The eLearning Center for Gatlin Education Services

This excellent program is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the major aspects of the paralegal profession. This specialty certificate focuses on the most basic questions: What is the significance and value of the paralegal in today''s work force? What does it mean to be a paralegal? What does it mean to be an ethical professional? The student will be introduced to the myriad career possibilities for the professional paralegal, so this course is a great course for planning a career. In addition to being competent, a paralegal must be ethical. There is, in fact, a specialized area of ethics that apply to paralegals and attorneys. The most professional paralegal must be well versed in legal ethics in order to know what actions to take in particular circumstances. In addition to these studies, this specialized certificate program contains a four week course in legal terminology. The legal terminology course is both fun and very informative. Students who successfully complete this program will receive a Specialized Certificate in Paralegal Studies and Legal Ethics.

Textbooks: All textbooks are included in the tuition for this specialized certificate program.

Module 1: Introduction to Paralegal Studies
This four-week introductory course is designed to acquaint the new student with the basic realities of law practice. Areas explored include: different types of paralegal employment, regulation of paralegals, basic ethics, introduction to the legal system, legal analysis, interviewing, investigation, use of computers in a law office, and law office management.

Module 2: Legal Terminology
Students of the law are often initially overwhelmed by the prevalence of legal jargon known as legalese. The legal profession, perhaps more than any other, uses a vocabulary that is incomprehensible to the uninitiated. This course is designed to quickly educate the student to be familiar with the basic terminology of the legal profession. The course is divided into modules, each of which is dedicated to one are of the law. Modules include real estate, probate, litigation, bankruptcy, and criminal and tort law. In each module, the student learns the meaning and use of the common legal terms in that area of the law. If you have ever wondered what it means to move for summary judgment, if you don't know the difference between a mortgagor and a mortgagee, if a writ of habeas corpus means no more to you than res judicata then this course is for you!

Module 3: Ethics
Paralegals, like attorneys, must be knowledgeable of the rules of ethics. This course covers the basic principles governing the ethical practice of law for both lawyers and paralegals. Subjects explored include the unauthorized practice of law, conflicts of interest, confidentiality, paralegal-client relations, disciplinary procedures, fee splitting, billing, advertising, and misconduct in the law office.