Are you considering a career in law or just beginning one? Gain the knowledge you need to make sound decisions regarding your career in law or as a paralegal. This course gives you the overview you need to understand the complexities of the legal field and explore career possibilities which interest you. Expand your knowledge of the specialty areas of law; legal terminology; the judicial court system; respective roles of the attorney, legal assistant/paralegal, client, judge and jury; and legal career opportunities in a variety of settings. Acquire the knowledge you need to start your career out right.

Using the case method, you will expand your knowledge of legal ethics, legal research and writing, investigation and discovery techniques, and law office administration. You will prepare documents and develop basic legal research skills. If you are considering a career as a paralegal, or just beginning one, this course will give you in-depth insight into the fundamentals of the occupation.

Upon completion of this course, you will have a thorough understanding of the legal system and the paralegal's role within that system. In addition, you will be able to prepare some basic legal documents including pleadings and case briefs. Using the case method, you will expand your knowledge of legal ethics, legal research and writing, investigation and discovery techniques, and law office administration. You will prepare documents and develop basic legal research skills. If you are considering a career as a paralegal, or just beginning one, this course will give you in-depth insight into the fundamentals of the occupation.

A required course in the Paralegal Certificate Program. Contracts are a crucial facet of the law. Understanding the essential elements which create binding and enforceable contracts is imperative for paralegals. This class will explore the law of contracts, enforceability of agreements, affirmative defenses relating to contracts including the Statute of Frauds, performance obligations under contracts, and breach of contract. Using case studies, you will analyze contract scenarios, learn to identify contract issues, and learn drafting skills relating to contract documents.

Contracts are a crucial facet of the law. Understanding the essential elements which create binding and enforceable contracts is imperative for paralegals. This class will explore the law of contracts, enforceability of agreements, affirmative defenses relating to contracts including the Statute of Frauds, performance obligations under contracts, and breach of contracts. Using case studies you will analyze contract scenarios, learn to identify contract issues, and learn drafting skills relating to contract documents.

This course is an overview of legal analysis and writing, including the history and foundation of legal writing. Students will examine the various categories of legal writing, and draft legal documents, pleadings, memoranda, and a trial brief. Students will learn to brief appellate court cases and develop a style for writing appellate briefs. Procedures from initial client interviews, to filing complaints, to trial and post-trial procedures, including pre-trial and post-trial motions will be discussed. A significant amount of time will be spent in analyzing good and poor writing styles, and developing a style of drafting and writing correspondence, pleadings and other documents.

This course will present an overview of legal writing and analysis. The history and foundation of legal writing will be analyzed as well as the various categories of legal writing. Students will draft legal documents including pleadings, memoranda, discovery, and trial briefs. Students will learn the procedures generally undertaken from initial client interviews through trial and post-trial procedures, including pre-trial and post-trial motions. Significant time will be devoted to analyzing good and poor writing styles and developing a style of drafting correspondence, pleadings and other legal documents. Grades will be based on class participation, weekly homework, a class project, and the final examination.

A required course in the Paralegal Certificate Program. Accurate and comprehensive research is paramount to preparing a sound and successful case. Equip yourself with the research methods you need as a paralegal to locate sources of federal and state law. Topics include legal terminology; proper citation form; sources of primary and secondary law; statutes and legislative history; court reports; validating legal research; and an introduction to computer legal research. Explore the array of legal research tools available. Ample practice in the library and assignments outside class give you the hands-on experience you need to locate and apply the law effectively on the job. Develop research skills which are essential to you in your role as a paralegal. This course requires significant time outside the classroom to complete assignments.

Accurate and comprehensive research is paramount to preparing a sound and successful case. Equip yourself with the research methods you need as a paralegal to locate sources of federal and state law. Topics include legal terminology; proper citation form; sources of primary and secondary law; statutes and legislative history; court reports; validating legal research; and an introduction to computer legal research. Explore the array of legal research tools available. Ample practice in the library and assignments outside class gives you the hands-on experience you need to locate and apply the law effectively on the job. Develop research skills that are essential to you in your role as a paralegal.

Obtain a thorough understanding of the law and procedures involved in filing a civil action from pre-complaint through the pleadings stage. Topics include pre-lawsuit issues such as the initial client meeting, demand letters, communicating with opposing party/counsel and filing pre-lawsuit claims. In addition, the following topics are covered: standing to sue, capacity to sue, proper joinder of parties, intervention and interpleader, subject matter jurisdiction, personal jurisdiction, venue, preparation and service of a summons, including service of out-of-state defendants, proper pleading of complaints, answers, cross-complaints, amended and supplemental pleadings, demurrers, motions to dismiss, motions to strike and motions for judgment on the pleading, and default judgments. Specific emphasis is placed upon the practical aspects of preparing and filing legal documents and students will be required to prepare witness statements, Judicial Council form complaints, verified complaints, answers and demurrers.

