Saint Vincent College reveals new Legal Practice Certificate program for undergrads and professionals

Saint Vincent College has announced the launch of its new Legal Practice Certificate program, set to commence in the Spring 2025 semester. This program is designed for undergraduate students preparing for law school and legal professionals interested in enhancing their skills.

According to Bruce Antkowiak, a law professor and Senior Legal Counsel at Saint Vincent College, traditional law school education often overlooks practical aspects of the legal profession. He emphasizes that a solid understanding of how legal principles apply to real-world situations significantly benefits both aspiring and current legal professionals.

The program will include four courses, two of which will be conducted in-person: Legal Reasoning and Analysis, and Law Office Practicum. In the Legal Reasoning course, participants will learn to analyze legal issues using relevant statutes and case law. Meanwhile, the Practicum component of the program will involve a semester-long internship at a law office within the student’s chosen field.

The two online courses are Crafting Legal Documents, which focuses on legal research, document writing, and citation, and Survey of Legal Practice, which explores legal ethics along with various areas of practice such as criminal law, civil litigation, property law, and wills and estates.

Antkowiak recommends the program particularly to individuals with a two-year paralegal degree, as it will provide them with valuable insights into the practicalities of legal practice and client service.