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Professional Paralegal Training (Summer 2010)

Saturday, May 15, 2010 – Sunday, June 27, 2010
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Course Details

Students will be trained to interview witnesses, investigate complex fact patterns, research the law, prepare legal documents, and assist in preparing cases for courtroom litigation. The instruction is practice-oriented and relates to those areas of law in which paralegals are in most demand.

There are no prerequisites to take the course, but students will be expected to complete a significant amount of homework for each session.

This non-credit program helps students increase their office’s efficiency, productivity and billable hours. It also provides students with marketable job skills. Successful graduates (who pass six tests and complete five written assignments) are awarded a Binghamton University Certificate of Completion.

Course Topics

Session 1: "Legal Terminology, Documents, Ethics, and the Litigation Process": This first session focuses on the history of American jurisprudence, the theory of law, the legal process, and the nature of litigation. Discussion will cover pre-trial, trial and post-trial procedures as well as an in depth coverage of legal ethics. At the end of the first session of class, students will know how to prepare a Complaint/Petition, Answer, Third Party Complaint/Petition, and Motion for Summary Judgment.

Session 2: "Introduction to the Evidentiary Predicate": This session covers the rules of evidence and civil procedure. Basic interviewing and investigation techniques and the development and use of demonstrative evidence will also be explained. At the end of the second session of class, students will prepare discovery matter such as Interrogatories, Request for Admissions and Request for Production of Documents.

Session 3: "Identifying Relevant Authority": During this session, students will learn how to identify relevant law, determine the differences between primary and secondary authority, and between mandatory and persuasive authority, and learn how to find and apply authority to hypothetical factual situations.

Session 4: "Introduction to Legal Research": Students will learn research techniques for use in legal memoranda, motions, and briefs. Primary and secondary source materials will be discussed, and a concise approach to legal research will be developed.

Session 5: "Legal Research Practice": Legal research skills will be applied this session with emphasis on shepardizing statutes and case law and learning to use computerized legal research terminals. Numerous research assignments will be given, discussed, and critiqued. The West Key Number System® will be learned thoroughly.

Session 6: "Legal Writing and Appellate Procedure": This final session will concentrate on the preparation and critique of legal memoranda, including an Interoffice Memorandum of Law and Appellate Brief. Principles of appellate procedure will also be reviewed. Proper citation format will be covered along with a discussion of job hunting techniques and job leads for those seeking their first employment as paralegals.

Registration Information

The class is limited to 15 students to ensure maximum educational opportunity for all. Additional information regarding the campus, parking and books is provided after receipt of your registration.

For additional information call 607-777-6857 or toll-free 877-313-2508.

Location

Binghamton University Downtown Center
67 Washington Street
Binghamton, New York
(adjacent to the Holiday Inn Arena)

Course Fee

Program Fee: $1189.00

Special Notes

This program provides the student with the recognition that he/she achieved the necessary level of professional knowledge and competencies required to perform basic tasks in the legal field.

This course is approved by the Veterans Administration for tuition assistance.

Student loans may be available through The Education Resources Institute (TERI). Call 607-777-6857 for more information.

You may be eligible for the “Lifetime Learning Credit” authorized by the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997. Ask your tax preparer for more information.

More Information | Register for this Course