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PARALEGAL COURSE OUTLINE  
You get everything you need to know in easy-to-understand lessons, supplements and special learning aids. You progress step by step from the basics of legal procedures into training in advanced paralegal duties and responsibilities. This outline gives you a preview of what you will learn.
Here is a complete list of the Instruction Packages, lessons and supplements you will receive.
Click on the instruction links below for complete course content.
Instruction Pack 1
Instruction Pack 2
Instruction Pack 3
Instruction Pack 4
Instruction Pack 5
Paralegal Assistant Instruction Pack I Back to Top
Everything You Need to Know About
Being a Paralegal
The Paralegal profession is one of the fastest growing fields
in the U.S. You’ll learn what a Paralegal does, the salary
a Paralegal can expect and the benefits that the Paralegal
profession offers attorneys, clients and Paralegal companies.
Your Role in the Legal Profession
You’ll learn the reasons for the rapid growth of the
Paralegal profession, the law specialties different
Paralegals practice and the benefits of different work
settings. You’ll also set career goals.
Criminal Law and Civil Law: What’s the Difference?
Civil cases and criminal cases are both approached in very
different manners. After studying this lesson, you’ll be
able to distinguish between the processes involved in civil
and criminal litigation and understand the responsibilities
of the parties involved in each type of case.
Investigating a Case
When investigating a case, there are many different
responsibilities a Paralegal will be asked to assume.
You’ll learn the basics of coordinating and investigation,
including how to gather evidence, interview witnesses and
locate expert witnesses.
Also included in Pack I:
• “You Can Do It!” CD
• Paralegal Quick Reference Pages
• School Catalog
• Course Introduction
Paralegal Assistant Instruction Pack II Back to Top
Personal Injury and Torts
Tort law establishes who’s responsible for injuries to
people and damages to property, as well as establishing
responsibility for the allocation and recovery of losses.
A Tour through the U.S. Court System
Whether it be trial, appellate, state, federal or local, each
court has a specified authority and jurisdiction within the
court system that limits or authorizes its powers.
Where Do Laws Come From?
Besides federal and state constitutions, we are governed
by law created by all three branches of government.
You’ll learn where laws come from and which laws take
precedence when laws conflict.
The Two Essential Elements of a Crime
First you’ll learn about the role of Paralegals in criminal
law. Then you’ll learn the basics of criminal law and the
purpose of punishing violators. The lesson closes with an
explanation of what constitutes a crime.
Crimes—Facts, Victims, Defendants and Defenses
Each crime is broken down into the elements that need
to be proven to establish that the crime was committed.
You’ll learn the defenses to criminal accusation.
Also included in Pack II:
• Paralegal Quick Reference Pages
Paralegal Assistant Instruction Pack III Back to Top
A Criminal Trial
Criminal procedure governs the methods used for
enforcing criminal law. This lesson covers the procedural
aspects of the pre-trial, trial and post-trial stages of a
criminal case.
Filing a Civil Suit
Litigation Paralegals work with cases involving trial
courts and must fully understand the nuances of judicial
procedures. You’ll learn the role that Paralegals play in
civil litigation, as well as discover several typical actions
which may warrant a civil suit. Furthermore, you’ll
also be able to understand the importance of witnesses,
evidence and initial pleadings as they pertain to civil
litigation.
Learning the Facts of the Case
The discovery process is essential to preparing a case
for trial. You’ll learn about several effective methods
of discovery, and the Paralegal’s responsibility toward
preparing exhibits, briefs and interrogatories.
Closing the Case—Settlement or Trial?
In many cases, it is advantageous for a client to settle out
of court rather than go through the lengthy and expensive
process of a trial. This lesson will help you understand the
necessity of dismissals and settlements and will give you
an overview of the procedures of a civil law trial.
Family Law—from Marriage to Adoption
Family law is an area in which many Paralegals choose to
work. This section focuses on the legal and contractual
requirements of marriage and adoption. Surrogacy,
alternatives to marriage and prenuptial agreements are all
discussed.
Also included in Pack III:
• Paralegal Quick Reference Pages
Paralegal Assistant Instruction Pack IV Back to Top
Family Law—from Divorce to Child Custody
In the previous lesson, you learned about marriage and
adoption. Now you’ll learn about the legal procedures
involved in terminating a marriage and making
arrangements for child custody.
Contracts in Everyday Life
Contracts are used in virtually every aspect of human
interaction. Paralegals must be familiar with the
requirements and pertinent statutes concerning
contracts. This lesson covers the role of Paralegals in
contract matters.
What Makes a Contract Legal?
In this lesson, you’ll learn about the need for all parties
involved in a contract to be in agreement. In addition,
you’ll learn the methods of destroying this agreement,
the legal capacity to enter into contract and the legality of
contracts.
Legal Writing Style
Effective writing skills are essential to a Paralegal’s success.
This lesson will give you an overview of the most important
mechanical and stylistic concerns a Paralegal must master
in order to improve written communication skills.
Interviewing Clients
There’s much more involved in the process of interviewing
clients than simply taking notes. This lesson will help you
learn the skills necessary to participate in a client interview,
including active listening, keeping the meeting focused and
composing memorandums.
Organizing Evidence and Research for Trial
Keeping track of all of the evidence and documents
involved in a trial can be an overwhelming task. This
lesson will give you the skills necessary to organize, file and
index evidence and documents.
Also included in Pack IV:
• Paralegal Quick Reference Pages
• Writing for Paralegals Supplement
• Law Dictionary
Paralegal Assistant Instruction Pack V Back to Top
Legal Research—Overview and Case Law
You’ll learn the primary and secondary sources of law, how
to find laws, how to read court reports and where to begin
your research for a case.
Federal and State Court Research
Researching the decisions of courts is important to the
preparing and arguing of your client’s case. You’ll learn
where to look up court decisions, the difference between
official and unofficial versions and how to cite cases.
Statutory Research
Statutory research involves looking up a statute’s history
and codification. This lesson teaches you how to research
and find the proper way to cite statutes.
Shepardizing
Shepardizing is the most widely used method for making
sure that the law you’re concerned with is current.
Real Life—Legal Research and Writing
This lesson introduces you to the skills a Paralegal must
possess in order to complete thorough research. In
addition, you’ll learn how to write in a style conducive to
effective communication and where to locate important
writing tools.
Real Life—Deposition Summaries and Other Legal Writing
A large part of a Paralegal’s duties involve the writing of
legal documents. In this lesson, you’ll learn the proper
way to draft documents such as the complaint, answer,
interrogatories and deposition summaries.
Professional Associations & Paralegal Specialties
People whose interests
vary widely can all find
opportunities within the
Paralegal profession. This
lesson is an overview of
different specialty areas
of law and work settings.
You’ll also find out about
Paralegal associations.
Also included in Pack V:
• The Paralegal and the Computer Supplement
• Paralegal Quick-Reference Pages
• Paralegal Ethics Supplement
• Paralegal Career Starter Kit |
