Center for Legal Studies

http://www.legalstudies.com Certificate programs through the Center for Legal Studies include Paralegal, Legal Investigation, Legal Secretary, and Victim Advocacy. Certificates upon completion are provided by CSU-Pueblo. If self-pay, you can register by calling the Center for Legal Studies at 1-800-522-7737. If you are using Financial Aid or a third party, contact the Continuing Education Department at 1-800-388-6154 or 719-549-2316. PARALEGAL CERTIFICATE This program trains students to assist trial attorneys, interview witnesses, investigate complex fact patterns, research the law and assist in preparing cases for courtroom litigation. The instruction is practice-oriented and relates to those areas of the law in which legal assistants are most in demand. Designed for beginning as well as advanced legal workers. Students must complete both courses to receive the Paralegal Certificate and to be eligible for a volunteer internship. Students must graduate with at least a B+ average to be eligible for a volunteer internship. Paralegal 1 is a prerequisite for Paralegal 2. Texts may be purchased from the Center for Legal Studies and are extra charge. These courses are for elective academic credit and do not count toward the political science major. The courses are available on VHS videotape, audio cassettes, CD-ROM, or on-line formats. Each format is unique, and each format is interactive so that students mail, e-mail, or fax assignments and take home exams to the Center for Legal Studies, and any questions can be directed to the instructor via the toll-free number. POLSC 260: PARALEGAL 1 In part one of the course, students will learn: the history of the American jurisprudence; theory of law; and the legal process; rules of evidence and civil procedure; basic interviewing and investigation techniques; how to identify relevant law; how to find authority in the law library; how to apply relevant authority to hypothetical factual situations. 3 unsupervised exams, 2 writing assignments, and approximately 15 hours of video. The Paralegal Certificate is also offered on a CD-ROM, audiocassette, and on-line format basis. Textbooks are extra. Email available. Scott Hatch, J.D. - 3 semester-hour credits Tuition $405 (video, audio, CD-ROM formats); $348 (on-line format) POLSC 261: PARALEGAL 2 Part two of the course covers using primary and secondary source materials for developing a concise approach to legal research. Legal research skills will be applied with emphasis on shepardizing statutes and case law and an introduction to computerized legal research. The West key number system will be learned thoroughly. Preparation and critique of internal and external legal memoranda of law including an appellate brief Prerequisite: Polsci 260. Three unsupervised exams, 1 writing assignment, and approximately 15 hours of video. The course is also offered on CD-ROM, audiocassette, and on-line format. Textbooks are extra. E-mail available. Scott Hatch, J.D. - 3 semester-hour credits Tuition $405 (video, audio, CD-ROM formats); $348 (on-line format) CONED 354: LEGAL INVESTIGATION CERTIFICATE The course is designed to teach the fundamentals of 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. Included subject areas are: arson investigation, products liability investigation, personal injury and traffic accident investigation, employment accidents, and the role of legal investigator in preparing for civil and criminal litigation. Instruction provided by videotapes. Course tuition includes cost of videotapes. Text cost: $55 is extra. Joe Arseneau, M.A., C.L.I - 4.8 CEUs (continuing education units) Tuition $525 CONED 358: LEGAL SECRETARY CERTIFICATE The program is designed for both beginning and experience legal secretaries who are interested in improving their skills and working more efficiently within the litigation team. Topics include: legal terminology; legal process; jurisdiction and venue; ethics; written communications including letters, pleadings, discovery, notices and motions; time management; legal research; memoranda preparation; citation format; and more. The instruction is practice oriented and relates to the activities and responsibilities of legal secretaries. Prerequisites: typing speed and general office skills. Completion of exercise booklet and three exams. Instruction provided on videotapes. Course tuition includes cost of videotapes. Text cost: $55 is extra. Joe Arseneau, M.A., C.L.I - 4.8 CEUs (continuing education units) Tuition $525 CONED 356: VICTIM ADVOCACY CERTIFICATE The program is designed to train and qualify students to provide assistance to victims, both inside and outside of the courtroom. Participants will be prepared to work with state and county governments as advocates for crime victims, assisting them in progressing through the criminal justice system and toward successful recovery. Course topics include: legal terminology, jurisdiction and venue, ethical guardianships, crisis intervention, sexual assault, domestic violence and more. Instruction provided on videotapes. Tuition includes cost of videotapes. Completion of exercise booklets and two exams. Text cost: $55 is extra. Joe Arseneau, M.A., C.L.I - 4.8 CEUs (continuing education units) Tuition $525