The Mercy College Paralegal Studies Certificate Program is an American Bar Association approved program offered at the White Plains campus. The program prepares students to enter the legal field as highly trained paralegals. Paralegals assist the attorney in the practice of law. The program is a 5 1/2 month day program or a 9 1/2 month evening program. The program is offered in the spring (February), summer (June) and Fall (September), provided there is sufficient enrollment. To apply for admission to the program a student must have attained an Associate's or Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university. In some cases, a student with at least 60 college credits may be considered for admission.

Internships are available to students seeking a practical application of their classroom studies. Internships are not required but are highly recommended.

The Paralegal Studies Certificate Program offers FREE placement assistance to students and graduates. The Paralegal Studies Certificate Program cannot and does not guarantee employment.

The Paralegal Studies Certificate Program is a cohort program whereby students must take the courses as they are offered, not as they choose to take them. The courses include: Introduction to the Paralegal Profession, Legal Research and Writing, Litigation and Trial Preparation, Real Estate, Matrimonial Law, Criminal Law, Probate, Trusts and Estates, Computers and the Law, Business Organizations, Legal Ethics, Career Planning, Notary Public Seminar, Advanced Seminar: Real Estate, Litigation, Criminal Law and Matrimonial Law. The curriculum is 337 clock hours. All professors are practicing attorneys, judges or paralegals and teach in their area of specialization.

The Mercy College Law Library is located at the White Plains Campus, the Dobbs Ferry Campus and the Bronx Campus.

Tuition: $5000.00 plus a $25 non-refundable application fee plus the cost of books

Interested students should contact:

Donna F. Bookin, J.D.
Director
Paralegal Studies Certificate Program
White Plains Campus
277 Martine Avenue
White Plains, NY 10601
914-948-3666 ext. 3328
dbookin@mercy.edu

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is there an application process for admission to the program?
Yes. The application process includes:

• the Paralegal Studies Certificate Program application with the $25 application fee (non-refundable)
• two reference letters
• an official copy of the student's undergraduate transcript
• a 200 word statement explaining the student's reasons for wanting to become a paralegal
• a personal interview with the director of the program

Can I transfer the credits from the Mercy College Paralegal Studies Certificate Program back to Mercy College to complete my undergraduate degree?
Yes. If a student completes the program with a 2.0 GPA or better and has successfully completed all the courses in the Certificate program, the student will be awarded 24 undergraduate credits towards completion of a Baccalaureate Degree at Mercy College. If the student chooses to major in Paralegal Studies or Legal Studies on the undergraduate level, 18 credits will be accepted as meeting the major requirements and 6 credits will be accepted as elective credit.

Is there financial aid available for the program?
Financial aid may be available for eligible students. Students should contact the financial aid office at the White Plains campus for further information. 914.948.3666 ext. 3322

What are the starting salaries for paralegals?
Starting salaries vary depending on the firm's location, area of practice, student's interests and background. The career counselor works individually with each student to assist in placement. We cannot; however, guarantee placement.

Does every graduate receive the same ABA approved certificate?
No. If a student graduates with a 3.5 GPA or greater the student will graduate WITH DISTINCTION.