Paralegal Portfolio

Are you a working Paralegal or Legal Assistant? Do you have experience doing legal research or drafting legal documents for court and other proceedings? You can easily leverage this work experience for Experiential Learning Credit by compiling documentation that best displays your skills into a Paralegal Portfolio. These documents include various legal pleadings, such as the following:

  • Complaints & Answers
  • Motions & Requests
  • Business Letters
  • Case & Statutory Research
  • Various other legal pleadings

Beginning the Portfolio Process

To initiate the portfolio process or any questions related to the Paralegal Portfolio students should contact Chad Smith, Director of Legal Programs, at smithcha@cua.edu or (202) 319-4389. Students should be prepared to discuss his/her eligibility which will aid in the determination process.

Eligibility for the Portfolio

Any student admitted and/or enrolled in the Paralegal Studies Certificate or Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies program who has life experience and/or experiential learning as a Paralegal or other related legal capacity may apply for Experiential Learning Credit via the portfolio process.

Time to Completion

Once approved and deemed eligible, students will have a maximum of 2 semesters (includes Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters) to complete and submit the Paralegal Portfolio

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the portfolio process work?
You will build a portfolio documenting your work and life experiences for review by experienced instructors qualified to assess portfolios and recommend credit.

How long will it take to determine if credit was earned for the portfolio?
Approximately two weeks from the time of final submission.

Can revisions to the portfolio be made?
If the portfolio is incomplete, additional documentation may be requested/required to make a determination.

Does the portfolio affect my GPA?
No, the portfolio is for course credit only and is not calculated as part of your GPA.

For which courses may I earn credit?
You can earn up to 3 credits (1 course) per portfolio with a maximum of 2 portfolios (up to 6 credits) for any of the following courses: How can I benefit from this completing a portfolio?
By completing a portfolio, you can reduce your cost and time to completion of the Paralegal Certificate or Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies (up to 6 credits or 2 courses).

How much does the submission of the portfolio cost?
The portfolio is a free option for students as a means of reducing the overall time to completion and tuition cost of the Paralegal Studies Certificate or Associate Arts in Paralegal Studies.

Whom should I contact if I have further questions or to begin the portfolio process?
Chad Smith, Director of Legal Programs
smithcha@cua.edu
(202) 319-4389