The Paralegal program provides comprehensive training for individuals interested in starting a career in legal support. This 72 clock-hours hybrid program prepares students for an entry-level role as a Paralegal or Legal Assistant, equipping them with essential skills needed in legal settings such as law firms, corporate offices, and government agencies. Students will learn legal research techniques, evidence gathering, legal document preparation, and court procedures. Additionally, the course covers foundational skills in family law, medical terminology, keyboarding, proofreading, and computer applications like spreadsheets and word processing. This program also includes guidance on interviewing for legal support positions, preparing students to enter the field with professionalism and confidence.
Certified Paralegal
Upon successful completion of the Paralegal program, students will be able to:
• Conduct legal research, gather information, and accurately prepare legal documents for a variety of legal cases.
• Utilize essential office software and technology, including spreadsheets and word processing tools, to manage legal documentation and assist in case management.
• Demonstrate knowledge of legal and medical terminology, especially in family law contexts, to effectively support attorneys and legal professionals.
• Apply understanding of court rules and procedures to ensure compliance with legal standards in documentation and evidence handling.
• Pursue entry-level positions as Paralegals, Legal Assistants, or in administrative support roles, ready to contribute effectively within legal or business environments.
Certified Paralegal Course – 11 Weeks (72 Total Hours)
Week 1: Introduction to the Paralegal Profession
• Topics: Overview of the paralegal profession, roles and responsibilities, ethics and professional conduct, and the structure of the legal system.
• Activities: Introduction to legal terminology and case studies on ethical dilemmas.
• Total Hours: 6.5 (4 lecture, 2.5 interactive activities)
Week 2: Legal Research and Writing I
• Topics: Basics of legal research, primary and secondary sources, and proper citation formats.
• Activities: Hands-on practice with legal research databases and drafting simple legal memoranda.
• Total Hours: 6.5 (4 lecture, 2.5 research practice)
Week 3: Legal Research and Writing II
• Topics: Advanced legal writing techniques, brief writing, and synthesizing legal findings.
• Activities: Practice drafting briefs and reviewing examples of effective legal writing.
• Total Hours: 6.5 (4 lecture, 2.5 writing exercises)
Week 4: Civil Litigation and Procedures
• Topics: Overview of the civil litigation process, court structure, and the roles paralegals play in preparing for trials.
• Activities: Mock trial preparation and drafting court documents (complaints, answers).
• Total Hours: 6.5 (4 lecture, 2.5 mock trial exercises)
Week 5: Contracts and Business Law
• Topics: Fundamentals of contract law, elements of enforceable contracts, and common legal issues in business law.
• Activities: Review and analysis of sample contracts and case studies.
• Total Hours: 6.5 (4 lecture, 2.5 contract analysis)
Week 6: Family Law
• Topics: Key concepts in family law, such as divorce, child custody, and adoption procedures.
• Activities: Drafting family law documents and exploring real-world case scenarios.
• Total Hours: 6.5 (4 lecture, 2.5 document drafting)
Week 7: Criminal Law and Procedures
•Topics: Overview of criminal law, rights of the accused, and the trial process.
•Activities: Review of notable criminal cases and mock interviews with “clients.”
•Total Hours: 6.5 (4 lecture, 2.5 interactive exercises)
Week 8: Real Estate and Property Law
•Topics: Basics of real estate law, property rights, deeds, titles, and leases.
•Activities: Drafting property-related documents and case study analysis.
•Total Hours: 6.5 (4 lecture, 2.5 document practice)
Week 9: Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility
•Topics: In-depth look at legal ethics, confidentiality, and conflicts of interest.
•Activities: Case studies on ethical dilemmas and discussion of the Texas Disciplinary Rulesof Professional Conduct.
•Total Hours: 6.5 (4 lecture, 2.5 case study discussion)
Week 10: Technology in the Legal Field
•Topics: Use of technology for legal research, e-discovery, and case management software.
•Activities: Training on common paralegal software and practical exercises in documentmanagement.
•Total Hours: 6.5 (4 lecture, 2.5 technology practice)
Week 11: Final Review and Exam Preparation
•Topics: Comprehensive review of all course material, test-taking strategies, andpreparation for certification exams.
•Activities: Mock exam, review of answers, and final Q&A session.
•Total Hours: 6.5 (4 lecture, 2.5 exam review)