Obtain a thorough understanding of the law and procedures involved in filing a civil action from pre-complaint through the pleadings stage. Topics include pre-lawsuit issues such as the initial client meeting, demand letters, communicating with opposing party/counsel and filing pre-lawsuit claims. In addition, the following topics are covered: standing to sue, capacity to sue, proper joinder of parties, intervention and interpleader, subject matter jurisdiction, personal jurisdiction, venue, preparation and service of a summons, including service of out-of-state defendants, proper preparation of complaints, answers, cross-complaints, amended and supplemental pleadings, demurrers, motions to dismiss, motions to strike and motions for judgment on the pleading, and default judgments. Specific emphasis is placed upon the practical aspects of preparing and filing legal documents and students will be required to prepare witness statements, Judicial Council form complaints, verified complaints, answers and demurrers.

A required course in the Paralegal Certificate Program. As a paralegal you are expected to understand the purpose, theory, and practice of discovery. Learn the practical aspects of discovery procedures, including propounding and responding to discovery demands, remedies to inadequate discovery responses, and the skills to summarize evidence and testimony for use at trial. Examine deposition summary techniques, as well as calendaring all relevant responses, production, filing, and service dates for each form of discovery, preparing motions to compel and protective orders.

As a paralegal you are expected to understand the purpose, theory, and practice of discovery. Learn the practical aspects of discovery procedures, including propounding and responding to discovery demands, remedies to inadequate discovery responses, and the skills to summarize evidence and testimony for use at trial. Examine deposition summary techniques, as well as calendaring all relevant responses, production, filing, and service dates for each form of discovery, preparing motions to compel and protective orders.

Augmenting the concepts and techniques learned in Civil Litigation I and II, this course explores the law and procedures in bringing cases to trial and collecting judgments. Topics include: law and motion; summary judgment; trial setting procedures; arbitration and alternative dispute resolution; trial preparation and strategy; as well as judgments, post trial motions, and appeals. Practical exercises and opportunities to prepare documents are integrated throughout the course. Civil Litigation I is required and students are strongly encouraged to take Civil Litigation II before this class. Students should have a basic understanding of the civil litigation process.

Augmenting the concepts and techniques learned in Civil Litigation I and II, this course explores the law and procedures in bringing cases to trial and collecting judgments. Topics include: law and motion; summary judgment; trial setting procedures; arbitration and alternative dispute resolution; trial preparation and strategy; as well as judgments, post trial motions, and appeals. Practical exercises and opportunities to prepare documents are integrated throughout the course.

Ethics are the standards which regulate and maintain the integrity of the legal profession. As a paralegal, you are bound by these standards. Discover ethical dilemmas you may encounter on the job. Through actual case studies and role-plays, you will gain practical experience with the particular challenges facing paralegals. Through classroom exercises, you will develop skills and strategies to apply to everyday ethical situations in a legal setting. Explore the rules and regulations that govern ethical paralegal behavior, including the unauthorized practice of law, client confidentiality, conflicts of interest, client trust accounts, and paralegal competence. This course explains the parameters that apply to paralegals who work under the supervision of an attorney.

Ethics are the standards which regulate and maintain the integrity of the legal profession. As a paralegal, you are bound by these standards. Discover ethical dilemmas you may encounter on the job. Through hypothetical, actual case studies and role-play, you will gain practical experience with the particular challenges facing paralegals. Through exercises, you will develop skills and strategies to apply to everyday ethical situations in a legal setting. Explore the rules and regulations that govern ethical paralegal behavior, including the unauthorized practice of law, client confidentiality, conflicts of interest, client trust accounts, and paralegal competence. This course explains the parameters that apply to paralegals who work under the supervision of an attorney.

This course explores bankruptcy laws from the debtor and creditor perspectives, including judgment remedies (pre and post), defenses to bankruptcy and bankruptcy exemptions. Topics provide extensive coverage of bankruptcy law, local rules to commence a case, preparation of schedules, operating and liquidation procedures, bankruptcy litigation, creditor representation, technical terminology and practical hints for legal assistants. Students have the opportunity to apply skills acquired through the preparation of bankruptcy petitions based on hypothetical and factual scenarios.

