Paralegal Program
Image for Paralegal  Program What is a paralegal? ... The American Bar Association provides the following definition:

"A legal assistant or paralegal is a person, qualified by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible. (ABA House of Delegates, 1997)"

HUCE's Paralegal Program is designed for beginning as well as advanced legal workers. Students will be trained to assist trial attorneys, interview witnesses, investigate complex fact patterns, research the law, and assist in preparing courses for courtroom litigation.

The instruction is practice-oriented and relates to those areas of the law in which legal assistants are most in demand.

Entry level Paralegal Certification is earned by passing the basic certification course, which is presented in two formats:
  • Traditional face-to-face classroom (CELW-012)
  • Instructor-led online (CELW-014)
Paralegals who have earned the basic certification are eligible to obtain the more advanced Paralegal Professional Certification by passing at least one elective course. Each elective provides in-depth coverage of a significant aspect of contemporary law. All elective courses are online.

Alternatively, students can earn HUCE's Professional certification by taking the comprehensive, online, National Association of Paralegals (NALA) preparation course (CELW-016).

Note: Remission of tuition does not apply to any of the courses in this category

Note: The courses in this program are taught by HUCE's education partners. Gatlin Education Services teaches the self-paced, comprehensive, online course (CELW-016); all other courses are taught by the Center for Legal Studies (CLS).

Note: Refund policy for face-to-face CLS course
Last minute changes in your schedule may prevent you from attending a course. If you must cancel your registration, please call the Center for Legal Studies (1-800-522-7737) at least one week in advance of the program and a refund will be arranged. No refunds will be given after the first class meeting.


Note: Refund policy for the CLS online courses
Students may drop a CLS online course and receive a full tuition refund if written notice is sent to the Center for Legal Studies by email -- info@legalstudies.com -- by the Wednesday before class begins. Students may drop the course and receive a 50% tuition refund if written notice is sent to the Center by email anytime from the Thursday before the course begins until the first Thursday of class. After the first Thursday of class no refunds will be issued.
*** HUCE Courses in Fall 2008 ***
Paralegal Certificate
CLS

-CELW012-
Start Date = 9/16/2008 ... End Date = 11/1/2008 ... Days = T, Th, Sat ... Times = T, Th 6:00p - 9:30p; Sat 9:00a - 5:00p ... Cost = $1089 -- Does not include textbooks ... CEUs = 8.4 ... Instructor = Ms. R. Colbert

This intensive, nationally acclaimed program is designed for beginning as well as advanced legal workers. In order to receive a certificate, students must pass six quizzes and successfully complete five legal document writing assignments. Lecture classes will be held for six weeks on selected Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and all day on selected Saturdays.

Note:  Howard University faculty, staff, and alumni receive a 10 percent discount, but remission of tuition does not apply.

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Paralegal Certificate
CLS ... Online

-CELW014-
Start Date = 8/18/2008 ... End Date = 11/28/2008 ... Days = n/a ... Times = n/a ... Cost = $1089 -- Must be paid by 8/11/2008 -- Does not include textbooks ... CEUs = 8.4

This nationally acclaimed program is designed for beginning as well as advanced legal professionals. Participants will be trained to assist trial attorneys, investigate complex fact patterns, research the law and assist in preparing cases for courtroom litigation. The program runs 14 weeks and is conducted in two consecutive seven week segments. You will be expected to spend an overage of 12 hours per week reading and completing writing assignments.

Note:  Howard University faculty, staff, and alumni receive a 10 percent discount, but remission of tuition does not apply.

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Paralegal Certificate (NALA)
Gatlin ... Online

-CELW016-
Start Date = anytime after 8/1/2008 because this course is self-paced ... End Date = 12/31/2008, but additional time can be requested ... Days = n/a ... Times = n/a ... Cost = $1435 -- Does not include textbooks ... CEUs = 22.5
This nationally recognized, self-paced, online course prepares potential students for successful careers in the fast growing paralegal field. To be specific, it prepares students to pass the official certifcation examination of the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). It also provies free access to the official prep materials for the NALA exam and to Westlaw. Students receive one-on-one assistance from the instructor. A more detailed course description will be found at http://www.gatlineducation.com/paralegal.htm.

