Course Syllabus
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Course Description
The paralegal field is highly rewarding for those who seek to be a part of the justice system. On a daily basis, the paralegal is the lawyer's right hand. From the perspective of the law, paralegals are almost like junior lawyers in so far as they must know a lot of what the lawyers know as they will create and present documents for execution upon their lawyer's approval. Paralegals are detail-oriented people, and they will follow up on communications, confirm court dates, check client backgrounds, smooth client relations, help law office to law office relations, and check every detail and every reference in all of their lawyer's documents. In addition, they'll research applicable laws and case references, prepare all court documents, and generally keep their lawyer moving forward.
Trial paralegals also prepare the case interrogatories, file with opposing counsel for discovery, prep the client for deposition and accompany the attorney to court. Although the work is quite detailed, in practice, a paralegal's work is anything but secretarial and many have equal use of their attorney's secretary. Some paralegals also have legal assistants [junior paralegals] to whom they delegate details of their responsibilities.
This introductory Paralegal Studies course is designed to give you information you need to become a successful paralegal. It will take you through a survey of what is needed to become a paralegal, how you may choose to go about it, all of the business details which are generally not known until you are within a firm, and some of the social skills and information you will need to survive and thrive in a firm. If you already have your paralegal certification, then this course will be beneficial if you are seeking your first firm position. You will get an insider's scoop on common mistakes and pitfalls, and you will know how to avoid or overcome common faux pas.
- Completely Online
- Self-Paced
- 6 Months to Complete
- 24/7 Availability
- Start Anytime
- PC & Mac Compatible
- Android & iOS Friendly
- Accredited CEUs
Learning Outcomes
- Define what a paralegal is.
- Describe attorneys, attitudes, egos and your managing attorney.
- Describe language and business philosophy that brings favor from attorneys.
- Describe things paralegals get burned over - protocol and scapegoats.
- Summarize how to get along with your interoffice competition.
- Summarize priorities and management styles.
- Describe research, attorney support and Lexis Nexis.
- Describe email, phone calls and filing procedures.
- Summarize client relations and office to office relations.
- Describe attorney/client privilege and your role in it.
- Summarize office politics, downsizing and firm mergers.
- Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
Assessment Guide
Assessment | Points |
---|---|
Lesson 1 Assignment | 25 points |
An Introduction | 5 points |
Lesson 1: So You Want To Be A Paralegal? | 14 points |
Lesson 2 Assignment | 25 points |
Lesson 2: Qualifying, Education & Certifications | 11 points |
Lesson 3 Assignment | 25 points |
Lesson 3: Making the Cut: Getting Hired & Negotiating Your Salary | 14 points |
Lesson 4 Assignment | 25 points |
Lesson 4: Unspoken Expectations & How to Get Promoted at Your Firm | 14 points |
Lesson 5 Assignment | 25 points |
Lesson 5: Attorneys, Attitudes, Egos and Your Managing Attorney | 14 points |
Lesson 6 Assignment | 25 points |
Lesson 6: Language and Business Philosophy That Brings Favor From Attorneys | 14 points |
Lesson 7 Assignment | 25 points |
Lesson 7: Things Paralegals Get Burned Over: Protocol & Scapegoats | 15 points |
Lesson 8 Assignment | 25 points |
Lesson 8: Pecking Order Among Paralegals - How to Get Along with Your Interoffice Competition | 14 points |
Lesson 9 Assignment | 25 points |
Lesson 9: Managing Your Case Load: Priorities and Management Styles | 15 points |
Lesson 10 Assignment | 25 points |
Lesson 10: Research, Attorney Support and Lexis Nexis | 14 points |
Lesson 11 Assignment | 25 points |
Lesson 11: Your Firm's Case Tracking Systems; eCase, Paradox, etc. | 14 points |
Lesson 12 Assignment | 25 points |
Lesson 12: Email, Phone Calls & Filing | 12 points |
Lesson 13 Assignment | 25 points |
Lesson 13: Client Relations & Office to Office Relations | 14 points |
Lesson 14 Assignment | 25 points |
Lesson 14: Attorney/Client Privilege & Your Role in It | 14 points |
Lesson 15 Assignment | 25 points |
Lesson 15: Office Politics, Downsizing & Firm Mergers | 15 points |
Lesson 16 Assignment | 25 points |
Lesson 16: Year End Bonuses, Fringe Perks, Parties & Dinners | 12 points |
The Final Exam | 77 points |