Paralegal Certificate Program

Transcription

1 Paralegal Certificate Program Preparing aspiring paralegals for successful careers. Approved by the American Bar Association

2 Professional Certificate in Paralegal Studies Embark on a new career in the exciting and rewarding legal profession! UC San Diego Extension s ABA-Approved Paralegal Program offers you the opportunity to expand your knowledge of legal procedures and increase your chances for promotion. In as little as one quarter (through an intensive accelerated curriculum) or one year (through a series of quarterly evening and/or day courses), you can complete the training required to become a paralegal. UCSD Extension s Paralegal Program Our Paralegal Program features a curriculum that combines practical skills with legal theory and analysis. Classes are taught by prominent attorneys, judges and advanced paralegals to provide students with a balanced perspective and expertise of the tasks that paralegals perform. Emphasis is placed on the working relationship between the paralegal and the attorney. Course content focuses on civil litigation, criminal procedure, legal research, writing, inter viewing, substantive and procedural law. What is a Paralegal? California Business & Professions Code 6450 defines Paralegal as a person who either contracts with or is employed by an attorney, law firm, corporation, governmental agency, or other entity and who performs substantial legal work under the direction and supervision of a practicing licensed attorney. Tasks performed by a paralegal include, but are not limited to, case planning, development, and management; legal research; interviewing clients; fact gathering and retrieving information; drafting and analyzing legal documents; and collecting, compiling, and utilizing technical information to make an independent decision and recommendation to the supervising attorney. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law. The American Bar Association s Definition of Paralegal A paralegal is a person, qualified by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible. American Bar Association Approved American Bar Association (ABA) approval has become a benchmark for many employers who hire paralegals. To be considered for approval by the ABA, a program must meet rigorous standards adopted by the ABA Standing Committee on Paralegals. Both UC San Diego accelerated and part-time programs were granted approval by the ABA in February American Association for Paralegal Educators (AAfPE) AAfPE is a national organization that serves the needs of paralegal educators and institutions offering paralegal educational programs. Formally established in 1981, its roots go back to the mid 70 s when the American Bar Association sponsored conferences for paralegal educators. From this beginning, much has been accomplished in the field of paralegal education. The UC San Diego program is a member of AAfPE in addition to being ABA approved. We are extremely pleased with the high quality and competency of UCSD paralegal graduates hired by Perkins Coie. The in-depth paralegal training students receive allows them to make an instant contribution at a law firm, and to succeed in today s fast-paced legal environment. Jennifer L. Severson, J.D. Office Administrator Perkins Coie, LLP American Bar Association National Federation of Paralegal Associations National Association of Legal Assistants American Association for Paralegal Education

3 Accelerated Program The intensive Accelerated Program allows students to complete instruction in as few as 12 weeks. This program is offered three times a year, in Fall, Spring, and Summer quarters. Classes meet four days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Students can also expect additional hours of work per session to complete outside the classroom. Classes are held at the UC San Diego Extension University City Center. Part-time Program The Part-time Program allows participants to study for a new career without disrupting their work schedules. Quarterly courses meet one night per week. Students pay for courses when they enroll and need not pay for the entire program in advance. On average, the part-time program takes 12 to 24 months to complete. Students who enroll in three to four classes each quarter can satisfy certificate requirements within one year. Daytime courses are also available to accelerate completion of the certificate. Classes are held at the UC San Diego campus and UC San Diego Extension University City Center. Program Goals & Objectives It s pretty amazing that after just three months I understood the steps of the litigation process, I was confident in my ability to draft correspondence and pleadings, and I had a solid resume to cast into the job market. Monica Thompson Law Offices of Bobette Fleishman Alumnae, Accelerated Program I have found my education at the UCSD Extension Paralegal Program to be the keystone in preparing me for my career path as a certified paralegal. From the variety of classes to the knowledgeable and hands-on instructors to the CLA/CP exam preparatory course, every aspect of the program ensures quality. I am proud to be a graduate of the UCSD Extension Paralegal Program. UC San Diego Extension upholds the highest quality educational standards in order to provide students with an in-depth perspective into the legal field, as well as the essential skills required for success in the workplace. The goals of the program are to: Familiarize students with the legal system and the role of the paralegal in the delivery of legal services in the public and private sectors. Train students in critical paralegal skills such as investigation, legal research, interviewing, written and oral communications. Provide students with the theoretical background to perform the paralegal s tasks in substantive areas of law and legal specialties. Educate and train students in areas of procedural law, emphasizing the paralegal s role in litigation, mediation and arbitration. Teach students about the general principles of ethical legal practice as defined by the American Bar Association s Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility, and California s Business & Professions Code 6450 et seq. Encourage students to contribute to the advancement of the paralegal profession. Provide counseling during the program and to assist students in preparing for and obtaining meaningful careers in the paralegal field. Kristine M. Custodio, C.P. Butterfield Schechter LLP Alumnae, Part-time Program paralegal.ucsd.edu I (858) I jdunlap@ucsd.edu