An elective course in the Paralegal Certificate Program. Explore the broad scope of business law. Acquire practical and useful knowledge of legal issues in the business environment. Gain critical and analytical thinking, as well as research and presentation experience. Learn about the legal system, written contracts, banking law, employment law, sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies, bankruptcy, real property, foreclosure, landlord & tenant, and wills & trust-as well as a variety of other business-related topics.

As a paralegal working with business clients in a transactional or litigation setting, you must be well versed on the complexities of California corporate law. You will be introduced to corporate structure theory including the formation, financing, control and promotion of California corporations. Learn the mechanics of corporate formation, stock issuances, federal and state securities law, registration exemptions, annual corporate filings, keeping corporate minutes of meetings, and amending articles. Explore shareholders' rights, dissolution of corporations, buy-sell agreements, non-profit corporate status and fictitious business name statements. Gain the foundation of knowledge useful to the corporate paralegal.

This course introduces both legal and practical aspects of corporate law. We will explore corporations, sole proprietorships, partnerships and limited liability companies. You will analyze the corporate world through case studies on Enron, Imclone, Wal-Mart and other such corporate entities. You will learn mechanics of corporate formation including federal and state securities laws. You will also become familiar with corporate websites such as the California Secretary of State where you'll draft articles of incorporation, bylaws, and fictitious business name statements. Thus, this course will give you a foundation of knowledge useful to the corporate paralegal.

An elective course in the Paralegal Certificate Program. Provides an analysis of fundamental concepts of criminal law and procedure as well as the practical aspects of representing criminal defendants. Topical discussions trace the criminal justice process from arrest through pre-trial, trial, sentencing and appeal. Emphasis is given to the analysis of crimes and legal defenses, search and seizure considerations, practical aspects of investigation and evidence analysis, and legal ethics. This course also introduces students to career opportunities within the criminal justice system.

This Course is designed to introduce Paralegals to the legal concepts and the practical applications of federal civil litigation using a transactional approach to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. After an introduction to civil litigation, the role of the paralegal, and the court system, including areas of personal and subject matter jurisdiction and remedies, the course will cover three main areas: (1) Overview; (2) Pleadings; and (3) Trial Procedure. In the study of pleadings, the course will cover complaints, cross-complaints, cross-claims, counterclaims, third party complaints, responsive pleadings (answers and replies), affirmative defenses, and Rule 12 dispositive motions. The discovery segment will deal with Interrogatories, Requests for Production, Request for Admissions, Notice of Depositions and Discovery Motions. Instructional methods include lectures, classroom discussions, and individual projects. This course will help students prepare for the CLA exam which covers Federal Law instead of state law.

Family Law is a diverse and evolving area of law. Lectures will cover the dynamics relating to jurisdiction, marriage, divorce, custody, support, the division of property and debts, and pre-nuptial agreements. The course will also cover other domestic relation issues such as paternity, adoption, domestic violence, guardianships, and alternative living arrangements. Students will gain an understanding of legal theory as well as the practical aspects of preparing correspondence, petitions, responses and other family law documents. Additionally, students will have a working knowledge of calendar time limits with regard to the practice of family law.

Upon completion of this course, the student will have an understanding of issues both directly and indirectly related to loan modifications, short sales, and foreclosure process. This class will explore the realities of the current real estate and financial market by focusing on financing, mortgages, work-out plans, short sales, The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007, BPO's, deeds in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosure, deficiency, and evictions. By the end of the course, the students will be well informed on the workout and foreclosure process which will help defer or take advantage of the foreclosure market.

This course will teach you the necessary information to enable you to prepare trademark, copyright and patent applications for filing with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, as well as the law and rules that govern these areas. You will learn practical information about how to protect and enforce trademarks, original works of authorship (e.g., books, sound recordings, etc.) and inventions. We will take you through the preparation of a copyright, trademark and patent application, the examination process in connection with such applications, and the post registration requirements. This information is invaluable to not only members of the legal profession, but to business owners and employees, artists, designers and inventors alike.

The information covered in this course will enable you to prepare trademark, copyright and patent applications for filing with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. You will also gain familiarity with the law and rules that govern these areas. You will learn practical information about how to protect and enforce trademarks, original works of authorship (e.g., books, sound recordings, etc.) and inventions. We will take you through the preparation of a copyright, trademark, and patent application, the examination process in connection with such applications, and the post registration requirements. This information is invaluable to not only members of the legal profession, but to business owners and employees, artists, designers, and inventors alike.

A required course in the Paralegal Certificate program for students involved in the Tax Clinical program. This course will review basic concepts of the taxation of income tax for individuals. Students will learn what information is necessary to complete a Federal and California tax return. Also covered will be the ethical obligations of tax preparers and the basis for most tax controversies.

