The Legal Studies Institute (LSI) is an affiliate of FIU Law that provides high-quality legal training for paralegal professionals. For more than 30 years, we have served the educational needs of the community, accommodating the hectic schedule of working students to cultivate highly motivated, well-trained paralegals.
What sets our paralegal programs apart is that our in-person classes take place inside Rafael Diaz-Balart Hall, right at the heart of FIU Law. As a result, all LSI students will have access to the FIU Law Library and other resources to help you reach your full potential.
If you are interested in our paralegal programs, RSVP for one of our upcoming information sessions or request more information about your program format of interest!
Programs at a Glance
With 225 clock hours of learning across twelve subjects taught by highly credentialed faculty, our paralegal certificate programs are designed to provide students with the tools they need to begin or enhance their paralegal careers in just one academic year. Students gain substantive legal knowledge, practical legal skills, and improved abilities to conduct legal research using LexisNexis research platforms.
Our courses are based on the American Association for Paralegal Education's (AAfPE) guidelines and the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). As a member of AAfPE, our programs are significantly compliant with their course guidelines.
That means that your education at the Legal Studies Institute is based on ABA guidelines that set the standard for paralegal certificate programs in the United States.
Curriculum
Semester 1 (Core Courses)
- Introduction to the Legal System
- Civil Procedures
- Legal Research and Writing
Semesters 2 and 3
- Torts
- Criminal Law
- Family Law
- Contracts and Business Organizations
- Constitutional Law
- Real Estate, Trusts and Estates
On-Campus Program
Our on-campus program, held at FIU's Modesto Maidique Campus in Rafael Diaz-Balart Hall, provides students with hands-on legal training and essential resources for taking what you learn in the classroom and applying it in the workforce.
Classes are held on weekday evenings to accommodate the schedules of our students, most of whom are currently employed and seeking to elevate their professional ability.
Online Program
Our online program is the perfect solution for working professionals that need additional flexibility in their class scheduling. With classes taking place completely online, you can take advantage of the format to keep up with our rigorous three-semester pacing.
For the full online course description, please visit FIU Online.
Payments and Refunds
- All payments must be made in full on or before the Drop/Add date which takes place about the second week after classes begin.
- A $100 late payment fee will be applied to outstanding balances after the Drop/Add deadline.
- Payments are accepted in the form of either: Credit Card, Check Card, Personal Check, Cashier’s Check, Money Order, or Bank Wire Transfer (made payable to FIU-LSI). No Cash will be accepted.
- The $25 Application Fee is nonrefundable and nontransferable.
Requesting a Refund
A student may request a refund of the course only as provided below:
- A full course fee refund (100%) may be granted for a course if a written request has been submitted via email to: legal@fiu.edu. Provided such written request is submitted on or before the Drop/Add date as stated above.
- No course fee refund will be granted for any requests received by the LSI Registrar after the Drop/Add deadline.
Please note, failure to submit a timely course fee refund request or transfer as stipulated above will obligate you to the personal financial liability for the course(s).
Student Resources
Your success is our top priority! From enrollment advice to help with your future job hunt, we are here to help.
Academic Calendars
Orientation
A mandatory orientation is conducted each semester before the start of classes for both on-campus and online students. All newly admitted students are required to attend in order to ensure they are fully prepared to begin the program.
Graduation Information
The Legal Studies Institute awards a Certificate of Completion to each student who successfully completes all course work. Students are invited to participate in a graduation ceremony celebrated once a year in June. Family members are welcome to attend.
Visa Eligibility
Neither the On-Campus nor the Online program is eligible for receiving a student visa.
Job Posting Bulletin Board (Updated for 2025)
Job opportunities for alumni and students are listed below. The jobs below have been submitted by private law firms, corporations and public entities.
August
June
- Fields Howell LLP
- Sarah Steinbaum
- QPV, PLLC
- Health Law Offices of Anthony C. Vitale, P.A.
- Rubenstein Law
April
Disclaimer
Please note our paralegal studies programs are non-credit professional programs and will not earn credit toward regular college degrees.