Paralegal course curriculum
Our paralegal course curriculum introduces you to the legal system and teaches you the skills you’ll need to support a lawyer with research, drafting documents, and preparing for court. You’ll graduate with an understanding of criminal, civil, contract, corporate, property, and family law, as well the structure of the federal and state court systems. With the opportunity to take an Advanced Specialty Course in the subject of your choice, you’ll have the training you need to pursue a career you’ll love in the paralegal field.
Curriculum Lessons
Paralegal Studies OrientationIn this course, you’ll examine the goals and values of Ashworth College, time management, creating a realistic weekly and monthly study schedule, the nature and purpose of assessments, how to study effectively to prepare for and take an online examination, and developing the skill sets necessary for success in the twenty-first century. You’ll also review the fundamental concepts and processes concerning federal and state laws and court systems, as well as careers in the legal and criminal justice fields.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Identify skills needed to be a confident and independent online learner.
- Explain fundamental concepts and processes concerning federal and state laws and court systems.
This course opens with a description of the paralegal’s role and responsibilities. You’ll learn about the ethical and legal issues and risks that exist, as well as how law firms are typically structured. Additionally, you’ll review the technology and software that paralegals use and the foundation of US law.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Explain the role and responsibilities of a paralegal.
- Identify ethical issues and concerns that arise for paralegals.
- Recognize the organization, duties, and technologies of a law firm.
- Describe the history, sources, and functions of law in the United States.
In this course, you’ll learn about the different court systems and alternative means of resolving disputes. Then, you’ll review the procedures seen in both civil and criminal law and litigation and the paralegal’s role in both situations.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Compare and contrast federal and state court systems.
- Differentiate between types of alternative dispute resolution.
- Describe the civil litigation process.
- Summarize the procedures, requirements, and protections associated with criminal law.
This course begins with a description of the skills and experience that a professional paralegal needs in order to be successful. Then, you’ll learn about different torts and the types of defenses and damages available. Finally, you’ll learn about the paralegal’s role in contract and e-commerce law.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Identify the key skills expected of a paralegal.
- Describe the elements of a tort and the available defenses and types of damages.
- Recognize opportunities for paralegals in contract and e-commerce law.
This course explores issues that paralegals commonly experience with laws concerning real, personal, intellectual, and digital property, as well as family, agency, employment, and immigration.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Identify common issues that arise in relation to laws concerning real, personal, intellectual, and digital property, as well as family, agency, employment, and immigration.
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Program Description
The Paralegal Studies certificate program is designed to provide you with knowledge of the basic skills required of a paralegal. You’ll learn about the US court system and the responsibilities of a paralegal as they relate to civil litigation, torts, liabilities, and contracts. Additionally, you’ll familiarize yourself with the laws pertaining to family, agency, employment, immigration, and intellectual, digital, and physical property.
Program Objectives
After completing the Paralegal Studies program, students will be able to:
- Outline the career opportunities available to trained paralegals, describe typical job responsibilities, and explain the advantages and disadvantages of different types of work environments.
- Describe the personal and professional qualities of competent paralegals, given the ethical considerations, rules, and supervisory requirements currently governing the practice of the profession.
- Explain the importance of legal research and writing skills for paralegals, describe how to conduct effective legal research using both traditional and technology-based tools, and explain how to draft a variety of legal documents.
- Describe the history and origins of the American legal system, with an emphasis on the sources of American law.
- Explain the difference between criminal and civil law and describe various categories of civil law, such as torts, contract law, corporate law, property law, family law, and wills and estates.
- Outline the structure of the federal and state court systems and identify the processes followed by courts in all phases of criminal and civil litigation.
- Identify the two basic types of jurisdiction and explain the requirements for personal jurisdiction and subject matter jurisdiction.
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Ashworth College's API Program Name Career Diploma program helps you develop the confidence you need to reach for your career goals because we integrate job search prep into your studies. With the online tools at the Ashworth College Central Network, you’ll get step-by-step guidance as you create polished, professional resumes and letters. After you graduate, you’ll keep your Ashworth College Central Network account so you can revisit the tools any time you need to make a good impression on a potential employer. Learn more about it at the Career Services page.