Paralegal Studies Certificate
The paralegal profession will be one of the fastest growing occupations in the region during the next several years, according to a study by the Washington State Employment Security Department.
Designed and taught by leading attorneys in the Puget Sound region, the Paralegal Studies Certificate Program prepares students to enter this growing field. Instructors are practicing attorneys who excel in their chosen specialty, are experienced in the classroom, and are knowledgeable about the important work and knowledge necessary for paralegals.
This program emphasizes the development of litigation support skills that are in demand in entry-level positions. Business law is also addressed.
- First term: Examines the fundamentals of the legal system, and learn basic legal research and writing techniques
- Second term: Covers the litigation process from the first contact with a client, through filing, discovery, trial and settlement
- Third term: Learn basic principles of business law, and practice in selected areas of a legal specialty. Advanced techniques are covered for the handling of large and complex lawsuits
Courses have been developed and approved by the UW School of Law.
The University of Washington Tacoma's industry-recognized certificate and 27 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are awarded upon successful completion of the program.
Library access
Participants have access to resources of the Pierce County Law Library while enrolled in the certificate program.
Fundamentals of Legal Practice
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
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Class meets: Mondays & Wednesdays, 10/1 - 12/10/2012 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. |
- Required textbooks for this class
- Introduction to Law for Paralegals: A critical thinking approach (4th edition)
Authors; Katherine A. Currier & Thomas E. Eimermann
Publisher: Aspen, 978-0-735-56719-1
Legal Research and Writing I
Fundamentals of legal research and writing, legal terminology and skills needed to communicate effectively in legal matters. Includes lectures, research in the law library, an introduction to computer-based research and a series of writing assignments. Topics:
- Types of legal research resources
- Identification of legal issues
- Legal index and digest systems
- Citation rules
- Legal writing style
| Class meets: Tuesdays, 10/2 - 12/14/2012 from 6 - 9 p.m. Location: GWP 101 Fee: $540 Credit/Contact hours: 30 clock or contact hours or 3.0 CEUs Instructor: Judith Maier |
- Required textbooks for this class
- The Legal Writing Handbook, 5th Edition
Authors: Laurel Currie Oates & Anne Enquist
Publisher: Aspen, ISBN 9780735585164
The Bluebook - A Uniform System of Citation, 19th Edition
Authors: Compiled by Columbia Law Review, Harvard Law Review, University of Pennsylvania Law Review and Yale Law Journal
Published: Harvard Law Review Association, Gannett House, Cambridge, Massachusetts www.legalbluebook.com ISBN 9780615361161
Understanding and Mastering The Bluebook 2nd (second) edition Author: Linda J Barris
Publisher: Carolina Academic Press, ISBN-10: 1594607338
Litigation Basics
Survey of litigation and life cycle of a lawsuit. Topics:
- Initiating the lawsuit
- Motion practice
- Client relations
- Trial notebooks
- Statute of limitations
- Trial setting procedures
- Venue and jurisdiction
- Arbitration and mediation
- Drafting pleadings
- Juries
- Conduct of trial
- Trial conclusion
- Evidence
- Settlement
- Post-trial motions
- Appellate practice
- Discovery (depositions, subpoenas, interrogatories and requests for production of documents)
| Class meets: Mondays & Wednesdays, 1/7 - 3/13/2013 from 6 - 9 p.m. Location: BB 106 Fee: $1,080 Credit/Contact hours: 60 clock or contact hours or 6.0 CEUs Instructor: Naomi Berkowitz Syllabus |
- Required textbooks for this class
- Civil Litigation - 6th Edition
Author, Kerley, Hames, Sukys
Publisher: Thomson Delmar Learning, ISBN: 9781111312220
Legal Research and Writing II
Builds on the knowledge base gained from Legal Research and Writing I. You will hone your legal writing skills through a series of projects graduated in level of difficulty and coordinated with other course work. Through the projects, you will conduct legal research in a variety of print and online resources designed to enhance your legal research skill set and to introduce legal resources not previously used. A review of legal citation rounds out the course.
