Certificate Program in Paralegal Studies
Approved by UC Davis School of Law
The paralegal field continues to expand with the Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reporting that through 2014 the number of paralegals nationwide will increase by 27 percent. UC Davis Extension's Paralegal Studies Certificate Program allows you to realize a new career or enhance an existing one in just six months. This program is a comprehensive, intensive course of study. Focus only on developing paralegal skills and gain the skills that are most in demand.
How you will benefit
- Become a paralegal in just six months.
- Learn legal terminology, writing and research skills to become a valuable asset to any law firm.
- Discover techniques for preparing cases, pleading cases and managing clients.
- Develop the skills to draft contracts and analyze legal documents.
- Examine the laws pertaining to personal injury, product liability and malpractice.
Who should attend
This program is for career changers, current paralegals and others who work in law firms, as well as those considering law school. Many of the skills developed in non-legal fields (such as nursing, accounting, business management, law enforcement, medical and teaching) are transferable to the paralegal profession.
| UNITS | F | W | SP | SU | ||
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| REQUIRED COURSES | Paralegal Studies Certificate Program | 21 | 
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Distance Learning format
Classroom and Distance Learning formats |
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Required Courses
Paralegal Studies Certificate Program
21 quarter units academic credit, X425.1. .
Approved by the UC Davis
Includes support in Spanish!
The paralegal profession
continues to be one of the fastest growing career opportunities in the country.
UC Davis Extension offers its acclaimed Paralegal Studies Certificate Program online every quarter, and this summer it is also available as
a traditional classroom program. Acquire the
knowledge you need to enter the paralegal
profession.
- instructors who are licensed attorneys
- LexisNexis and Westlaw online legal research database subscription for one year
- lecture notes, exercises, diagrams, charts, forms, templates, writing and research labs, and mock exams (exams must be taken in English) accessed through the ParaStudent Web site (in English or Spanish)
- a program that meets California's Paralegal Requirements as outlined in the Business and Professions Code Section 6450 (c)(2)
This dynamic certificate program provides you with the skills you need to enter this exciting profession.
Why choose this program over other type programs?
According to the 2004 Salary Survey by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), about half of employed paralegals with some form of formal education obtained that education in the form of a paralegal certificate.
Who should enroll?
- Legal staff who wish to enhance or advance their careers by earning a professional credential
- Career changers looking for a professional career with strong compensation
- Those involved in legal matters who want to gain a clearer understanding of the legal process
- Those considering law school (this program will give you a distinct advantage)
Comprehensive program
Excellent resource materials including, texts, workbooks and CD ROM. Access to a Web site with additional resources only for program participants including: lecture notes, mock exams, templates and forms, online citation assistance, online court rules, textbook summary and quizzes, chat rooms for instructor and students, and practice exercise questions. Please feel free to test drive our online support materials and experience the UC Davis Paralegal Studies Certificate Program. To visit the test drive site, please go to http://www.paralegalstudent.com/ucdavistestdrive.
Program outline
Introduction: Paralegal Studies Certificate Program Essentials
Explore legal ethics, legal terminology, legal research and writing, pleading preparation, utilization of forms and form books, legal analysis, client correspondence, interviewing, investigation, citation form, evidence, trial preparation and how to manage your clients.
Advanced Topics
This section builds upon the introductory portion with more indepth study of those topics as well as preparation of discovery documents, e-discovery, motions, notices, legal technology, employment strategies, and online legal research with both LexisNexis and Westlaw.
California Procedures for Paralegals
This section covers litigation procedures in the state courts of California, from both an academic, as well as a law practitioner's point of view. You will receive step-by-step instruction on how to:
- prepare Summons and Complaint
- obtain Default Judgment
- prepare Answer and Cross Complaint
- evaluate and draft various pretrial motions and discovery requests
- prepare cases for trial and trial related documents and motions
- enforce a judgment after trial
In addition, you will learn the California court system and basic appellate processes, how to interpret and apply California Code of Civil Procedure, California Rules of Court, as well as various local court rules and legal forms.
Tort Law for Paralegals
This section provides an overview of laws pertaining to personal injury, product liability and malpractice. You will examine the intentional torts of battery, assault, false imprisonment, intentional infliction of mental distress, trespass to chattel, trespass to property and conversion. You will also analyze negligence, breach of duty, causation and damages, liability issues and defenses, and malpractice.
Contract Law for Paralegals
Contracts are involved in virtually every field of law. This section focuses on the specialized skills of contract drafting, analysis and contract litigation. You will examine several kinds of contracts and draft a contract as a part of your course requirements. You will also learn about remedies for non-performance (i.e., breach of contract) and third party contracts.
Program Designers
Daniel R. Barber and Alyssa Navallo are paralegals and nationally-recognized educators who have designed and developed courses and consulted for paralegal programs at some of the most highly respected universities in the U.S., including Duke University, Emory University, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, the University of Tennessee, Xavier University and John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
When this curriculum is combined with the high quality instruction provided by members of the bar association, the result is an unparalleled and dynamic educational experience.
Admission Criteria
In order to enroll in this program you must hold a high school diploma or an advanced degree. In addition, participants in this program need both word processing and basic Internet skills.
Sections of this course open for enrollment:
- Paralegal Studies Certificate Program
starts March 31 - Paralegal Studies Certificate Program starts July 8
Free info Sessions
Attend a Paralegal Studies Program Information Session to learn more about this program.
For More Information
Download a Paralegal Studies Certificate Program brochure for a list of current quarter courses and enrollment information. 
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