Paralegal Studies Certificate - (CERT.LEGAL)

Instructional Program (CIP)

Description

Paralegal Studies - Certificate

A. Program Objective:

Graduates will demonstrate 1) basic knowledge in legal skills which will prepare them to obtain an entry level position within a law office, corporation, governmental agency, or other entity and 2) competency in communications, critical thinking, quantitative analysis, and technological applications.

Description:

Preparation for entry level employment in law offices. Provides students with practical legal skills enabling them to draft legal documents. Students are familiarized with fundamental concepts of substantive areas such as torts and business law. Legal theory and related practical applications are integrated throughout the program.

Competencies to be achieved:

 LAS 101 Introduction to Law (3 cr.): Fundamentals of legal terminology, legal principles, development of a case for trial, adjudication, and post-verdict procedures in the civil and criminal systems.

LAS 109 Legal Procedures (4 cr.): Application of the procedural aspects of pre-trial, discovery, trial preparation, and post-trial work as part of a litigation team.

LAS 131 Legal Writing(3 cr.): Application and analysis of the writing process to produce documents commonly used in the practice of law.

LAS 204 Business Law for Paralegals (3 cr.): Examination and preparation of legal contracts and documents used in the formation and operation of business organizations.

LAS 211 Legal Research (3 cr.): Use of print and electronic media to locate, read, and interpret public documents, statutes, administrative regulations, and cases from county, state, and federal jurisdictions.

LAS 220 Legal Interviewing, Investigating, and Report Writing (3 cr.): Interviewing, investigating, questioning, documenting, and evidence analysis.

LAS 221 Computerized Law Office and Litigation Support (3 cr.): Word processing skills, litigation support systems, presentation programs, billing systems, and trial electronic software for the law office.

ENG 101 Freshman Composition course (3 cr.):  Corequisite for LAS 131

LAS 100 Introduction to Paralegalism (3 cr.): Prerequisite for LAS 220

1. Total Cost of Program (include all costs to student including testing, licensure): In-state: $3791.00

Out-of-state: $4774.00

Tuition (effective summer 2024):

• In-State: $2716.00 ($97 per credit hour for 28 credit hours)


• Out-of-state: $3699.00 ($107 per credit hour for 1-6 credits; then $144 per credit hour for 7 credits and above. These 28 credit hours are taken over 4 semesters of 3, 12, 7, 6 credits each.)

Fees (effective summer 2024):

• Bus Fee: $24 ($6 per semester, Fall/Spring only)


• Technology Fee: $140 ($5 per credit hour)


• Estimated Books: $911.00 (prices subject to change)

B. Provide a list of all books required for the program (even if cost of books is included in tuition):

• Introduction to Law ($117.00, ISBN 9780134868240)


• Civil Litigation ($136.00, ISBN 9781337798839)


• Paralegal Professional ($75.00, ISBN 9780137574650)


• Business Organizations for Paralegals ($137.00, ISBN 9780135103647)


• Legal Research, Analysis, and Writing ($100.00, ISBN 9780357768198)


• ALWD Guide to Legal Citation ($60.00, ISBN 9781543844139)


• Interviewing and Investigating, Essential Skills for the Legal Professional ($40.00, ISBN 1454873469)


• Law Office Technology: A Theory-based Approach ($216.00, ISBN 9780357619254)


• ENG 101 textbook (not required by all instructors): Writing Guide with Handbook, ISBN 978195169) $30.00

C. Provide a list of all supplies required for the program (even if costs are included in tuition):

N/A

D. WIOA Contact for Enrollment Status /Credential Verification:

Name: Annie Welker

Email: annie.welker@azwestern.edu Phone number: 928-344-7689

E. Direct Website link to the program: https://www.azwestern.edu/sites/default/files/documents/degrees-and-certificates/occupational-certificate/Paralegal_Studies.pdf

F. Additional information:

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  • Background check requirements for licensing and background restrictions for working in the occupation: N/A
  
  
  
  

OPTIONAL: (Not included in total cost of program; Not required for employment): Paralegal CORE Competency Exam (PCCE) to receive CORE Registered Paralegal Certification (CRP) $325

G. Refund Policy (provide a summary if Refund policy is not listed on school website):

https://www.azwestern.edu/paying-for-college

H. Credentials: (The following questions must be answered along with a supporting explanation for each)

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  • Industry Recognized: (Developed and offered by, or endorsed by a nationally-recognized industry association or organization representing a sizeable portion of the industry sector)
  
  
  
  

Yes or No: No

• Stackable: (Part of a sequence of credentials)

Yes or No: Yes

Career Pathway: Associates of Applied Science Paralegal Studies

• Portable: (Recognized in other geographical areas; by other educational institutions; or by other industries/companies)

Yes or No (Explain): Yes, recognized at state and national level

• Accredited Curriculum: (This is referring to the course being accredited, not the test or school) Yes or No: Yes

Accrediting Agency and link to website: Higher Learning Commission, https://www.hlcommission.org/

I. Credential Attainment Rate: Percentage of students in the last 24 months who obtained a postsecondary credential, or secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, during participation or within one year after exit from the training.   18% earned occupational certificate (reported on 6-19-23)

Details

Cost Items

Demand Occupation(s)