Paralegal Studies Certificate Program

Approved by the American Bar Association

The paralegal profession is one of the fastest-growing occupations in the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of paralegals was expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations.

Paralegals assume much of the work once considered the sole province of attorneys --- work that requires discretion, independent judgment, strong writing ability, and an analytic approach to organizing and reviewing material. Working under the supervision of an attorney, paralegals:

• interview clients and witnesses
• conduct case and statute research
• draft interrogatories and prepare pleadings
• review deposition and trial transcripts
• organize case materials
• organize and manage the work of others within the workplace
• conduct business with attorneys, government officials and agencies, police and the courts
• prepare briefs, motions, complaints, wills, leases, corporation formations, contracts, etc.
  

Paralegals may not provide legal service directly to the public except as permitted by law.

Long Island University's Paralegal Studies Program was established in 1976 and has been approved by the American Bar Association since 1980. In order to maintain ABA approval, the program is conducted in accordance with the ABA's comprehensive guidelines that include strict requirements for the curriculum, admission standards, faculty qualifications, and a law library.

Students who earn a Paralegal Certificate can gain employment with law firms and public agencies, or in the legal departments of corporations, banks and insurance companies.

Admission Requirements
To apply, please call the Paralegal Studies office at (718) 488-1066 for an interview. Bring to the interview two letters of recommendation, a college transcript or copy of diploma, a resumé, a one-page personal statement explaining why you want to enroll in the program, and a $30 check or money order for the application fee.

Enrollment is limited to students with at least 60 college credits. Many entering students possess a baccalaureate degree.

For admissions information, please contact the Paralegal Studies office at (718) 488-1066.

Policy on Transfer Credit
      The Director of the program or the Dean of the School of Continuing Studies can grant credit for particular courses with similar content which have been completed in another ABA-approved program. Such requests are carefully evaluated, and credit is accepted only if the course is substantially the same, or superior to, the equivalent legal specialty course.
      In conjunction with the stipulations above, a student will only receive transfer credit if he/she can pass the required exam(s) for the course in question. However, in no event is credit granted on the basis of an exam alone; the student must show completion of an equivalent course in an ABA-approved program.
      Finally, under no circumstances will more than a total of 45 hours of legal specialty coursework be transferable.

Certificate Requirements
To be eligible to receive the certificate, you must successfully complete all the courses in the curriculum, as listed below, with a grade of "C" or higher for each course.

There is a $90 lab fee payable at the beginning of the program; there is a $30 certificate fee, payable at the beginning of the last course in the program.

Curriculum
The program is designed to give students a solid background in a variety of legal areas:

Orientation: This is an hour-long introduction to the certificate program as a whole. (1 hour)

Introduction to Law: This is an overview of the legal system, basic legal terminology, and the paralegal profession. (5 hours)

Litigation and Trial Preparation: This component enables students to develop skills in file management, trial preparation methods, and trial and post-trial enforcement methods. Students will also become familiar with the rules of New York procedure and the relevant statutes. (52 hours)

Legal Research and Writing: This component covers the manual research systems that are used by paralegals, putting these skills to work in practical writing assignments. (45 hours)

Computers in the Law: Students learn how to conduct computerized research, through Lexis/Nexis and various online sources. Some instruction in basic computer skills is included in this component. (36 hours)

Probate, Trusts and Estates: This component familiarizes students with theory and practice in the area of probate law, including the fundamentals of wills and trust law, as well as how to administer an estate. Students also learn about probate court rules and how to prepare the appropriate forms. (36 hours)

Business Organizations: Students will become familiar with the laws and paralegals' roles regarding various business organizations: sole proprietorships, general partnerships, limited partnerships and corporations. (30 hours)

Real Estate: Students will become acquainted with substantive real property concepts and practical skills, enabling them to act as legal assistants in the area of real estate law. (30 hours)

Contracts: This component covers the law of contracts, including types of contracts and the elements of a contract, the capacity of various parties to enter into contracts, and the remedies available in the event of a breach of contract. The content and meaning of contract language is explored. (15 hours)

Criminal Law: New York State Penal Law, Criminal Procedure Law, related statutes, and the most common forms and documents used in criminal practice are covered. (15 hours)

Matrimonial Law: Matrimonial causes of action are discussed, as well as equitable distribution of property, custody and support. Emphasis is placed on the fact that matrimonial law is an extension of the civil litigation course. (15 hours)

Torts: The background and overview of different categories of torts, or civil wrongs, is explored. (12 hours)

Alternative Dispute Resolution: This is an introduction to alternative means of resolving disputes, other than litigation. It emphasizes negotiation, mediation and arbitration processes, and how the paralegal's duties vary depending on which process he or she is assisting. (15 hours)

Ethics: This component is designed to help the student understand the standards of conduct for lawyers and their legal assistants, and recognize potential ethical problems that may arise for paralegals, both as employees and as independent contractors. (6 hours)

Litigation Practicum: This interactive component is designed to give the student a general overview of the role of a paralegal in today's law firm. It concentrates on marketable skills involved in the discovery process through trial. (9 hours)

Employment Resources: This component teaches the student how to: write an effective paralegal resumé and cover letter; improve interviewing skills; and conduct an organized and effective job search. (6 hours)

Employment Assistance
The Paralegal Program staff provides our students with the tools necessary to conduct a
professional and intensive independent job search. We work with a company called
After College which provides an Online Job Center through the Long Island University
School of Continuing Studies website. Students can view paralegal positions that are
available. As part of our curriculum, we offer a course in pre-employment. In this
course the students are introduced to resumé writing techniques, interviewing skills and
job search strategies. Outside of the pre-employment class we also work closely with the
office of Career Services, where a career counselor is in place to prepare the students
further for interviews and resumé writing.

Library
We have an extensive paralegal law library on the Brooklyn Campus which contains all materials and literature necessary to perform the required research for the program. The Brooklyn Supreme Court Library is also available for use by students.

Paralegal Studies Schedule
Students may choose an intensive day program or an evening program.

There are 328 classroom hours, leading to a Certificate in Paralegal Studies. With the approval of the Director, a student may arrange to complete the program over more than one semester, if his/her schedule so requires.

PLGX 100 $4,900

Intensive Day Program
Section 1: Mondays - Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
May 20 - August 28

Evening Program
Section 2: Mondays - Thursdays, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
May 19 - December 18

Convenient deferred payment plans and loans are available for qualified applicants.
For more information, please call (718) 488-1066.