Business, Management & Legal Programs

Application 2015-2016 Paralegal Training Program ABA Approved

Established in 1972

Important Dates: Information Session: Sat, February 6, 10am-12pm Downtown LA, Figueroa Courtyard

Spring 2016 – Westwood Days & Time: Tuesday and Thursday, 6:30pm to 10:00pm Financial Aid Deadline: January 22, 2016* Application Deadline: March 2, 2016 Program Start & Length: March 31, 2016, 11 months

Program Calendar

Spring 2016 – Westwood Days & Time: Tuesday and Thursday, 6:30pm to 10:00pm Financial Aid Deadline: January 22, 2016* Application Deadline: March 2, 2016 Program Start & Length: March 31, 2016, 11 months

*FINANCIAL AID APPLICANTS should submit their program application and financial aid application simultaneously to ensure timely processing. See Financial Aid section of this application for more information.

UCLA Extension’s Paralegal Training Program For over four decades, UCLA Extension's Paralegal Training Program (PTP) has been at the forefront of training individuals for a successful career as a paralegal. The PTP was one of the first programs to be approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) as meeting high standards in faculty selection, academics, resources, curriculum, programming, administration, and student services. Today, the PTP continues its tradition of excellence in paralegal education as an ABA-approved program that is highly regarded in the legal community.

This nationally recognized certificate program encompasses major legal subjects with an emphasis on the practical applications of the material covered. The program provides relevant coursework for students considering a paralegal career, for practicing paralegals who wish to expand their knowledge and career prospects in this highly competitive field, and those students looking for an introduction to the legal profession.

All candidates who successfully complete certificate requirements are awarded a Certificate in Paralegal Studies that bears the gold seal of the University of California and is signed by the Dean of UCLA Extension.

Paralegals are in High Demand! According the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow by 22% in the near future, much faster than the average for other occupations. The position is considered amoung the 10 fastest growing occupations in the United States*.

As the demand for qualified paralegals grows, keen com-petition will continue for these well-paying jobs. Paralegals with extensive educational training and a paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved school are expected to have the best opportunities. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.

*Source: www.bls.gov/ooh/Legal/Paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm

Our Goals The goals of the UCLA Extension Paralegal Training Program are to prepare students:

To function as ethical, effective, and efficient professional paralegals in law firms, businesses, government, and nonprofit organizations;

To perform a wide variety of legal work under the supervision of attorneys; and

To adapt easily to the changing role of the paralegal and to the changing needs of the legal community.

Our Objectives The objectives of the Paralegal Training Program are:

To provide candidates with high quality-ABA approved instruction with an emphasis on substantive and procedural law, legal analysis, and practical paralegal skills from a variety of legal professionals including judges, attorneys, and paralegals;

To develop in candidates a practical understanding of the role, function, and ethical responsibilities of paralegals in various legal environments;

To provide candidates and graduates with guidance and tools for successful career planning and professional development in the legal profession.

Non-Discrimination Policy The University of California, in accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or service in the uniformed services. The University also prohibits sexual harassment. This nondiscrimination policy covers admission, access, and treatment in University programs and activities.

Inquiries regarding the University’s student-related nondiscrimination policies may be directed to the Dean's Office, UCLA Extension, 10995 Le Conte Ave., Suite 770, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1333; (310) 825-2362.

Application Submission Checklist ALL APPLICANTS

Required:

Part I: Select a Program

Part II: Contact Information with valid daytime phone number and email

Part III: Education

Part IV: Required Documentation

Statement of Intent (must be at least 3 pages)

Resume

Transcript (unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application purposes, but official transcripts should be ordered upon acceptance to program and received before first day of program)

Part V: How Did You Hear About the PTP?

Part VI: Application Agreement

Optional:

Professional or Academic Writing Sample

Letter of Recommendation

Submit your program application by using one of the following methods:

In Person: Paralegal Training Program, 10995 Le Conte Ave., #517, Los Angeles, CA 90024

By Fax: (310) 825-9242

By Email: paralegal@uclaextension.edu

By Mail: Paralegal Training Program, 10995 Le Conte Ave., #517, Los Angeles, CA 90024

If you have any questions, please contact the PTP Staff:

Tel: (310) 825-0741

Email: paralegal@uclaextension.edu

Admission Requirements Applicants must possess the following to be eligible for the program.

A baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university

OR

An associate degree or 60 semester or 90 quarter units (or hours) earned from a regionally accredited college or university. At least 18 semester or 27 quarter units (or hours) must be considered general educational courses as defined by the ABA in at least three different disciplines. General education courses defined by the ABA include college level courses which provide students with critical reasoning and writing skills such as social and behavioral science, English composition and literature, foreign language, mathematics, humanities, and natural science. Courses designed to develop professional, vocational, and technical skills are not considered general education.