| Class meets: Tuesdays, 1/08 - 3/12/2013 from 6 - 9 p.m. Location: CP 331 Fee: $540 Credit/Contact hours: 30 clock or contact hours or 3.0 CEUs Instructor: Judith Maier |
Legal Issues I
Focuses on case law and practice in:
- E-Discovery and technology
- Family law
- Intellectual property
- International Law
- Real estate financing/deeds of trust
| Class meets: Mondays, 4/1 - 6/10/2013 from 6 - 9 p.m. Location: CP 331 Fee: $540 Credit/Contact hours: 30 clock or contact hours or 3.0 CEUs Instructor: Judith Maier |
- Required textbooks for this class
- Essentials: Family Law
Author: Katherine K. Baker & Katharine B. Silbaugh
Publisher: Wolters Kluwer Law & Business, ISBN 13: 978-0-7355-8296-5
Business Law
Substantive course in business law, covering contracts, corporations and partnerships, real estate, estate planning and other topics. Course emphasizes legal reasoning through case discussion and written work. Topics:
- Formation of contracts
- Corporate formation and filings
- Public record filings under the UCC
- Deeds and recording
- Preparation of wills and related documents
| Class meets: Tuesdays, 4/2 - 6/04/2013 from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Location: WCG 116 Syllabus Fee: $540 Credit/Contact hours: 30 clock or contact hours or 3.0 CEUs Instructor: Sheila Huber |
- Required textbooks for this class
- Introduction to Business Law 3rd Edition
Author: Jeffrey F. Beatty & Susan S. Samuelson
Publisher: SouthWestern College/West (Cenage Advantage), ISBN-10 0324826990/ISBN-13 0324826999
Legal Issues II
Survey of selected topics including:
- Criminal law and procedure
- Eldercare/Elderlaw
- Employment law
- Immigration law
- Indian law
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Class meets: Wednesdays, 4/3 - 6/5/2013 from 6 - 9 p.m. |
- Required textbooks for this class
- Criminal Law and Procedure: A Systems Approach, 4th Edition
Author: James W.H. McCord and Sandra L. McCord
Publisher: Thomson West, ISBN-13: 9781435440166/ISBN-10: 1435440161
Canby’s American Indian Law in a Nutshell, 5th Edition (Nutshell Series)
Author: William C. Canby, Jr.
Publisher: Thomson West Publishing 2004, ISBN-13: 9780314195197
Weissbrodt’s and Danielson’s Immigration Law and Procedure in a Nutshell, 6th Edition (Nutshell Series)
Author: David Weissbrodt and Laura Danielson
Publisher: Thomson West Publishing, ISBN-13: 9780314199447 - Frolik and Kaplan's Elder Law in a Nutshell, 5th Edition (Nutshell Series)
Author: Lawrence A. Frolik and Richard L. Kaplan
Publisher: West Thomson Publishing, 2010, ISBN-13: 9780314926012 - Employment Law in a Nutshell, 3rd Edition (Nutshell Series)
Author: Robert Covington
Publisher: West Law School, ISBN-13: 978-0314195401
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A baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year institution.
OR
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An associate degree (A.A. or A.S.) and at least 5 years experience working in a position of significant responsibility in a legal environment, e.g., as a paralegal, paralegal assistant, or legal assistant. Confirmation of an applicant's status and responsibilities may be requested of an employer
AND
- Relevant transferable skills, including, but not limited to, the ability to work independently, project management skills, objectivity and conscientious attention to details.
- Your college transcripts from the institution that awarded your highest or most pertinent degree. Unofficial transcripts, including photocopies, are acceptable.
- Internet connection and use.
Note: This program requires a high level of proficiency in both written and spoken English. Applicants for whom English is a second language may be required to provide TOEFL test results demonstrating adequate language proficiency as a condition of admission. If English is not your native language, please call 253-692-4604 to speak with student services before submitting your application.
Fees and tuition
Tuition is payable on a term-by-term basis. Tuition for the entire program is $4860 excluding application and registration fees and textbooks. There is a $50 non-refundable application fee to apply to this program and a $10 non-refundable registration fee for each term. First-term tuition and $10 registration fee are due three business days before class begins.
The university’s tuition exemption policy does not apply to this program. Fees and tuition are subject to change.
Registration
Payment Policy: Tuition for classes and $10 registration fee are due by 5 p.m. three days before each term begins. Accepted students who do not pay by the due date will be assessed a $50 late fee.
Refund Policy: Students must make a request to withdraw in writing. Written requests can be sent to keypdc@uw.edu or mailed to the address below. Students withdrawing by 5 p.m. 24 hours BEFORE the program begins, are eligible for a full refund of all tuition except the $50 application fee and $10 processing fee. There is no refund for withdrawals after the first day of class.
Withdrawal Policy: If you are not planning to continue in the certificate program or course, please send a written request to withdraw to keypdc@uw.edu or to:
University of Washington Tacoma
KeyBank Professional Development Center
1900 Commerce St.
Tacoma, WA 98402-3100
Cancellations and Changes: UW Tacoma reserves the right to cancel programs or classes with low enrollment. Please note: Course, application, and registration fees are subject to change.
By clicking "Register now" below you acknowledge that you have read and understood all of these terms and conditions and wish to continue to register for classes. If you have any questions or concerns before registering contact us at 253-692-4618 or keypdc@uw.edu.
