Online Paralegal Certificate of Completion Program

Gain the skills and knowledge needed to perform the basic duties of a paralegal in this six-part, non-credit Paralegal Certificate of Completion series from the University of Wisconsin Colleges. This entry-level online program provides a comprehensive overview of paralegal roles and responsibilities. By the time you finish this series, you will have a solid understanding of what activities a paralegal must perform and how to perform them. If you are interested in becoming a paralegal, completing this program will take you one step closer to your goal.

In this series, you will learn how to:

• Assist trial attorneys
• Interview witnesses
• Investigate complex fact patterns
• Research the law
• Assist in preparing cases for courtroom litigation

Who Can Enroll

Anyone with a high school diploma or equivalent can enroll in this program. College experience and/or law office experience is helpful but not required. This program is recommended for those in the legal profession seeking advancement or for someone interested in a career change.

Flexible Study

This is a flexible program designed to let you work at a pace comfortable for you. The certificate series includes a total of six classes each lasting six weeks. Classes are designed to meet the needs of both novices and those currently working in the legal field who are looking to upgrade their skills.

Earning the Certificate

A certificate of completion will be issued to those who complete all six courses in the series. You are free to enroll in individual classes but you will not receive a comprehensive certificate of completion until you have completed the six-course series.

After successfully completing the final exam for each course, the student will print an online certificate of completion. Once a student has completed the series, she or he should contact the enrolling UW Colleges campus Continuing Education Department and provide them with a copy of each completion certificate. UW Colleges will then provide the student with a final Certificate of Completion for completing the series.

Completion of all six online courses in the paralegal series prepares an individual to apply for a paralegal position.

This is a non-credit program and it does not lead to any type of professional certification or a degree. Although there is no current requirement in any state other than California that a paralegal have any level of professional experience or hold any type of degree, most employers prefer to hire paralegals who have experience working in a law office and/or an associate's degree, in addition to the skills and knowledge taught in this program.

Courses

The first three courses provide the foundation for the study of paralegalism. During these courses, students will gain an understanding of the American legal system and learn how they can be of assistance in the exciting field of law. Courses 4 - 6 take over where courses 1 - 3 leave off. Students will learn the advanced skills of legal research and writing, formal and informal advocacy, and appellate procedure.

Paralegal Preparation 1 (Six weeks)
Legal Terminology, Process, Ethics, Tort and Contract Law
For more information and to register, click on this link: Paralegal Preparation 1
If you're interested in becoming a paralegal, this course is an important first step. Paralegals, also known as legal assistants, help lawyers prepare for trials and are responsible for investigating the facts of a case and review laws, legal decisions, and legal articles that might be relevant to the case. Demand for paralegals continues to be strong as more and more private law offices are turning to paralegals to help them reduce costs and provide more legal services in less time. This course provides an overview of the American judicial system focusing on the origins of American law and the litigation process.

Paralegal Preparation 2 (Six weeks)
Legal Documents and Analysis
For more information and to register, click on this link: Paralegal Preparation 2
This course provides an overview of common legal documents. You will prepare sample documents and learn to analyze legal problems.

Paralegal Preparation 3 (Six weeks)
Evidence, Legal Interviewing and Investigation
For more information and to register, click on this link: Paralegal Preparation 3
This course provides an overview of how evidence is gathered and used in a civil case.

Paralegal Preparation 4 (Six weeks)
Legal Authority and Research
For more information and to register, click on this link: Paralegal Preparation 4
This course provides you with the skills you need to conduct legal research.

Paralegal Preparation 5 (Six weeks)
Legal Writing and Appellate Procedure
For more information and to register, click on this link:  Paralegal Preparation 5
This course explains how to use computers to assist in legal research. You will practice your legal writing skills by preparing a sample appellate brief.

Paralegal Preparation 6 (Six weeks)
Law Office Administration, Advocacy and Job Hunting Techniques

For more information and to register, click on this link: Paralegal Preparation 6

This course provides a look into the paralegal in the law office and presents techniques for finding a job as a paralegal.

How the Program Works

You will enroll online through the campus nearest you. Courses may be taken individually. However, we recommend students take the courses in the suggested order. A new section of each course starts monthly. Be sure to space the start date for each course at least two months apart. All courses run for six weeks, with a two-week grace period at the end. Two lessons are released each week for the six-week duration of the course. You do not have to be present when lessons are released.

Requirements

Internet access, E-mail, Internet Explorer or Netscape or Firefox Web browser.

Fees

Tuition for each of the six classes is $169.

About the Instructors

Scott and Lisa Hatch will guide you through your lessons, facilitate discussions, and answer your questions. Scott Hatch has presented paralegal courses since 1980 and is the author of Paralegal Procedures and Practices, as well as books on mediation and legal investigation. Lisa Zimmer Hatch, M.A., has been teaching legal certificate and standardized test preparation courses since 1987. She is co-author of numerous law and standardized test texts.

What Students Are Saying

"I learned a lot of material so far that will be useful in my future career. I can't wait for the next course!"

"I love taking this Paralegal course! Online makes it so much better than having to rush after work to a college campus while eating a pack of crackers and a soda for dinner. I plan on taking all of the paralegal program courses."

"I really enjoyed the lessons and assignments. Since I work in this industry, it already explained a lot of what I see and run across on a daily basis."