Legal Studies Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Prepare to transition to law school or become a paralegal

Legal Studies Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (27 credits)

Designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree and want to pursue a career in the law, Davenport's post-baccalaureate legal studies certificate will prepare you for a future in law. Approved by the American Bar Association and accredited by International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), Davenport’s legal studies certificate combines theory and practical application so you’re prepared for wherever your future takes you. In fact, Davenport's hands-on learning approach is embedded throughout the legal studies curriculum so you master the effective communication, critical thinking and other skills you need for a variety of jobs in legal studies.

The courses of the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Legal Studies is an excellent pre-law degree and provides valuable preparation for careers in law firms, corporations, government agencies, the judiciary, non-profits and other law-related settings.

Davenport understands students' schedules are hectic. To provide further flexibility within the legal studies program, we are transitioning to a fully online experience by offering 100% of courses in Livestream format through our Global Campus. This allows you to stream and participate in classes from anywhere life takes you! The BS in legal studies also qualifies for our Employment Guarantee.

The legal studies post-baccalaureate certificate at Davenport University will prepare students to successfully transition to law school or to immediately perform the duties required of a paralegal. Although the paralegal plays a key role in providing legal services to clients, only attorneys may accept cases, give legal advice, represent clients in court, or provide other direct legal services to clients.

Explore classes for post-baccalaureate legal studies certificate

Through studies that focus on effective communication skills, critical thinking, litigation procedures, computer applications for the law offices, ethics, and various legal specialties, Davenport's legal studies certificate will prepare students for law school or to perform the duties required of a paralegal.

See Full Course List

Courses		27-33 Credits
LEGL101	Introduction to Legal Studies	3
LEGL215	Litigation This course is designed to familiarize students with the basic requirements of the Michigan Rules of Court and the litigation process. The purpose is to enable them to assist the attorney in preparation of legal papers and documents in a timely and comprehensive manner. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): LEGL101	3
LEGL216	Legal Research Students are introduced to the published sources of law and research strategies utilized to efficiently analyze legal issues and determine the current state of the law. Students learn to use print resources, as well as computer assisted research tools to access primary and secondary sources of law. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): ENGL110 Prerequisite(s): LEGL101	3
LEGL218	Legal Writing	3
LEGL220	Technology in the Law Office This course provides an opportunity for students to use computer technology and its application within law firms and other entities engaged in the practice of law. It covers the use of technology in, e-discovery, office management, case management, litigation presentation and billing. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): LEGL101 for students seeking the Post-Baccalaureate only Prerequisite(s): BITS211 (required for associate’s and bachelor’s degree seeking students) and LEGL101.	3
LEGL301	Business Organizations Students are introduced to legal problems encountered in business formation, operation, and acquisition, including the law concerning sole proprietorships, general and limited partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies. They are also introduced to related business law concepts. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): LEGL101	3
LEGL308	Estate Plan & Probate Law EL Students are introduced to the process of estate planning, from initial client contact to asset identification and appraisal through drafting of estate planning documents, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney and medical advanced directives. Students also learn about estate administration, guardianships and conservatorship through the drafting of petitions and other court documents. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): LEGL101	3
LEGL415	Advanced Litigation This is an advanced course in trial practice. Particular emphasis will be given to discovery and trial preparation. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): LEGL215 and LEGL218 are the required prerequisites for bachelor’s degree seeking students. LEGL215 and LEGL216 are the required prerequisites for the students in the post-baccalaureate certificate program.	3
LEGL490	Legal Studies BS & Cert Intern Registration Internship/Practicum Note: Attend Mandatory Internship Workshop at least two semesters prior to your desired internship course semester. The required internship workshop and approval process can be found at:https://my.davenport.edu/internships This bachelor-level internship is the integration of previous classroom instruction with new learning acquired through on-the-job work experience. This course will provide an on-the-job experience in the day-to-day routine and operation of a law office or other legal setting. 150 hours of career-related work time shall be required for the 3 credit course and 200 hours for 4 credits pursued. Internship hours will be scheduled in partnership between the student and the site and reported via weekly reports filed by the student in the academic course. Students will be supported to identify site possibilities; however, responsibility for selection by the internship employer rests with the student. The internship may be either paid or unpa	3

Which class should I take? When should I take it?

See our Recommended Program Sequences:

Accredited

Davenport has specialized accreditation through the IACBE

96%

of Davenport grads are employed within six months of graduating

Why get a legal studies post-baccalaureate certificate at Davenport?

In the legal studies certificate at Davenport, you’ll learn from legal professionals who are at various stages of their career, from professors with decades of experience to practicing attorneys who bring the most current legal trends to the classroom. Their connections to the legal community run deep and can mean potential internship or career opportunities for you.

Prepared for a legal career

Davenport’s certificate in legal studies will prepare you to continue your legal education or to go right to work as a paralegal.

Get into a school of law

Receive outstanding preparation and support to get into law school through Davenport’s legal studies certificate program.

Get hands-on experience

Learn from legal professionals and get hands-on experience through coursework.

IACBE accreditation

Receive a certificate in legal studies online or on campus that holds specialized accreditation by the IACBE.

Get started on your certificate in legal studies

Explore the admissions requirements and then take the next step toward earning your certificate in legal studies at Davenport.

Talk to an admissions advisor

Davenport’s admissions team is here to answer your questions. Please call us at 800.686.1600 or email us at info@davenport.edu.

Apply now or request more information

Start on your path to a future career in the legal field. Request more information or begin your application now.

Davenport programs related to the legal studies certificate

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BBA in Management

BBA in Sport Management

BS in Legal Studies

About Davenport University

Davenport is a private, not-for-profit university with more than 150 years of experience preparing students for successful careers.

Some programs require a student to complete a portion of their degree plan off-campus.
View a full list of those programs and courses

Source:

DU Graduate Survey, 2023