Your Paralegal Career Begins Here

Transcription

1 Your Paralegal Career Begins Here

2 Welcome to Center for Advanced Legal Studies Founded in 1987 to provide specialized education and training for future paralegals. It s what we do. How our students achieve their goals Your success is our priority. Expect smaller classes and more attention from instructors. Your personal needs will be addressed with classes designed around your lifestyle. Courses are designed to educate, prepare, graduate, and help secure employment. 100 percent of our resources are devoted to paralegal education and training. Practicing attorneys teach law specialty courses. Real world skills are emphasized to meet employers needs. Financial Aid is available for those who qualify. (FAFSA School Code: )

3 ONLINE or On Campus Which works best for you? Our online classes utilize the best available technology and are supported by nearly 30 years experience in traditional classroom instruction. Options to Suit your Life Online - Complete your program in the most interactive online classroom available. See and talk with your professor and classmates in real-time while attending class on your computer, laptop, smartphone or tablet. We bring the classroom to you. On-Campus - If a classroom setting is your preference, we ve got you covered. Classroom instruction provides traditional in-person lecture and increased opportunity for teamwork and collaboration. Weekday and Saturday classes are available.

4 Paralegal Academics Certificate and A.A.S. Degree Paralegal Certificate Essential Paralegal Skills 6-8 months. 24 semester hours. $8, Already have a college degree? This program is perfect for you! Our Paralegal Certificate complements your degree and experience with essential paralegal skills needed to work with confidence in some of the most employable and interesting areas of law. Seeking your first college degree? You can receive your paralegal certificate on the way to earning your paralegal degree. Why get both? Many employers and paralegal authorities recommend the minimum educational requirement to enter the paralegal profession to be a paralegal certificate along with a college degree. By having both, graduates provide themselves with the best opportunity for success and career advancement. Core Courses 18 semester hours Introduction to Law and Ethics Interviewing and Investigation Legal Research and Writing Corporate and Business Law Civil Procedure Computers and the Law + 2 Electives Electives 6 semester hours Personal Injury* Family Law* Intellectual Property Real Estate Law Advanced Civil Procedure * Recommended for students continuing on to the A.A.S. Degree program. Students without a previous college degree are strongly encouraged to continue to the A.A.S. Degree program. All credits earned in the paralegal certificate will transfer and reduce the cost of the degree program accordingly. Please contact your Admissions Representative for more details. A.A.S. Degree in Paralegal Studies Comprehensive Paralegal Skills months. 62 semester hours. $21,590.00* Our Paralegal Degree Program includes all 24 semester hours earned in the certificate program plus an additional 18 to 21 semester hours of law specialty courses. These electives allow students to study some of the most interesting and exciting areas of law. Consequently, graduates of the paralegal degree program obtain the most thorough and comprehensive preparation for their paralegal career. The Paralegal Certificate may be all some feel they need to enter the profession and work as a paralegal. Many, however, want to complete their college degree before seeking employment. Having a degree allows them to compete for the most sought after positions and a better ability to advance their career. * Students who complete the Paralegal Certificate transfer their coursework into the A.A.S. Degree program and reduce the cost to $12, Core Courses 24 semester hours (Included in Paralegal Certificate) Introduction to Law and Ethics Interviewing and Investigation Legal Research and Writing Corporate and Business Law Civil Procedure Computers and the Law Personal Injury Family Law Additional A.A.S. Degree Courses General Education 21 semester hours English Composition I English Composition II General Psychology American Government I Introduction to Speech Communication Anatomy & Physiology I Business Math Electives semester hours Wills, Trusts and Probate Criminal Law and Procedure Real Estate Law Intellectual Property Immigration Law E-Discovery Advanced Civil Procedure Advanced Research and Writing Oil and Gas Law Externship

5 Premium Tools for Professional Learning Center for Advanced Legal Studies provides students with industry leading tools and technology. Using the best tools for the job Not all paralegal programs are created equal. Some schools skimp on technology and learning resources; not Center for Advanced Legal Studies. We provide our students and faculty with the highest quality learning tools and legal resources available. Quality makes a difference. As a student, you ll benefit from these premium products: Blackboard Learn. Industry leading Learning Management System. Blackboard Collaborate. Real-time web-conferencing designed for education. Westlaw. Premiere online legal research service for attorneys and legal professionals. ProDoc. Advanced software for the automated production of legal documents. Microsoft Office 365. Includes Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, and more. Paralegal.edu . Your professional address to keep after graduation.

6 Career Services We want at least 90% of our graduates working as legal professionals within 90 days of graduation. That s our 90/90 plan. Starting Your Legal Career As a graduate, you will receive personalized professional advice from our Director of Career Services. Together, you will discuss your career goals and receive valuable resume assistance and interview preparation. As a graduate, you ll enjoy these services: Resume Review. We help you prepare your resume for today s hiring managers. Career Services. We personally contact employers on behalf of graduates. Employer Connections. Leverage our relationship with hundreds of law firms and employers. Personal Focus. You receive personal attention; not a bulletin board or a web job bank. Available Externships. Gain real world experience before you graduate.

7 Accreditation Memberships and Professional Associations Center for Advanced Legal Studies is a nationally accredited college active within the paralegal community. Listed below are accrediting, licensing, and paralegal association membership affiliations. Council on Occupational Education National institutional accrediting agency for the accreditation of non-degree granting and applied associate degree-granting postsecondary occupational education institutions. Texas Workforce Commission State agency overseeing and providing workforce development services to employers and job seekers. Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approves and regulates all degree granting institutions in the State of Texas and as such, authorizes the Associate of Applied Science Degree Program at Center for Advanced Legal Studies. F.A.F.S.A. Federal Student Aid, a part of the U.S. Department of Education, is the largest provider of student financial aid in the nation. Please see: School Code: A.A.f.P.E. Promotes quality paralegal education, develops educational standards and encourages professional growth. H.C.P.A. Promotes the continued professionalism of the corporate paralegal. A.L.A. Founded in 1971 to provide support to professionals involved in the management of various legal agencies. N.F.P.A. Founded in 1974, N.F.P.A was the first national paralegal association. H.P.A Provides programs of education and professional development. G.I. Jobs The premier resource for education and assistance for military transitioners. N.A.L.A. One of the nation s leading professional association for paralegals. Military Friendly Rated CALS one of the best schools for your hard earned benefits. We appreciate your service. Best for Vets Award Ranked CALS high for veterans services, tuition assistance and GI Bill, academic measures & more. Paralegal Division of State Bar of Texas State-wide organization for legal assistants and paralegals. H.M.P.A. Founded in 1978 to promote the professional advancement of paralegals in the Houston metropolitan area. CALS Alumni Network Graduates qualify to join our Alumni Network to participate in alumni activities and social functions.

8 Next Steps Our professional staff is ready to assist you. Please contact them if you have any questions or require additional assistance. Let s Get Started Need help with any of the following? Office Hours (or by appointment) Submit Application Schedule Consultation Apply for Financial Assistance Complete Enrollment Agreement Schedule Orientation Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 9AM - 5PM CST 9AM - 5PM CST 9AM - 4PM CST 9AM - 5PM CST 9AM - 4PM CST 9AM - 1PM CST Closed Contact us today: