First-Term Courses
Fundamentals of Legal Practice
Schedule: June 22-Aug. 28, 2009; $1,076; 6 CEUs
Instructor: Kerry Fitz-Gerald, MLIS, J.D.
Introduction to the legal system and its institutions, with emphasis on areas relevant to paralegals. Topics:
- Function and origins of law
- Court systems and jurisdiction
- Types of hearings and trials
- Legal reasoning
- Professional ethics
View the course introduction
Legal Research and Writing
Schedule: June 22-Aug. 28, 2009; $539; 3 CEUs
Instructor: Judith Maier, J.D.
Fundamentals of legal research and writing, legal terminology, and skills needed to communicate effectively in legal matters. This course includes a series of reading assignments with commentary, two research projects using computer-based research tools, and writing assignments. Topics:
- Types of legal research resources
- Identification of legal issues
- Legal index and digest systems
- Citation rules
- Legal writing style
View the course introduction
Second-Term Course
Litigation Basics
Schedule: Sept. 30-Dec. 18, 2009; $1,615; 9 CEUs
Instructor: Brenda Williams, J.D.
Survey of litigation and life cycle of a lawsuit. Topics:
- Initiating the lawsuit
- Client relations
- Statute of limitations
- Venue and jurisdiction
- Drafting pleadings
- Discovery (depositions, subpoenas, interrogatories, document production requests)
- Motion practice
- Trial notebooks
- Trial setting procedures
- Conduct of trial
- Evidence
- Trial conclusion
- Settlement
- Post-trial motions
- Appellate practice
View the course introduction
Third-Term Courses
Business Law
Schedule: Jan 4-Mar. 19, 2010; $539; 3 CEUs
Instructor: Judith Maier, J.D.
This is a substantive course in business law, covering contracts, forms of business ownership, real estate, decedent's estates and other topics. Course emphasizes legal reasoning through case discussion and written work. Topics:
- Formation of contracts
- Real estate transactions
- Preparation of wills and related documents
View the course introduction
Litigation Specialties
Schedule: Jan 4-Mar. 19, 2010; $539; 3 CEUs
Instructor: Brenda Williams, J.D.
Survey of case law and practice in non-commercial areas of law. Topics:
- Criminal law and procedure
- Child welfare protection and juvenile justice
- Family law
- Community property
View the course introduction
Fourth-Term Course
Complex Litigation
Schedule: Mar. 29-June 21, 2010; $539; 3 CEUs
Instructor: James Yand
The major portion of this course involves advanced civil procedure topics, largely focused on a detailed review of litigation techniques and civil procedure in the prosecution of large, multi-party litigation.
In the context of complex litigation, the following topics may also be considered:
- Legal and equitable remedies
- Bankruptcy
- Product liability
- Selective topics in insurance, including
bad faith
- Advanced tort theory
- First Amendment/14th Amendment (freedom of speech, religion, due process and equal protection)
Other selected topics in which complex litigation often occurs, including mass torts, toxic torts and discrimination are also considered.
View the course introduction
