Center for Paralegal Studies
The Paralegal Certificate Course is the cornerstone of The Center for Legal Studies' programs and is not only practical for a career as a paralegal, but is also among the top 20 fastest growing occupations in the economy. This course is an excellent way to gain personal knowledge about the law.
The Center for Legal Studies is a member of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) and the Association of Trial Lawyers of America (ATLA).
For more information, please call
1-580-349-1550
The Paralegal Certificate Course is offered in the following formats
. Live Lecture
. Online
. DVD, Video, and Audio
Test Preparation Courses
If you are trying to enter either an undergraduate or graduate university, it is likely that you will be expected to take and entrance exam. For over 20 years, The Center for Legal Studies has been offering classes to prepare you to take these exams.
For entrance into an undergraduate university:
. ACT Test Preparation Course
. SAT Test Preparation Course
For entrance into Graduate School:
. GMAT Test Preparation Course
. GRE Test Preparation Course
. LSAT Test Preparation Course
Legal Investigation Certificate Course
This exciting course is designed to teach legal investigation to those interested in pursuing a new career and those presently working in the legal field. At the end of the course, students will be qualified to assist attorneys, paralegals, insurance companies and private businesses, as well as state and federal government agencies, in the process of civil and criminal investigation. Students will also be taught how to create a freelance investigation business. Included subject areas are: arson investigation, product liability investigation, personal injury and traffic accident forensics, employment accidents, investigation of financial and equity matters, professional malpractice and negligence, skip-tracing, and the role of a legal investigator in preparing for civil and criminal litigation. Internship assistance is also provided to successful graduates.
Session 1 : Introduction to our legal system, legal and ethical considerations for the investigator, law of agency and coverage of rules of court and evidence.
Session 2 : General interviewing and investigation techniques, sources of leads and information, fact analysis, taking witness statements, forensic photography, proper service of legal process, and surveillance.
Session 3 : Personal injury investigation techniques, traffic accident reconstruction, premises accidents, employment accidents, government investigation, document analysis and control, financial and equity analysis, testimony, and case studies. Job search strategies and placement possibilities will also be discussed.
Victim Advocacy Certificate Course
Participants will be prepared to work in victim advocacy arenas, such as domestic violence shelters, crisis centers, crisis hotlines, and with state and county governments to assist crime victims in progressing through the criminal justice system and toward successful recovery. Course topics include legal terminology, legal process, legislation regarding victims rights, jurisdiction and venue, ethics, effects of victimization on the victim, victim advocate skills, guardianships and crisis intervention. It also covers counseling skills for victims of assault, battery, robbery, domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, murder and homicide.
Session 1 : This first session focuses on legal terminology and the legal process, theories of victimization, effects of crime on victims and guidelines for responding to victims of crime and trauma. Crime victim statutes will also be discussed.
Session 2 : This session covers crisis theories and the role of the crisis interventionist. Students will learn how to respond to crisis situations, understand the actual nature of the crisis, assess the victim's situation, and implement effective listening skills to determine the best support system for the victim.
Session 3 : During this session students will learn the facts and myths regarding domestic violence, crimes against children, sexual assault, and related crimes. Discussions will include restraining orders, basic police procedures, guidelines for assisting those dealing with the death of a loved one, and the role of the victim advocate. Job search strategies and placement possibilities will also be discussed. A high school diploma or GED is a prerequisite, but students will be expected to complete a significant amount of homework and pass two exams.
Legal Secretary Certificate Course
This intensive program is designed for both beginning and experienced secretaries who are interested in improving their skills and working more efficiently within the law office. Students will study such topics as: legal terminology; legal process; jurisdiction and venue; ethics; written communications including letters, pleadings, discovery, notices and motions; filing procedures, billing and accounting; time management; records management; computers, word and data processing; legal research; memoranda preparation, and citation format. Internship assistance is also provided to successful graduates.
Session 1 : During this first session students will receive an introduction to the theory of law, the legal process, and the nature of the practice of law. Discussion will include the process of law as well as the specific legal terminology. Ethics are also covered.
Session 2 : This session addresses the particulars of law office management. Also, this session studies technology in the law office. Students will be exposed to actual court documents and will prepare some of these documents as part of their homework.
Session 3 : The final session will be spent examining the intricacies of the law office, including office procedure manuals, billing techniques, and overall management techniques of the law office. Students will also be introduced to the basics of legal research and proper citation format. Job search strategies and placement possibilities will also be discussed.
