Advanced Legal Studies Certificate

The Advanced Legal Essentials certificate better prepares paralegal studies students with opportunities to grow in the workplace and advance their careers, and in turn, to better contribute to their communities. The coursework included in this certificate includes an ethical component that further enhances the DruryGO experience. This largely upper-division certificate not only provides an additional option for students who currently cannot pursue paralegal education through DruryGO past the A.S. degree, but also opens up new possibilities for potential transfers from community colleges in other regions that offer an A.S. in Paralegal Studies. The program includes an upper-division internship component, opening the way for more meaningful career explorations and networking opportunities for students.

The Advanced Legal Studies certificate provides additional instruction in relation to more complex concepts that a paralegal may need in order to have a better understanding of how to fulfill their duties than what is provided in the A.S. in Paralegal Studies and the Legal Studies certificate.

The Advanced Legal Studies Certificate requires 18 hours of coursework.

Advanced Legal Studies Certificate – 18 Credits
Can be pursued during or after an associate

Why take this certificate?

• Career Advancement: Specialization in a specific area of law enhances expertise and makes you more marketable, providing a valuable credential for promotions or new job opportunities.
• Skill Enhancement: Deepens understanding of complex legal concepts and improves practical skills, keeping you effective and updated in legal practice
• Networking: Offers opportunities to connect with fellow students, faculty, and legal professionals, leading to potential career opportunities and collaborations
• Career Transition: Facilitates moves into new legal fields or alternative roles, such as compliance, policy analysis, or consulting
• Personal and Professional Growth: Provides an intellectually stimulating environment, boosting confidence in your legal knowledge and abilities

Who is it for?

• Legal Professionals: To specialize in a particular area of law and enhance career prospects
• Career Changers: To gain legal knowledge and credentials needed to transition into legal roles
• Recent Graduates: To gain specialized knowledge and practical skills for a competitive edge in the job market
• Non-Lawyers in Related Fields: To understand legal principles relevant to their work, such as compliance or contracts
• Government Employees and Policymakers: To better navigate legal frameworks and improve policy-making skills

Careers

• Specialized Attorney: Focus on areas like corporate law, environmental law, or intellectual property
• Compliance Officer: Ensure organizations adhere to legal standards and regulations
• Contract Manager: Oversee the creation, negotiation, and execution of contracts
• Policy Advisor: Develop and analyze policies for government agencies or non-profits
• Paralegal/Legal Assistant: Provide specialized support in legal practices or law firms
• Regulatory Affairs Specialist: Manage compliance with industry-specific regulations
• Corporate Executive: Handle legal aspects of business operations, such as governance and risk management
• Academic Researcher/Lecturer: Conduct research or teach in legal studies programs
• Human Resources Manager: Oversee employment law and workplace regulations