Paralegal Institute - School of Leadership

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


Want to know more?  Attend our Paralegal Open House scheduled for Saturday, December 5 - 9-11:30 a.m..  Reserve your space by calling 412.396.1643 or email police@duq.edu.

We are now accepting applications for the Winter term which begins January 4, 2010.

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 $81 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