The Gold Standard in
Paralegal Training
Celebrating over 30 years, our Paralegal Program has earned an outstanding reputation for practice-based education. A balance of workplace applicable skills and legal theory prepares you to choose from a wide spectrum of employment possibilities.
The credential you earn, professional network you develop, and portfolio of work you build…will differentiate you in the marketplace.
Program Requirement
You must have at least an associate’s degree or higher.
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Introduction to the Legal System
View Description Gain the knowledge you need to make sound decisions regarding your career in law or as a paralegal. 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.
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Fundamentals of Legal Assistantship
View Description Expand your knowledge of legal ethics, legal research and writing, investigation and discovery techniques, and law office administration using the case method. Prepare documents and develop basic legal research skills. Gain in-depth insight into the fundamentals of the occupation as you consider a career as a paralegal.
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| you may choose between either of these courses |
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Introduction and Fundamentals of Legal Assistantship
View Description Expand your knowledge of legal writing, legal research, investigation and discovery techniques, legal ethics and law office administration using the case method. Prepare documents and develop basic legal research skills. Gain in-depth insight into the fundamentals of the occupation as you consider a career as a paralegal.
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Contracts
View Description Understand the essential elements which create binding and enforceable contracts and 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. Analyze contract scenarios, learn to identify contract issues, and learn drafting skills relating to contract documents using case studies.
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| you may choose between either of these courses |
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Online: Contracts
View Description Understand the essential elements which create binding and enforceable contracts and 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. Analyze contract scenarios, learn to identify contract issues, and learn drafting skills relating to contract documents using case studies.
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Legal Writing
View Description 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.
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Online: Legal Writing
View Description This course will present an overview of legal writing and analysis, including the various categories of legal writing. Students draft legal documents including pleadings, memoranda, and discovery, and learn the procedures generally undertaken from initial client interviews through trial and post-trial procedures. Good writing styles will be reviewed as students develop the skills necessary for drafting correspondence, pleadings and other legal documents.
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Legal Research
View Description 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 a thorough overview of computer legal research. Explore the array of legal research tools available, and gain hands-on experience you need to locate and apply the law effectively on the job through outside assignments and practice in the library.
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| you may choose between either of these courses |
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Online: Legal Research
View Description 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 a thorough overview of computer legal research. Explore the array of legal research tools available, and gain hands-on experience you need to locate and apply the law effectively on the job through outside assignments and practice in the library.
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Civil Litigation I
View Description Obtain a thorough understanding of the law and procedures involved in filing a civil action through the default phase. The course will cover pre-lawsuit issues which will include case assessment, client interviews, demand letters, jurisdiction, and statute of limitations. Understand the practical aspects of preparing and filing complaints, answers, various motions, and defaults. Gain a working knowledge of calendar time limits with regard to the practice of civil procedure.
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Civil Litigation I
View Description 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.
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Civil Litigation II
View Description 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.
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Online: Civil Litigation II
View Description 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.
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Civil Litigation III
View Description Explore the law and procedures in bringing cases to trial and collecting judgments on topics such as 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. Prepare documents are participate in practical exercises.
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Civil Litigation III
View Description 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.
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Ethics for the Paralegal
View Description This course will provide an overview of ethical responsibilities, regulations of and considerations facing practicing paralegals. The focus of the course will be on the unauthorized practice of law, confidentiality, attorney-client privilege, conflicts of interest and evolving ethical issues within the paralegal profession. The course will involve interactive student discussions.
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| you may choose between either of these courses |
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Ethics for the Paralegal
View Description This course will provide an overview of ethical responsibilities, regulations of and considerations facing practicing paralegals. The focus of the course will be on the unauthorized practice of law, confidentiality, attorney-client privilege, conflicts of interest and evolving ethical issues within the paralegal profession. The course will involve interactive student discussions.
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| Elective Courses (Choose Two) |
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Bankruptcy Law
View Description Explore bankruptcy laws from the debtor and creditor perspectives, including judgment remedies (pre and post), defenses to bankruptcy and bankruptcy exemptions. Gain knowledge 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. Apply skills acquired through the preparation of bankruptcy petitions based on hypothetical and factual scenarios.
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Business Law
View Description Explore the broad scope of business law and acquire practical knowledge of legal issues in the business environment. Apply critical and analytical thinking skills, as well as integrate research and presentation experience to reinforce concepts presented. This is a survey course in which you will examine the legal system, written contracts, banking law, employment law, sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies, bankruptcy, real property, foreclosure, torts - and a variety of other business related topics.
