Paralegal Institute - School of Leadership

The Profession
Certificate Options
Course Descriptions
Term Calendar
Application Procedures
Policies and Standards
Resources and Services
Continuing Professional Education


We are now accepting applications for the accelerated summer daytime program which begins on June 1.

Duquesne University has a respected tradition of preparing professionals for career opportunities. This program is designed to provide a practical education, and at the same time, enhance the intellectual growth of our students.  It is a course of study at the graduate level; a certificate program that is intended to respond to the ever changing needs of the legal profession. A bachelor's degree is required for admission.

A minumum of ten classes is required for completion of a general certificate.  Additional classes are required for concentrations.  Tuition is $519 per course.  A $78 university fee is charged each term.  Some classes may be charged additional fees.  For more information, please contact the Paralegal Institute at 412.396.1643.

Program brochure (PDF)
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More than 1,500 people have completed the program since it began more than 20 years ago.   The paralegal profession is a challenging and rewarding career choice. Duquesne University's Paralegal Institute offers:

• Post-bachelor's degree certificate options
• General practice or specialty certificate options
• An outstanding law library
• Part-time evening or full-time summer program options
• An effective placement program and online job bank
• An American Bar Association approved program
• A solid reputation for academic excellence

Mission Statement
The Paralegal Institute's mission is to prepare students for careers as professional paralegals by providing a well-balanced, fully integrated education including substantive knowledge, practical skills, and a perspective of themselves and the community that enable them to perform effectively in a variety of legal settings.

Graduates will:

• Understand the fundamentals of the legal system, its processes, and alternatives
• Be capable of thinking creatively and in a legally sophisticated way about the complex and varying legal issues that they may encounter
• Understand the rules of professional conduct governing lawyers and their application to paralegals in all employment settings
• Develop analytical and judgment abilities and be capable of performing legal and factual research using both traditional and emerging technology tools
• Develop knowledge and understanding of substantive law and legal principles in one or more areas of practice
• Develop sound legal writing skills
• Be capable of applying knowledge management and organizational skills in the legal setting

The Program will:

Stay abreast of changes in the delivery of legal services in the community and respond to the growing need for well educated individuals trained to assist lawyers in providing a variety of legal services

• Provide students with an understanding and appreciation of how the legal system works and the role of paralegals
• Provide an education that emphasizes the importance of research, writing, technology literacy, and professional responsibility, including pro bono service
• Evaluate curriculum and services on a regular basis and incorporate changes identified through that process
• Engage instructors with outstanding practical experience and communication skills, and foster their professional development
• Promote an appreciation and respect for others
  
  
  

If you would like more information about this exciting career opportunity, please call 412-396-1643 or e-mail police@duq.edu to schedule a phone or personal interview.

"The Duquesne Paralegal Institute certificate increased my knowledge base and enabled me to obtain a medical legal analyst position at the Pittsburgh defense litigation firm of Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin."   

~Jo Marie Simkins M.D., Medical Legal Analyst