The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that paralegal careers are among the fastest growing in the country, as law firms and other employers increasingly hire paralegals to lower the cost and improve the availability and efficiency of legal services.  UNF’s Legal Studies Institute offers a wide range of certificate programs: legal secretary, paralegal, paralegal and legal secretary dual. The focus is on not only the theoretical side of the law, but a practical look at legal careers in action. The National Association of Legal Assistants reports an above-average expected growth rate for the profession through 2010 at 33 percent. In Florida, Paralegals and Legal Assistants positions are in the top 10 list of “Sizzlin’ ” jobs, averaging an annual wage of $42,474.

Certificate programs offer learners new routes toward rewarding careers. For established professionals, certificates offer a practical means for strengthening the degrees they've already earned without taking on the hefty commitment of an additional full-blown degree program. And, for the career changer, certificates establish a foundation to break into new, lucrative lines of work without emptying their pockets to get there. (ClassesUSA)

UNF Legal Studies Institute offers classes scheduled around the working persons hours; evening, weekends and on-line. Courses are taught by local judges, attorneys and certified paralegals. Classes are held at the University Center on the UNF campus, at the Kernan Blvd. entrance.

For those seeking credentialing, the Legal Studies Institute also offers a preparation course to sit for the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) exam offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants.