies, technology guidelines, and other administrative policies online.
Administration and FacultyThe Paralegal Institute is home to an outstanding group of administrators and faculty members. More than 30 professionals serve students through the year.
Administrators
Frank Yining LiuAssociate Dean for Legal Programs and
Professor of LawDirector of the Duquesne Center for
Legal Information and Allegheny County Law Library
Pamela J. BaileyParalegal Institute Program Director
ResourcesGPA are eligible to
be considered for the Genevieve A. Mealy
Scholarship, the highest award given to a
paralegal student
Students who earn a
Associate Dean and Professor Frank Liu
A Few of the 30+ Faculty Members
Donna Allen-RosemondSenior Attorney, Family Law Unit Neighborhood Legal Services Association, Inc. Course: Domestic Law
Bernie BehrendMediator, Attorney Behrend Mediation Services Courses: Introduction to the Legal System & Alternative Dispute Resolution
Michael BodnerAttorney Reed Smith LLP Course: Bankruptcy
Jody BurtnerSenior Paralegal Pepper Hamilton LLP Course: Intellectual Property
John HayesAttorney Juvenile Court Project Course: Civil Litigation I
Joseph P. NigroAttorney Nigro & Associates, LLC Courses: Legal Writing and Case Analysis, Real Estate Law, Torts and Personal Injury Law, and Pa. Law in Oil and Gas
Frank RauktisSenior Paralegal Cohen & Grigsby, P.C. Courses: Corporate and Business Law, and Federal and State Securities
Orlando SodiniAttorney Thompson, Calkins, & Sutter Courses: Estates Wills and Trusts, Elder Law, and Federal and Pa. Death Tax Preparation
Dennis ZawackiAttorney Zawacki and Hughes Course: Commercial Contract Law
Faculty
Other FacultyRead about all of our faculty members and the courses they teach online.
Students are eligible for external scholarships through the Lambda Epsilon Chi (LEX) scholarship of the American Association for Paralegal Education
Pam BaileyParalegal Institute Program Director and Faculty Member
Download the application at duq.edu/paralegal or call 412.396.1643
Write a letter of interest to accompany your application describing your background and educational or career goals.
Request your official college or university transcript and have it mailed to the Paralegal Institute directly. “Issued to Student” transcripts will not be considered.
Schedule an admissions interview with the program director.
Questions? Find out if you can attend the next Paralegal Institute Open House or email, call, or visit the office with your questions. We look forward to meeting you!
Paralegal Institute Office705 Libermann [email protected] 412.396.1643
Mailing Address Paralegal InstituteDuquesne University School of Law600 Forbes AvenuePittsburgh, PA 15282
Approved American Bar Association
Voting Member American Association for Paralegal Education
Applying is Easy
There’s never been a better time to become a paralegal. And applying to Duquesne University School of Law’s Paralegal Institute is easy.
duq.edu/paralegal
ABA-Approved“As a stay-at-home mother who was looking to return to work, I decided to update my skills and return to school at the
only ABA-approved program in the region — and it was right here
in Pittsburgh. This wonderful program enabled me to learn the skills needed to start my
paralegal career.”
Robin Westwood,Paralegal
The University is committed to the principles of equal educational and employment opportunity
for all qualified persons. The University is further committed to nondiscriminatory human relations in the classroom and workplace, without regard to the person’s race, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic
history, Veteran status, or disability.
Paralegal Institute