This intensive, nationally acclaimed program is designed for beginning as well as advanced legal workers. Students will be trained to assist trial attorneys, interview witnesses, investigate complex fact patterns, research the law and assist in preparing cases for courtroom litigation. The instruction is practice-oriented and relates to those areas of the law in which legal assistants are most in demand. There are no prerequisites, but students will be expected to complete a significant amount of homework for each weekend session.
This program will help students increase their office's efficiency, productivity, and billable hours as well as learn new marketable job skills. Successful graduates will be awarded a Certificate of Completion from Canisius College. To receive a Certificate, students must pass six quizzes, successfully complete five legal document writing assignments, and attend at least 80% of the classes.
For more information call 862-4600.
Tuition: $949 (does not include textbooks)
Course Outline
Week 1: Legal Terminology, Documents, Ethics, and the Litigation Process
Week 2: Introduction to the Evidentiary Predicate
Week 3: Identifying Relevant Authority
Week 4: Introduction to Legal Research
Week 5: Legal Research Practice and Document Preparation
Week 6: Legal Writing and Appellate Rules
Required Textbooks: Live format textbooks cost approximately $349 and include New York Rules of Court (aka "The Red Book"); Introduction to Paralegalism, 6th edition, by William Statsky; Basics of Legal Document Preparation, by Robert Cummins; Paralegal Procedures and Practices; and Paralegal Career for Dummies, with CD of Forms, both by Scott and Lisa Hatch.
Highly Recommended Legal Resources:
-
Black`s Law Dictionary,3rd pocket edition,$32
- WESTLAW legal research access, available from CLS for the duration of the course for only $60. Note that your required book costs will decrease if you choose to access the New York Rules of Court online or through WESTLAW rather than purchasing the bound copy. All textbooks, including WESTLAW, are available for purchase from the Center for Legal Studies by calling 1-800-522-7737 or 303-273-9777 or by accessing the secure online order form at www.legalstudies.com. Books ordered from the Center for Legal Studies during the week immediately prior to the beginning of class may incur additional FEDEX shipping fees to assure timely receipt.
-
Fall 2008 -- begins September 13, 2008 and graduates October 26, 2008. No classes October 18 and 19.
-
Classes are held on Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at:
Canisius College
2001 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14208
-
Parking permits and room location are mailed 2 weeks prior to the start of classes.