After completing this course, students will be able to understand:
  • What a paralegal is.
  • Common responsibilities and duties of paralegals.
  • Types of positions available and common employers of paralegals.
  • The paralegal's likely work environment.
  • How paralegalism is regulated.
  • Ethics for attorneys and paralegals.
  • How the American legal system is structured, and how it operates.
  • How to perform legal analysis.
  • How to perform a legal interview.
  • The legal investigation process.
  • What makes a good witness?
  • The duties of a litigation assistant in the four stages of litigation.
  • Methods of legal research.
  • Guidelines and proper etiquette for legal writing.
  • How computers are used in the modern law office.
  • What is commonly involved in law office administration?
  • Methods of formal and informal administrative advocacy.

Note:  Howard University faculty, staff, and alumni receive a 10 percent discount, but remission of tuition does not apply.

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Constitutional Law
CLS ... Online

-CELW216-
Start Date = 8/18/2008 ... End Date = 10/3/2008 ... Days = n/a ... Times = n/a ... Cost = $275 -- Must be paid by 8/11/2008 -- Does not include textbooks ... CEUs = 4.2 ... Instructor =
You will be introduced to the fundamentals of the federal constitution, including the institution of judicial review, the limitations on federal judicial power, the constitutional roles of the legislative and executive branches, due process of law, and individual rights under the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Possible future trends of the U.S. Supreme Court will also be explored. This course will focus on individual civil liberties and 42 U.S.C. section 1983 claims, emphasizing redress for violations of the Fourth, Fifth, and Eighth Amendment rights of the U.S. Constitution.

Prequisites:  Paralegal Certificate Course (CELW012) or online (CELW014) or online (CELW016)

Note:  Howard University faculty, staff, and alumni receive a 10 percent discount, but remission of tuition does not apply.

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Constitutional Law
CLS ... Online

-CELW216-
  Section 2
Start Date = 10/13/2008 ... End Date = 11/28/2008 ... Days = n/a ... Times = n/a ... Cost = $275 -- Must be paid by 10/6/2008 -- Does not include textbooks ... CEUs = 4.2 ... Instructor =
Same description as Section 1 (above)

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Criminal Law
CLS ... Online

-CELW218-
Start Date = 8/18/2008 ... End Date = 10/3/2008 ... Days = n/a ... Times = n/a ... Cost = $275 -- Must be paid by 8/11/2008 -- Does not include textbooks ... CEUs = 4.2 ... Instructor =
The course begins with an overview of the concept of punishment and goes on to study the burden of proof and criminal defenses; it also provides a critical look at the most common crimes. Students will learn common terminology in criminal law and how to consider a crime thoroughly in terms of its elements.

Prequisites:  Paralegal Certificate Course (CELW012) or online (CELW014) or online (CELW016)

Note:  Howard University faculty, staff, and alumni receive a 10 percent discount, but remission of tuition does not apply.

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Criminal Law
CLS ... Online

-CELW218-
  Section 2
Start Date = 10/13/2008 ... End Date = 11/28/2008 ... Days = n/a ... Times = n/a ... Cost = $275 -- Must be paid by 10/6/2008 -- Does not include textbooks ... CEUs = 4.2 ... Instructor =
Same description as Section 1 (above)

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Family Law
CLS ... Online

-CELW220-
Start Date = 8/18/2008 ... End Date = 10/3/2008 ... Days = n/a ... Times = n/a ... Cost = $275 -- Must be paid by 8/11/2008 -- Does not include textbooks ... CEUs = 4.2 ... Instructor =
Family law pertains to the formation and dissolution of domestic relations, including the law of marriage, annulment, separation and dissolution, maintenance, and custody and support of children. This course will study the differences between community and separate property, the classification of property, and the impact of such classification. The role of the paralegal in family law practice and the importance of mediation of domestic issues will also be discussed.