4 Admission Requirements Standards are set by the American Bar Association and are reviewed periodically. Applicants must meet entrance requirements prior to admission. The basic requirements and submissions are as follows: Bachelor s degree (for the Accelerated Program); preferred for the Part-time Program Minimum of an Associate s Degree or equivalent of general education units (for the Part-time Program) Application for Candidacy in the Paralegal Training Program (see next page) A nonrefundable $50 processing fee, payable to UC Regents. This fee covers the application evaluation, interview, and counseling throughout the program Official transcripts of college work Three letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with the applicant s academic and/or professional background Application Deadlines Applications must be submitted six weeks prior to the beginning of the quarter. Students applying for the Accelerated Program are advised to apply early; enrollment in this program is kept small and can fill up quickly. Certificate Program Enrollment Anyone may enroll in any or all of the evening courses; however, those who wish to earn a certificate must formally apply for the certificate before enrolling in their third course. Upon acceptance into the program, candidates have four years from the date of enrollment (Accelerated Program will finish in 12 weeks) in their first class to successfully complete all requirements. Certificate enrollees have priority enrollment in courses. Fees A $50 nonrefundable fee is required upon submitting the certificate application. Upon acceptance into the Accelerated Program, a deposit of $200 is to be made. The remaining tuition fee includes all books, course materials, orientation, graduation and certificate. Part-time students pay on a course-by-course basis. For information on the refund and withdrawal policy, please visit paralegal.ucsd.edu. Financial Aid UC San Diego Extension will assist in providing you with the best financial assistance options. You get 100% of the money you borrow and there are no fees. You are welcome to make payments before completing your program to help lower monthly payments later, but it is not necessary. Rates are based on the prime rate as published in The Wall Street Journal. For further information, call (858) Internships Internship assistance can be offered and arranged through the program but is not a requirement of the program. Internships provide students with valuable experience in the delivery of legal services and allow them to apply their skills upon completion of their certificate. Career Services The UC San Diego Extension staff conducts individual counseling sessions and workshops on interviewing techniques, resumé drafting, sources of employment contacts, and general job assistance. While UC San Diego Extension cannot guarantee job placement, counselors are available to help students develop career skills, identify personal strengths and goals, and ultimately translate these elements into successful employment opportunities. Butz Dunn & DeSantis has been very pleased with our experience in hiring a paralegal whose paralegal education was completed through the UCSD Extension Paralegal program. She was hired to fill in on a temporary basis for someone who was on maternity leave. As it turned out, her comprehe nsive paralegal skills and attention to detail were of such value to the firm, we ultimately hired her as a full-time employee of the firm. Patti L. Groff, CLM Director of Administration, Butz Dunn & DeSantis, APC Past President - Association of Legal Administrators

