We are now accepting applications for the 2008-2009 program that starts in October 2008.
What Students Have to Say About this Program:
"I use what I learned from the UWT Paralegal Program everyday. The legal concepts and practical skills that I learned through the program have proved to be invaluable. The knowledge I gained has allowed me to be proactive in my job by asking well educated questions for which I receive eager and obliging answers. The faculty is enthusiastic, passionate, and more than willing to help. The faculty and the program has provided me with a solid foundation on which to grow." Caitlan Prunty, graduate of the 2006-2007 Paralegal Studies program, Paralegal at Ahlers & Cressman PLLC in Seattle
Expand
your qualifications and opportunities within the law profession.
Earn your Paralegal Studies Certificate in only nine months. Program
begins October 2007 in downtown Tacoma at the UW Tacoma campus.
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.
In the first term, students examine the fundamentals of the legal system, and learn basic legal research and writing techniques.
The second term covers the litigation process from the first contact with a client, through filing, discovery, trial and settlement.
In the third term, students 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.
Participants earn 27 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) upon completion of the program.
The
University of Washington Tacoma 's industry-recognized certificate
is awarded upon successful completion of the program.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Program length: October 2007 – May 2008
Classes meet: Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
First-Term Courses
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
Textbooks for this class:
Introduction to Law for Paralegals: A critical thinking approach (3rd edition) Authors; Katherine A. Currier & Thomas E. Eimermann
Publisher: Aspen, ISBN 0-7355-3989-8
This book will be available at the University Bookstore, 1754 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402, 253-692-5784.
Legal Research and Writing
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
Textbooks for this class:
1. The Legal Writing Handbook, 4th Edition Authors: Laurel Currie Oates & Anne Enquist Publisher: Aspen, ISBN 0-7355-5568-0
2. The Bluebook - A Uniform System of Citation, 18th 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 (no ISBN)
3. The User's Guide to the Bluebook - Revised for the 18th Edition Author: Alan L. Dworsky Publisher: William S. Hein & Co. Inc., ISBN 0-837731-321001 These books will be available at the University Bookstore, 1754 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402, 253-692-5784.
Litigation Specialties Focuses on case law and practice in:
Criminal law
Family law
Textbooks for this class:
Criminal Law and Procedure, A Systems Approach - 4th edition Authors: James & Sandra McCord Publisher: Thomson Delmar Learning, ISBN 13978-1-401-6564-1
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
Textbooks for this class:
Introduction to Business Law Authors: Beatty & Samuelson Publisher: Thomson-West, ISBN 0-324-31142-7
A baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year institution.
OR
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.
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.
Application Process
Applications are now being accepted for the 2007-2008 program, which begins in October 2005. The deadline for submitting your application is September 27, 2007. After this date, applications may be accepted on a space-available basis.
To
apply you must submit one copy of the application
form with a $50 non-refundable application fee and
application set, to include:
Your resume listing education and applicable experience;
A typed (250-word maximum) letter of application that demonstrates good written communication skills and describes your interest in and expectations of the certificate program; and
Your college transcripts from the institution that awarded your highest or most pertinent degree. Unofficial transcripts, including photocopies, are acceptable.
Fees and Tuition
Tuition is payable on a term-by-term basis. Tuition for the entire program is $3995, 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 each term.
The University’s tuition exemption policy does not apply to this program. Fees and tuition are subject to change.
Information on registration and refund policies and procedures will be included with the registration materials sent to you.
Refunds
Students must make a written request to withdraw. Written requests should be sent to UW Tacomapdctr@u.washington.edu or mailed to the KeyBank Professional Development
Center, UW Tacoma, 1900 Commerce Street, Tacoma, WA 98402. Students withdrawing by 5 p.m. 24 hours BEFORE the program begins, are eligible for a full refund of all fees except the $50 application fee and $10 registration fee. There is no refund for withdrawals after the first day of class.
Earning the Certificate
Participants are evaluated in each course. Because courses are arranged sequentially, participants need to successfully complete classes in the previous term before they advance to the next term. After successful program completion, participants earn a certificate which is presented at an annual UW Tacoma awards ceremony.
Library Access
Participants have access to resources of the Pierce County Law Library while enrolled in the certificate program.
ABOUT THE LEAD INSTRUCTORS
Dedicated to their profession, these experienced working professionals share their on-the-job experience with students.
Naomi Berkowitz, J.D., Ph.C., M.A., contract attorney for The Gaitan Group, has practiced law for 15 years in a wide variety of areas including, employment and discrimination law, insurance defense, tort law, product liability and family law. She has taught at University of Puget Sound and Seattle University Schools of Law.
Sheila Huber, J.D., is an Assistant Attorney General representing the Dept. of Social and Health Service’s Children’s Administration and serves as the AG’s Office appellate adviser. She clerked for eight years for the Washington Supreme Court and taught at Gonzaga University School of Law.
Judith
Maier, MBA, J.D., taught legal writing and research at
the Seattle University School of Law, and has served as law clerk
to Judge Karen Seinfeld, Washington Court of Appeals, and to the
Commissioners of the Court. She has also held a number of executive
positions related to risk management and
information technology.
Instructors
and courses are subject to change
INFORMATION MEETINGS
For information about our meetings please click here. Information
about our Paralegal Studies Certificate Program and all other programs will be available at these
meetings; staff and instructors will be available to answer your
questions. Contact the Office of Continuing
Studies at UW Tacoma for details (253 692-4618, uwtpdctr@u.washington.edu).
KeyBank Professional Development Center University of Washington Tacoma (253) 692-4618, uwtpdctr@u.washington.edu