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Corporate Law
View Description Gain the foundation of knowledge useful to corporate paralegals. You will be introduced to corporate entities such as Business Corporations; S-Corporations; Private and Public Corporations; and Non-Profit Corporations. Explore Secretary of State foreign and domestic qualification requirements, mergers & acquisitions, and dissolution of corporations. Learn the mechanics of corporate formation, federal and state securities law, annual corporate filings, and amending articles and bylaws.
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Online: Corporate Law
View Description 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.
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Criminal Law
View Description 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.
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Federal Civil Procedure
View Description 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 federal pleadings, discovery and 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. Students will compile a portfolio of resource materials for reference when working on Federal Court cases.
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Family Law
View Description Explore the various dynamics relating to jurisdiction, marriage, divorce, custody, support, the division of property and debts, and pre-nuptial agreements. Discuss other domestic relation issues such as paternity, adoption, domestic violence, guardianships, and domestic partnerships. Gain an understanding of legal theory as well as the practical aspects of preparing correspondence, petitions, responses and other court documents. Acquire a working knowledge of calendar time limits with regard to the practice of family law.
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Foreclosures & Evictions
View Description Gain an understanding of issues both directly and indirectly related to loan modifications, short sales, and foreclosure process. Explore the realities of the current real estate and financial market by focusing on financing, mortgages, work-out plans, short sales, taxes, BPO's, deeds in lieu, foreclosure, deficiency, and evictions. Become well informed on the workout and foreclosure process which will help defer or take advantage of the foreclosure market.
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Patent, Trademark & Copyright Law
View Description 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.
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Online: Intellectual Property
View Description Acquire the understanding to prepare trademark, copyright and patent applications for filing with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Gain familiarity with the law and rules that govern these areas, and learn practical information about how to protect and enforce trademarks, original works of authorship (e.g., books, sound recordings, etc.) and inventions. Walk through the preparation of a copyright, trademark, and patent application, the examination process in connection with such applications, and the post registration requirements.
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Real Estate Law
View Description 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.
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Securities Law
View Description This course introduces the student to federal and state securities laws as they apply to private and public corporations. We will also explore securities laws from the initial public offering of a corporation through the regulatory requirements that must be met by both the corporation and its officers and directors. The course will provide a practical look at the role and common tasks of a securities paralegal. Students will also become familiar with websites such as the Securities and Exchange Commission, EDGAR, Nasdaq and the California Department of Corporations.
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Torts
View Description Understand the law and procedures involved in tort law and discuss intentional, unintentional and strict liability torts with individualized focus paid to all elements of and defenses to negligence. Discuss all major torts 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 connected with land, defamation, invasion of privacy, misrepresentation, and more.
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Online: Torts
View Description 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.
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Understanding Estate Planning
View Description 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.
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Computer-Assisted Legal Research
View Description 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.
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Fundamentals of Electronic Discovery and Trial
View Description 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.
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Software Applications for the Legal Environment
View Description 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.
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Technology Solutions for Legal Professionals
View Description Acquire hands-on experience with legal software programs including timesheet/billing, calendaring, document management, deposition/transcript management, case management, presentation, database management, and transactional law. Practice preparing timesheets, calendars, reports, forms, case management and trial documents. Perform searches and coding; and manage data/information in the legal setting.
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Paralegal Internship
View Description Gain 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. Attend three meetings with the internship coordinator, work in a legal setting for 100 hours and submit a report of the experience based on a daily log and time sheets kept throughout the quarter. Attend the required information meeting to obtain the current internship application packet and eligibility requirements.
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As the continuing educational branch of the University, students may apply for private credit-based alternative student loans. There is no need to complete a FAFSA since you are not applying for federal financial aid. UC Irvine Extension is an approved training institution for the following private credit-based alternative student loans to help students enrolled through UCI Extension cover the cost of attending one of our programs. Loan programs include:
- Citibank CitiAssist® Student Loan Program
- Wells Fargo Education Connection® Loan
Students may apply for specific course-related expenditures required to attend a particular program. Credit decisions to fund the loan are made entirely by the lending institution. Interest rates, fees, and repayment schedules vary from one lender to another and students are encouraged to compare information between the lending institutions. Students may also contact their own bank as a possibility of funding their continuing education studies. To receive disbursement of the approved loan, students must enroll or be enrolled by the disbursement date and remain in good academic standing.
