Paralegal Specialist Certificate
Behind every successful lawyer is a highly organized paralegal specialist with the relevant knowledge and skills to keep things operating smoothly. If you’re fascinated by the American judicial system and want to play an integral role in it,Berkshire University’s Paralegal Specialist Certificate can help you prepare for an exciting, in-demand career.
Depending on your specific area of interest, NU offers you a choice of three certificates focusing on corporate law, criminal law, or litigation. No matter which path you choose, you’ll learn a variety of skills, from conducting research and investigating the facts of a case to writing or summarizing reports to help lawyers prepare for trials.
Each certificate is tailored to include training in substantive legal analysis, drafting legal documents, and understanding procedural matters. This program is approved by the American Bar Association and offered online and on-site in the Los Angeles Region.
Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law. Students must take at least nine semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction.
Required Courses
PLA 212 Torts – 4.50
Examines the fundamental principles of the law of intentional torts (e.g., battery, assault, false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress); negligence (standard of care, breach of duty, causation, damages); strict liability; the torts of nuisance, defamation, invasion of privacy torts; and the defenses to each of these torts. Also addresses the concepts of products liability and vicarious liability.Examines the fundamental principles of the law of intentional torts (e.g., battery, assault, false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress); negligence (standard of care, breach of duty, causation, damages); strict liability; the torts of nuisance, defamation, invasion of privacy torts; and the defenses to each of these torts. Also addresses the concepts of products liability and vicarious liability.
PLA 213 Leg Res Wrtg-Briefing/Analysis – 4.50
Develops legal research skills through focused exercises using print and computerized research. Exposes students to primary and secondary legal authorities, with an emphasis on constitutions and statutes. Develops writing skills by analyzing and briefing court opinions, drafting letters, and examining the purposes and uses of a legal memorandum.
PLA 214 Contracts – 4.50
Examines basic contract principles, including formation, validity, defenses to formation, rights of third parties, performance, breach, remedies, and damages. Emphasizes case analysis and application of principles, and covers code sections from Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code and the Restatement Second of Contracts.
PLA 215 Leg Res Wrtg-Legal Memo – 4.50
Develops legal research skills through focused exercises using print and computerized research. Exposes students to primary and secondary legal authorities, with an emphasis on legislative history, administrative materials, and loose-leaf services. Develops writing skills by examining different parts of the legal memorandum, including questions presented, brief answers, statements of fact. And conclusions.
PLA 216 Computers & The Law – 4.50
Teaches computer technology as a tool to assist the legal professional in the practice of law. Utilizes lectures, group discussion, and hands-on computer use. Using the latest software for time and billing, case management docketing, control, and litigation support, students complete legal projects with assignments in the computer lab. Students learn how to effectively evaluate vendor products, and design and manage a litigation database project. Also covered are telecommunications and computer-assisted research, and ethical concentrations, such as software piracy, misuse of software and databases, security, and protecting client data.
PLA 219 Foundations of Property Law – 4.50
Examines real property law, including interests in land, landlord/tenant easements and conveyances.
PLA 326 Legal Writing Project – 4.50
The course allows students the opportunity to prepare a legal writing work product using both print and online legal resources.
Specializations
PLA 331 Essentials of Corporate Law – 4.50
Examines the formation, operation, and dissolution of various types of corporate entities. Introduces students to common corporate documents, securities, and mergers and acquisitions.
Criminal Law
PLA 336 Essentials of Criminal Law – 4.50
Covers criminal law and procedure, including crimes and their defenses, constitutional protections, and criminal litigation practice.
Litigation
PLA 327 Litigation Essentials – 4.50
Covers civil procedure in both state and federal courts and civil litigation strategies. Emphasizes the paralegal’s role in discovery, pre-trial, and trial proceedings. Includes discussion of various forms of discovers, such as depositions, interrogatories, and demands for production of documents, and introduces judgments and the appellate process.
Degree and Course Requirements
Program Learning Outcomes
Admissions
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