This certificate combines the requirements of the Litigation Practice and Corporate Practice certificates1 and is designed for students who wish to earn specialized credentials in both subject areas. Note that this certificate requires completion of a total of 28 semester credits, more than the other certificates.
Note: Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as authorized by law.
Curriculum
The Dual Litigation and Corporate Practice Certificate in Paralegal Studies requires the successful completion of 14 courses (28 semester hours). Each course is two credit hours.
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| PLST 331 | Introduction to Paralegal Studies | 2 |
| PLST 332 | Legal Research and Writing I | 2 |
| PLST 333 | Legal Research and Writing II | 2 |
| PLST 335 | Legal Ethics | 2 |
| PLST 345 | Law Office Computer Applications | 2 |
| PLST 340 | Civil Litigation I | 2 |
| PLST 341 | Civil Litigation II | 2 |
| PLST 342 | Litigation Technology & eDiscovery | 2 |
| PLST 362 | Business Organizations | 2 |
| PLST 363 | Contract Administration & Analysis | 2 |
| PLST 339 | Secured Transactions and Bankruptcy | 2 |
| 6 |
| Legal Analysis: Practical Applications | |
| Real Estate Transactions I | |
| Real Estate Transactions II | |
| Advanced Litigation Technology | |
| Advanced Online Research Skills | |
| Torts | |
| Medical Malpractice | |
| Intellectual Property: Patents and Trade Secrets | |
| Intellectual Property: Trademarks and Copyrights | |
| Securities Regulation | |
| Estates, Trusts & Wills | |
| Family Law | |
| Criminal Law and Litigation | |
| Environmental Law | |
| Employment Law | |
| Immigration Law | |
| Corporate Compliance Topics | |
| Internship | |
| |
| Total Hours | 28 |
Suggested Sequence of Courses
The Institute for Paralegal Studies provides a high-touch advising model in order to accommodate the professional experience and educational goals of each individual student. In order to provide students with maximum flexibility in their education, the Director will work directly with students to determine an appropriate sequence of courses starting at admission into their respective program based on their needs and career goals.
Graduate & Professional Standards and Regulations
Students in graduate and professional programs can find their Academic Policies in Graduate and Professional Academic Standards and Regulations under their school. Any additional University Policies supersede school policies.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the certificate:
- Prepare summaries of court decisions, statutes, and administrative regulations.
- Develop legal arguments using court decisions, statutes, and administrative regulations.
- Locate relevant legal sources from federal and state jurisdictions.
- Apply paralegal and attorney code of ethics to situations typically encountered by paralegals.
- Demonstrate intermediate competence using typical office software including Word, Excel, Adobe and PowerPoint.
- Draft court pleadings and maintain case files and databases.
- Collect and organize information through investigation and the discovery process.
- Help prepare the case for trial, and often assist attorneys at trial by coordinating the case material.
- Assist attorneys who work for corporate clients document the organization and operation of business entities.
- Retrieve information to conduct due diligence procedures for commercial and real estate transactions.
- Draft contract provisions and coordinate the administrative process for contracts.
- Help clients in regulated industries demonstrate compliance with government regulations.