Real estate law is a crucial facet of any legal practice. Understanding the essential elements of a real estate transaction is imperative for paralegals in transactional practice. This class will explore the different aspects of real estate law and provide a unique class experience through the use of hands on projects, guest speakers and a field trip to a title company. You will (i) analyze different aspects of a real estate transaction and learn about the paralegal's role in such transactions, (ii) learn from industry experts about the role of title companies, surveyors, planning departments and other players in the world of real property transactions, and (iii) learn practical paralegal skills relating to due diligence and real estate transaction closings.

Upon completion of this course, you will have a thorough understanding of law and procedures involved in tort law including the definitions and purposes of tort law. Topics include discussion of intentional, unintentional and strict liability torts. Individualized focus is paid to all elements of and defenses to negligence. In addition, emphasis is placed upon the importance and analysis of feasibility in tort law. All major torts will be discussed including: battery, assault, false imprisonment and false arrest, misuse of legal proceedings, infliction of emotional distress, conversion and trespass to chattels, strict liability, negligence, products liability, survival and wrongful death actions, torts against and within the family, torts connected with land, defamation, invasion of privacy, misrepresentation, tortuous interference, wrongful discharge, workers' compensation and additional defenses to torts.

Upon completion of this course, you will have a thorough understanding of the law and procedures involved in tort law including the definitions and purposes of tort law. Topics include a thorough discussion of intentional, unintentional and strict liability torts. Individualized focus is paid to all elements of and defenses to negligence. In addition, emphasis is placed upon the importance and analysis of foreseeability in tort law. All major torts will be discussed including battery, assault, false imprisonment and false arrest, misuse of legal proceedings, infliction of emotional distress, conversion and trespass to chattels, strict liability, negligence, products liability, survival and wrongful death actions, torts against and within the family, torts connected with land, defamation, invasion of privacy, misrepresentation, tortuous interference, wrongful discharge, workers' compensation.

This course provides an overview of the estate planning process. Various estate planning vehicles such as wills and trusts will be discussed. Taxes, charitable planning, intestate succession and other factors will be analyzed. This practical course will provide students with the opportunity to gather client information, apply the estate planning process and make determinations as to best practices to put into place from the time a prospective client walks in the door to discuss estate planning through the life of the plan. Ancillary documents such as HIPAA forms, Power of Attorney, and Advanced Care Directives will also be discussed.

An elective course in the Paralegal Certificate program. Develop the skills to conduct computer assisted legal research utilizing LEXIS-NEXIS and the Internet. Gain an understanding of how to formulate queries and obtain on-line information in an efficient and cost effective manner. By exploring state of the art technology and resources, students will gain a competitive edge in today's marketplace. Students will retrieve Federal and State case law and statutes, search news and information databases, shepardize cases, research public records and competitive intelligence information.

This is a hands-on course that will include an overview of the changes to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and state laws relating to electronic discovery. The course will also provide tools to implement a records management program, assess systems, draft litigation hold memos, draft custodian intake forms, the components of electronic discovery which includes collection, processing, review and production, electronically stored information ("ESI"), paralegal skills, case management, paralegal processes, and preparing for trial. The course will cover the roles of both an in-house paralegal and a law firm paralegal.

Today's law offices utilize computers in almost every aspect of the legal environment including preparation of legal documents, spreadsheets, court forms, timesheets, legal research, and investigation. This course will give you the edge on MS Word, Windows, Excel, PowerPoint, and other programs that can make performing these tasks more efficient and effective. Improve or gain skills in litigation support, docketing, and calendar management programs and learn to identify the ethical considerations for using email and Internet research. Get access to 50 useful Internet sites for legal information, and handy "tricks and tips" guides. Two blank 3-1/2 inch double-sided high- density diskettes for hands-on exercises required.

This course will provide students with hands-on experience with software programs used in the legal setting to accomplish timesheet/billing, calendaring, document management, deposition/transcript management, case management, presentation, database management, and transactional law. Students will practice preparing timesheets, calendars, reports, forms, case management and trial documents. Students will perform searches and coding; and manage data/information in the legal setting.

Offers a working knowledge of the paralegal's role through an internship position in a law firm, corporate in-house counsel's office, law-related government agency, courthouse or other legal setting. Interns must attend three meetings with the internship internship coordinator, work in a legal setting for 100 hours and submit a report of their internship experience based on a daily log and time sheets kept throughout the quarter. All interested candidates are required to attend the information meeting to obtain the current internship application packet and eligibility requirements.