5 Course Title Crs. No. Units Required Courses (All 10 courses are required) Introduction to the Legal System LAW Legal Communications LAW Business Law for the Legal Professional LAW Computers for the Legal Professional LAW Ethics for the Legal Professional LAW Civil Litigation I LAW Civil Litigation II LAW Legal Research and Analysis LAW Evidence Law LAW Practice and Procedures LAW Electives (6 units required) Administrative Law and Procedure LAW Alternative Dispute Resolution LAW Bankruptcy Law LAW Intellectual Property Law BUSA Contract Law LAW Computer and Software Law BUSA Corporate Law LAW Criminal Law and Procedure LAW Domestic Relations Law LAW Employment Law for the Paralegal LAW Estate Planning and Administration LAW Immigration Law LAW Real Property Law LAW Tort Law LAW Recommended Certified Legal Assistant Exam Preparation and Review LAW Electives: a combination of one-, two-, and three-unit electives that total six units are needed to complete the program. Please see the quarterly UC San Diego Extension catalog for detailed course offerings and information. Advisory Committee Luciana B.A. Case, CLA Certified Paralegal Butz Dunn & DeSantis Karla M. Castetter, J.D., MLS Professor of Law and Library Director Thomas Jefferson School of Law Angelo Corpora Coordinator, Legal Studies Program Palomar College Julia M. Dunlap, Esq. Attorney and Director of Legal Education UC San Diego Extension Patti L. Groff, CLM Director of Administration Butz Dunn & DeSantis Administrative Staff Julia M. Dunlap, Esq. Director of Legal Education (858) jdunlap@ucsd.edu Carla S. Haney, ACP, MBA, Career Services Manager Paralegal Program (858) chaney@ucsd.edu Carole M. Leffler Asst. Administrator/Billing Coordinator Farmer Case & Fedor Suzie Johnson Paralegal, Office of General Counsel San Diego County Regional Airport Authority Deborah Murphy, CLA Administrator, Legal & Corporate Department Biosite, Incorporated Katherine B. Scheele Paralegal Manager Robbins Umeda LLP Katherine B. Wilkins, CLAS Certified Paralegal Vicki L. Krantz Managing Director of Business, Science & Technology UC San Diego Extension Katherine Sears Marketing Representative, Business Programs (858) ksears@ucsd.edu Transfer Credit Credit from other University of California paralegal programs is accepted. Credit from other schools is accepted only by special permission. Nine courses must be taken through UC San Diego Extension, regardless of whether the students have completed core requirements elsewhere. Julia M. Dunlap is the Program Director for UC San Diego Extension s American Bar Association (ABA) Approved Paralegal Certificate Program, established in Additionally, she teaches Legal Communications, Legal Research and Writing and other electives for UC San Diego. She brings to the position 15 years of teaching experience in the paralegal field. Ms. Dunlap received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of California at Berkeley. She graduated with her Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Diego School of Law and became an active member of the California Bar Association in In addition to her duties at UC San Diego, she is a solo practitioner in San Diego specializing in estate planning. paralegal.ucsd.edu I (858) I jdunlap@ucsd.edu

6 Intellectual Property Certificate Discover the principles of intellectual property and its importance in stimulating and safeguarding innovation and creativity. Whether you re a novice or seasoned professional, you will benefit from core classes that teach essential and timely concepts in patents, trademarks, property law and copyrights. In addition, you can develop your area of expertise through our customizable program. Visit extension.ucsd.edu/iplaw for complete certificate information. Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) UC San Diego Extension brings the best and brightest minds together to offer approved continuing education courses. There are a variety of beneficial topics for legal, business, medical and administrative professionals. Fulfill your hourly requirements with an assortment of classes that suit your interests and schedule. With several classes offered each quarter that satisfy MCLE requisites, you are free to choose from one-day seminars or weekly courses. FA Locations and Phone Numbers UCSD Campus, La Jolla UCSD University City Center UCSD Extension Complex 6256 Greenwich Drive 9600 North Torrey Pines Road San Diego, CA La Jolla, CA Phone: (858) Phone: (858) Fax: (858) Fax: (858) Pacific Ocean La Jolla Blvd. Prospect St. Pearl St. For more information: Julia Dunlap, Esq. Director, Legal Education Program, UC San Diego Extension (858) jdunlap@ucsd.edu Girard Ave. hel Ave. N. Torrey Pines Rd. N. Torrey Pines Rd. The Neurosciences Institute UCSD Extension Torrey Pines Rd. UCSD igh Ave. John Jay Hopkins Dr. La Jolla Gilman Dr. Villa La Jolla Dr.. Sorrento Valley Rd. Roselle St. Scripps Hospital Voigt Dr. Thornton Hospital Campus Point Dr. Regents Rd. Vista Sorrento Pkwy. Regents Rd. La Jolla Village Dr. Governor Dr. Sorrento Valley Blvd. Eastgate Mall Genesee Ave. Mira Mesa Blvd. Executive Dr. Telesis Ct. N 805 Governor Dr. Lusk Blvd. 52 Greenwich Dr. Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Miramar Rd. Opening July 2011 UCSD Extension University City Center