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UW-Colleges Continuing
Education
Online Paralegal Certificate of Completion
Gain the skills and knowledge needed to perform the basic duties of a paralegal in this six-part, non-credit Paralegal Certificate of Completion series from the University of Wisconsin Colleges. This entry-level online program provides a comprehensive overview of paralegal roles and responsibilities. By the time you finish this series, you will have a solid understanding of what activities a paralegal must perform and how to perform them. If you are interested in becoming a paralegal, completing this program will take you one step closer to your goal.
In this series, you will learn how to:
- Assist trial attorneys
- Interview witnesses
- Investigate complex fact patterns
- Research the law
- Assist in preparing cases for courtroom litigation
Course
Fees
Individual courses are $169 each plus the cost
of books (one time purchase of approximately $250).
Who Can Enroll
Anyone with a high school diploma or equivalent can enroll in this program. College experience and/or law office experience is helpful but not required. This program is recommended for those in the legal profession seeking advancement or for someone interested in a career change.
Flexible Study
This is a flexible program designed to let you work at a pace comfortable for you. The certificate series includes a total of six classes each lasting six weeks. Classes are designed to meet the needs of both novices and those currently working in the legal field who are looking to upgrade their skills.
Earning the Certificate
A certificate of completion will be issued to those who complete all six courses in the series. You are free to enroll in individual classes but you will not receive a comprehensive certificate of completion until you have completed the six-course series.
After
successfully completing the final exam for each course, the student will print
an online certificate of completion. Once a student has completed the
series, she or he should contact the enrolling UW Colleges campus Continuing
Education Department and provide them with a copy of each completion
certificate. UW Colleges will then provide the student with a final
Certificate of Completion for completing the series.
Completion of all six online courses in the paralegal series prepares an individual to apply for a paralegal position
This is a
non-credit program and it does not lead to any type of professional
certification or a degree. Although there is no current requirement in any
state other than
Courses
The first three
courses provide the foundation for the study of paralegalism.
During these courses, students will gain an understanding of the American legal
system and learn how they can be of assistance in the exciting field of law. In
courses
4 - 6, students will learn the advanced skills of legal research and writing,
formal and informal advocacy, and appellate procedure.
Paralegal Preparation 1 (Six weeks)
Legal Terminology, Process, Ethics, Tort and Contract Law
For more information and to register, click on this link: Paralegal Preparation 1
If you're interested in becoming a paralegal, this course is an important first step. Paralegals, also known as legal assistants, help lawyers prepare for trials and are responsible for investigating the facts of a case and review laws, legal decisions, and legal articles that might be relevant to the case. Demand for paralegals continues to be strong as more and more private law offices are turning to paralegals to help them reduce costs and provide more legal services in less time. This course provides an overview of the American judicial system focusing on the origins of American law and the litigation process.
Paralegal Preparation 2 (Six weeks)
Legal Documents and Analysis
For more information and to register, click on this link: Paralegal Preparation 2
This course provides an overview of common legal
documents. You will prepare sample documents and learn to analyze l
egal problems.
Paralegal Preparation 3 (Six weeks)
Evidence, Legal Interviewing and Investigation
This course provides an overview of how evidence is gathered and used in a civil case.
Paralegal Preparation 4 (Six weeks)
Legal Authority and Research
For more information and to register, click on this link: Paralegal Preparation 4
This course provides you with the skills you need to conduct legal research.
Paralegal Preparation 5 (Six weeks)
Legal Writing and Appellate Procedure
For more information and to register, click on this link: Paralegal Preparation 5
This course explains how to use computers to assist in legal research. You will practice your legal writing skills by preparing a sample appellate brief.
Paralegal Preparation 6 (Six weeks)
Law Office Administration, Advocacy and Job Hunting Techniques
For more information and to register, click on this link: Paralegal Preparation 6
This course provides a look into the paralegal in the law office and presents techniques for finding a job as a paralegal.
How the Program Works
You will enroll online through the campus nearest you. Courses may be taken individually. However, we recommend students take the courses in the suggested order. A new section of each course starts monthly. Be sure to space the start date for each course at least two months apart. All courses run for six weeks, with a two-week grace period at the end. Two lessons are released each week for the six-week duration of the course. You do not have to be present when lessons are released.
Requirements
Internet access, E-mail, Internet Explorer or Netscape or Firefox Web browser.
About the Instructors
Scott and
Lisa Hatch will guide you through your lessons, facilitate discussions, and
answer your questions. Scott Hatch has presented paralegal courses since 1980
and
is the author of Paralegal Procedures and Practices, as well as books on
mediation
and legal investigation. Lisa Zimmer Hatch, M.A., has been teaching legal
certificate
and standardized test preparation courses since 1987. She is co-author of
numerous
law and standardized test texts.
What Students Are Saying
"I learned a lot of material so far that will be useful in my future career. I can't wait for the next course!"
"I love taking this Paralegal course! Online makes it so much better than having to rush after work to a college campus while eating a pack of crackers and a soda for dinner. I plan on taking all of the paralegal program courses."
"I really enjoyed the lessons and assignments. Since I work in this industry, it already explained a lot of what I see and run across on a daily basis."
For more
information or for registration help contact:
Samantha
Heathman
UW-BC Continuing Education
1800 College Drive-Meggers Hall
Rice Lake, WI 54868
Phone: 715.234.8176 Ext.5403
Fax: 715.234.1975
samantha.heathman@uwc.edu