The Paralegal Studies Undergraduate Certificate program is comprised of 5 courses of 3 credit hours each. Each course contains a printed or online study guide with course overview, lecture notes, practice exercises, computer-scored multiple choice tests and hand-graded assignments. To complete the program, students must take 2 required courses and 3 electives.
P01 - Introduction to Paralegalism I
Introduces students to the paralegal field, the legal system, and legal analysis. Explores the scope of paralegal activities, the relationship of paralegals to lawyers, and an overview of litigation.
P02 - Introduction to Paralegalism II
A continuation of Introduction to Paralegalism I, this course provides skills in legal analysis, interviewing, investigation, advocacy and ethics, and provides an overview of legal research and writing.
P03 – Tort Law
Introduces basic areas of law dealing with civil wrongs, with coverage of intentional torts, negligence, malpractice, defamation, joint and vicarious liability, auto insurance, and workers' compensation.
P04 - Civil Litigation
Assisting the law office with matters concerning jurisdiction, venue, preparing basic pleadings, discovery documents, pre-trial and post-judgment motions, managing the case file, attending to service of process, and assisting in the courtroom.
P05 - Criminal Law and Procedure
Examines the fundamentals of substantive criminal law and procedures unique to criminal cases, including an examination of the practical aspects of prosecution and defense, the constitutional rights of the accused, plea bargaining, and the unique aspects of a criminal trial.
P06 - Real Estate Law
Covers real property and common types of real estate transactions and conveyances. Also covers preparation of legal instruments including deeds, contracts, leases, deeds of trust, and mortgages.
P07 - Law Office Management
Introduction to legal forms of business ownership, expenses, timekeeping, fee structures, billing, administrative reports, and miscellaneous administrative procedures.
P08 - Family Law
Emphasizes substantive law and overview of common procedures related to domestic relations law, including the formation and dissolution of marriage, marital property, child custody and support, and related matters.
P09 - Legal Research and Writing
Intensive introduction to legal research tools and techniques, including retrieval of case and statutory authority, use of encyclopedias, legal periodicals, treatises and other secondary authority, proper case citation form, and the drafting of internal and external documents, letters, memoranda, and other written materials.
P10 - Wills, Trusts, and Estates
An examination of the jurisdiction of probate courts, probate administration, the forms of wills and trusts, applicable legal and equitable principles, intestacy, and tax returns related to the estate.
