LITIGATION PRACTICE
The Litigation Practice Certificate1 is designed to prepare students to work in civil litigation on the state and federal level. Special attention is given to strengthening legal technology skills. Electives offer students opportunities to explore different areas of law.
Note: Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as authorized by law.
CURRICULUM
The Litigation Practice Certificate in Paralegal Studies requires the successful completion of 11 courses (22 semester 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 336 | Corporate Topics for Litigation Paralegals | 2 |
| 1 | 4 |
| 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 | 22 |
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.