For more information, please visit uclaextension.edu/ptp

Fees and Tuition Tuition Cost: $7,495 for all programs

Tuition excludes textbooks, internship fees, transportation & parking, and miscellaneous costs.

Financial Aid Financial Aid Applicants must complete their financial aid packets along with their Admission Application by the Financial Aid deadlines indicated in the Program Schedule & Deadlines. You may access the federal financial aid application packet at uclaextension.edu/FinAidEligibility. Failure to submit your PTP Admission Application and Financial Aid packet by the specified time frames may delay the processing of your financial aid decision beyond the start date of your desired program. If you apply after the deadline you will be responsible for tuition while your financial aid application is in process. No exceptions. All Financial Aid questions should be directed to the Financial Aid Office at (310) 825-4246.

REMINDER FOR FINANCIAL AID APPLICANTS Please submit your completed financial aid packet to the Financial Aid Office by the stated application deadlines. Please call (310) 825-4246 for more information.

Admissions Timetable Applications are accepted at any time before the established deadlines on the previous page. Apply early to ensure your seat in the class and to secure financial aid, if needed. Decisions regarding your admission into the program will be rendered approximately 3 weeks after our office receives a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be processed until all required documentation is received.

Paralegal Training Program Application 2015-2016 Academic Year PART I: SELECT A PROGRAM

Quarter, Location:

PART II: CONTACT INFORMATION Name (Last, First, Middle):

Last 4 Digits of your SSN: Date of Birth:

Address: Gender:

City:

State: ZIP Code:

Daytime Phone: Email:

PART III: EDUCATION Institution (Name): Location (City, State, Country):

Degree Awarded:

Cumulative GPA: Semester Units: Quarter Units:

Institution (Name): Location (City, State, Country):

Degree Awarded:

Cumulative GPA: Semester Units: Quarter Units:

Institution (Name): Location (City, State, Country):

Degree Awarded:

Cumulative GPA: Semester Units: Quarter Units:

Do you have a Bachelor’s degree?

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Trans: 60/90/18/27:

CF: G302-H:

GE Comp: GE Exempt:

CC Comp: CC Exempt:

OC Exempt: LW Exempt: IN Exempt:

Notes:

MKT: PTE:

Reviewer: Attachments:

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PART IV: REQUIRED DOCUMENTS Please submit the following documentation in support of your Professional and Academic Competency

Required Documents: • Statement of Intent

o Describe your objectives for applying to the UCLA Extension Paralegal Training Program, including your educational and professional goals. Please describe any professional or personal qualities you possess that will help you succeed in the program or as a paralegal. You may also include any other information that would be relevant to assessing your capacity to meet the rigors and requirements of the program. Statements must be at least 3 pages, double spaced, 12 point font, with 1-inch or narrower margins.

• Resume • Transcripts

o Sealed, official transcripts, or for students whose college was located outside the United States, an official transcript report, are required before the first day of the program. (See uclaextension.edu/PTP_Transcript for academic credential evaluation services). You may submit temporary or unofficial transcripts for purposes of your application, but any acceptance is provisional pending the PTP’s receipt of official transcripts or official evaluation reports.

Optional Documents: • Professional or Academic Writing Sample (3 to 10 pages) • Letter of Recommendation – Letters of recommendation must be from a professional, volunteer, or academic setting.

PART V: HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE PARALEGAL TRAINING PROGRAM?

Did you attend an Information Session? (Y/N) ______________________ Why did you choose UCLA Extension for your paralegal studies? (Check all that apply):

Reputation of the PTP Course format Location Schedule (Availability of Day or Night Classes) Lifetime career assistance Price relative to other programs ABA approval Affiliation with UCLA School of Law Quality of the PTP instructors Other (please specify):______________________

How did you hear about the Paralegal Training Program? (Check all that apply):

Metro Line/Bus Shelters UCLA Extension or PTP website UCLA Extension catalog School Career Counselor or Career Fair PTP booklet/brochure LAPA Reporter Online advertising Radio Current student or graduate Friend/business associate Other (please specify):______________________

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PART VI: APPLICATION AGREEMENT This application signifies my intention to pursue the prescribed course of study in the UCLA Extension Paralegal Training Program. To the best of my knowledge, the facts set forth in this application are true and complete. I understand that if I am accepted into the UCLA Extension Paralegal Training Program, any false statement(s) made by me on or in connection with this application shall be considered sufficient cause for dismissal without a refund or revocation of an awarded certificate without a refund. If I am admitted, I agree, as a condition of admission, to provide official, original transcripts of all academic work necessary to fulfill the minimum education requirement before the first day of class. Failure to provide the requisite transcript documentation shall be considered sufficient cause for dismissal without a refund or revocation of an awarded certificate without a refund. I understand that all information so obtained will be confidential and used for administrative purposes only. Signature: Date:

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