FEATURES

• A total of 84 hours of instruction in a classroom of your peers.
• Upon successful completion of the program you will receive a Certificate of Completion from George Mason University.
• Research can be done at George Mason University's law library in Arlington.
• This program will help students increase their office's efficiency, productivity, and billable hours as well as learn new marketable job skills.

TOPICS HIGHLIGHTS

Legal Terminology, Documents and the Litigation Process

The 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. You will learn how to prepare a complaint, answer, third party complaint, and motion for summary judgment.

Introduction to the Evidentiary Predicate

During this session we will review the rules of evidence and civil procedure as well as basic interviewing and investigation techniques and the development and use of demonstrative evidence. You will prepare discovery matter such as interrogatories, requests for admissions, and requests for production of documents.

Identifying Relevant Authority

Throughout this session you will learn how to identify relevant law and determine the differences between primary, secondary, and mandatory persuasive authority, compared to hypothetical situations.

Introduction to Legal Research

During this session you will learn research techniques for use in legal memoranda, motions, and briefs. A concise approach to legal research and the West Key Number System will be discussed.

Legal Research Practice

Legal research skill will be reviewed with emphasis on shepardizing statutory and case law and an introduction to computerized legal search terminals. Numerous research assignments will be given, discussed and critiqued.

Legal Writing and Appellate Procedure

This 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.

CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS

Completion of the Certificate Program

• Students will be expected to complete a significant amount of homework for each session.
• Students must successfully complete and pass all course requirements to be awarded a certificate.
• To receive a certificate, students must pass six quizzes and successfully complete five legal document-writing assignments. (Assignments include, but are not limited to, create interoffice memo, prepare a cover and resume for instructor critique, draft a motion, and prepare an answer to a complaint served to you by a fellow classmate.)

Textbooks – not included in course registration fee. Please visit http://www.ocpe.gmu.edu/new_forms/paralegal_textbooks.pdf for more information.

Westlaw - legal research access – fee not included in course registration. Please call the Center for Legal Studies at 1-800-522-7737 for information and Westlaw pricing.

INSTRUCTOR

Please click here for instructor information

FINANCIAL AID SOURCES

Click here for continuing education financial aid information.

• “This course was more than I expected. It was well worth the cost of the course.” -Spring 2010 student
• “This course covered a lot of information. Many of the topics discussed I have been able to apply in my current job.” -Spring 2010 student
• “Great course for people of any age or professional background.” -Spring 2010 student
• “A comprehensive overview of law through inquiry and debate that illuminated the subject matter and made for an engaging and rewarding classroom experience.” -Spring 2010 student
• “Great course- all course materials presented are relevant and I would recommend it to others.” -Spring 2009 student
• “This course exceeded my expectations. The instructor was very knowledgeable and shared very valuable information.” -Spring 2009 student
• “[This course] gave me an excellent introduction to the skills and knowledge needed to enter the profession.” -Spring 2009 student
• “It’s a fantastic way to learn the basics and essentials of paralegal work, especially if you’re not already in the law field but hope to transition that direction.” -Spring 2009 student
• “Kept interest high and was fair in dealing with students.” -Fall 2007 student
• “The instructor was interesting, knowledgeable and enjoyable! He showed an interest in all of our work, studies, etc. He is excellent at making this course a worthwhile experience.” -Spring 2007 student