PLGL 0120 - Paralegal Certificate (Self-Study)

Course Outline

Legal Terminology, Documents, Ethics, and the Litigation Process 

This 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, student will know how to prepare Complaint and Petition, Answer Third Party Complaint and Petition, and Motion for Summary Judgment. 

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, students will prepare discovery matter such as Interrogatories, Requests for Admission, and Requests for Production of Documents. 

Identifying Relevant Authority 

During this session students will learn how to identify relevant law and determine the differences between primary and secondary authority, as well as mandatory and persuasive authority. Additionally, students will learn how to find and apply authority to hypothetical factual situations. 

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. 

Legal Research Practice 

Legal research skill will be applied in this session with emphasis on shepardizing statutory and case law and learning to use computerized legal search terminals. Numerous research assignments will be given, discussed, and critiqued. The West Key Number System® will be learned thoroughly. 

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.Please click here for the course syllabus. 

Course Features

• There is a total of 90 hours of instruction.
• 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.

Textbooks

Textbooks not included in course registration fee. Please click here for more information.

Westlaw

The legal research access–fee not included in course registration. Please contact the Center for Legal Studies at 1-800-522-7737 or info@legalstudies.com for information and Westlaw pricing.

• 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.
• Students must pass six quizzes and successfully complete five legal document-writing assignments. Assignments include, but are not limited to, creating an interoffice memo, preparing a cover and resume for instructor critique, drafting a motion, and preparing an answer to a complaint served to you by a fellow classmate.

• Beginning legal workers
• Advanced legal workers

• Paralegal Textbook: CLS by Barbri Pricing
• Paralegal Textbook: GMU Arlington Bookstore Pricing