Paralegal Certificate Program with Externship

1 C16 (Updated 8/25/2020). AUBUR. O FFICE OF PROFESSJONA L AND. CONTINUING Eou ,\TIO, Office of Professional & Continuing Education 107 Samford Hall/Auburn, AL 36849. Contact: Shavon Williams | 334-844-3108; Auburn University is an equal opportunity educational institution/employer Education & Training Plan Paralegal Certificate Program with Externship Student Full Name: Start Date: End Date: Program includes National Certification & an Externship Opportunity Mentor Supported Paralegal Certificate Program with Externship Course Code: AU-L-PARA. Program Duration: 6 Months Course Contact Hours: 925. Student Tuition: $3,999. The Paralegal Paralegals play one of the most important roles in the legal industry.

2 Though individual attorneys are ultimately responsible for the legal work they produce and the strategies they devise, many tasks from legal research and writing, source citing, filing, and others are delegated to paralegals. As such, it is imperative for successful Paralegals to have a fundamental understanding of the substantive and procedural elements applicable to the specific areas of law where they'll be working so that they can build on a solid foundation of knowledge starting from the first day. The legal industry relies heavily on paralegals for their experience and general training in these fields. For any new Paralegal looking to enter the workplace or for experienced Paralegals perhaps moving to a different practice, an overview of these common substantive areas is extremely useful to ensure you're ready to go from the start.

3 The Paralegal Program This Program offers an in-depth view of the role of paralegals play within the American legal system. examining the myriad of skills used by paralegals everyday alongside the typical legal working environment, students will explore the common areas of law in which they'll likely be working, the various ethical considerations that may arise as well as the sources of law they'll reference every day. Students will be offered an offered an overview of traditional state and federal courts as well as the implications and uses for alternative dispute resolution. Students will also be introduced to various career opportunities available to trained paralegals. This Program also provides students with a comprehensive understanding of professional responsibility in the legal field and how these laws apply to paralegals, specifically.

4 In addition to the general legal ethical concepts presented in the course, students will research individual AU - MET Education & Training Plan Page 1 of 17. Paralegal Certificate Program with Externship C16 (Updated 8/25/2020). state professional responsibility rules as they apply to the overall field and to the Paralegal role. Upon completion of this Program , students will be able to recognize an ethical issue, categorize it, and research the possible solutions to the issue. Education and National Certifications Students should have or be pursuing a high school diploma or GED. National Certification that is available to students who successfully complete this Program : National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).

5 Certified Paralegal (CP) / Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) Exam Students meet requirements of Category 1. Graduation from a Paralegal Program that meets one of the criteria listed in sections (a) through (e) below. a) approved by the American Bar Association; OR. b) an associate degree Program ; OR. c) a post-baccalaureate Certificate Program in Paralegal studies; or (In addition to the official school transcript, candidate must submit an original course catalog or an original letter from the school registrar or Program director attesting that 5 the Program is a post-baccalaureate Certificate Program requiring a bachelor's degree as a prerequisite.)1. d) a bachelor's degree Program in Paralegal studies; OR.

6 E) a Paralegal Program which consists of a minimum of 60 semester hours (or equivalent quarter hours)2 of which at least 15 semester hours (or equivalent quarter hours)3 are substantive legal An official school transcript showing courses taken and date of graduation will also be required. 1 Application forms submitted under Category 1(c) will be considered incomplete without submission of the official transcript and the school's verification. 2 900 clock hours of a Paralegal Program will be considered equivalent to 60 semester hours. 90 quarter hours of a Paralegal Program will be considered equivalent to 60 semester hours. 3 225 clock hours of substantive legal courses will be considered equivalent to 15 semester hours.

7 Quarter hours of legal courses will be considered equivalent to 15 semester hours. 4 Candidates applying under Category 1(e) may combine college hours from more than one institution. The candidate must have graduated from a Paralegal Program consisting of a minimum of 15 semester hours (or 225 clock hours or quarter hours.) Evidence of the minimum hours required under Category 1(e) must be provided with the application form Program Objectives: This comprehensive 925 hour course includes the following modules and contact hours: 200 Contact Hours: Introduction to the Paralegal Profession and the Law 150 Contact Hours: Civil Litigation 150 Contact Hours: Contract Law 150 Contact Hours: Tort Law 150 Contact Hours: Family Law 125 Contact Hours.

8 Paralegal Ethics 925 Total Contact Hours National Certification Upon successful completion of this Auburn University Program , students would be eligible to sit for the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) Certified Paralegal (CP) / Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) exam and the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) exam. Although there are no state approval, state registration or other state requirements for this Program , students who complete this Program at Auburn University will be prepared and are eligible to sit for this national certification exam. Students who complete this Program are encouraged to complete the Externship option with their Program . Students who complete this Program can and do sit for the NALA CP/CLA and MOS national certification exams and are qualified, eligible and prepared to do so.

9 Auburn University works with each student to complete the exam application and register the student to take their national certification exam. Externship / Hands on Training / Practicum Although not a requirement, once students complete the Program , they have the ability to participate in an Externship and/or hands on practicum so as to practice the skills necessary to perform the job requirements of a professional in this field. Students will be assisted with completing a resume and/or other requirements necessary to work in this field. All students who complete this Program are eligible to participate in an Externship and will be placed with a participating organization near their location.

10 Auburn University works with national organizations and has the ability to place students in Externship opportunities nationwide. Auburn University contact: If students have any questions regarding this Program including national certification and externships, they should call Shavon Williams of Auburn University at | 334-844-3108 or via email at Note: No refunds can be issued after the start date published in your Financial Award document. AU - MET Education & Training Plan Page 2 of 17. Paralegal Certificate Program with Externship C16 (Updated 8/25/2020). About Auburn University! Welcome to Auburn University! Auburn University was established in 1856 as the East Alabama Male College, 20 years after the city of Auburn's founding.