Prequisites:  Paralegal Certificate Course (CELW012) or online (CELW014) or online (CELW016)

Note:  Howard University faculty, staff, and alumni receive a 10 percent discount, but remission of tuition does not apply.

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Family Law
CLS ... Online

-CELW220-
  Section 2
Start Date = 10/13/2008 ... End Date = 11/28/2008 ... Days = n/a ... Times = n/a ... Cost = $275 -- Must be paid by 10/6/2008 -- Does not include textbooks ... CEUs = 4.2 ... Instructor =
Same description as Section 1 (above)

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Alternative Dispute Resolution
CLS ... Online

-CELW222-
Start Date = 8/18/2008 ... End Date = 10/3/2008 ... Days = n/a ... Times = n/a ... Cost = $275 -- Must be paid by 8/11/2008 -- Does not include textbooks ... CEUs = 4.2 ... Instructor =
Alternative Dispute Resolution refers to dispute resolution techniques that may better suit the needs of parties than does traditional litigation. This intensive course is designed to train paralegals in the art of negotiation and participate in conflict mediation processes. Participants will review the growth and application of settlement options in the United States. The course focuses on both traditional and non-traditional dispute resolution options. Specific attention will be given to the tradition techniques of negotiation, mediation, and arbitration and more modern variations, such as summary jury trials and mini-trials. Topics include divorce settlement mediation and labor arbitration. The course will discuss the mediation process, the role of the mediator, and problems encountered in mediation and focuses on reaching reasonable solutions

Prequisites:  Paralegal Certificate Course (CELW012) or online (CELW014) or online (CELW016)

Note:  Howard University faculty, staff, and alumni receive a 10 percent discount, but remission of tuition does not apply.

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Alternative Dispute Resolution
CLS ... Online

-CELW222-
  Section 2
Start Date = 10/13/2008 ... End Date = 11/28/2008 ... Days = n/a ... Times = n/a ... Cost = $275 -- Must be paid by 10/6/2008 -- Does not include textbooks ... CEUs = 4.2 ... Instructor =
Same description as Section 1 (above)

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Victim Advocacy
CLS ... Online

-CELW224-
Start Date = 8/18/2008 ... End Date = 10/3/2008 ... Days = n/a ... Times = n/a ... Cost = $275 -- Must be paid by 8/11/2008 -- Does not include textbooks ... CEUs = 4.2
This intensive online program is designed to train and qualify students to provide assistance to crime victims. The course provides an overview of criminal procedure and discusses the devastating effects crime can have on its victims. You will learn how paralegals as victim advocates can assist their office's clients who have been victimized by crime

Prequisites:  Paralegal Certificate Course (CELW012) or online (CELW014) or online (CELW016)

Note:  Howard University faculty, staff, and alumni receive a 10 percent discount, but remission of tuition does not apply.

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Victim Advocacy
CLS ... Online

-CELW224-
  Section 2
Start Date = 10/13/2008 ... End Date = 11/28/2008 ... Days = n/a ... Times = n/a ... Cost = $275 -- Must be paid by 10/6/2008 -- Does not include textbooks ... CEUs = 4.2
Same description as Section 1 (above)

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Business Law and Practices
CLS ... Online

-CELW226-
Start Date = 8/18/2008 ... End Date = 10/3/2008 ... Days = n/a ... Times = n/a ... Cost = $275 -- Must be paid by 8/11/2008 -- Does not include textbooks ... CEUs = 4.2 ... Instructor =
This course examines the law and practice of business organizations and the paralegal's potential functions in this area of law. It begins with an examination of basic agency law, followed by a study of the fundamental structure and most important legal doctrines relating to general partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability companies, small closely-held corporations, and large publicly-traded corporations.

Prequisites:  Paralegal Certificate Course (CELW012) or online (CELW014) or online (CELW016)

Note:  Howard University faculty, staff, and alumni receive a 10 percent discount, but remission of tuition does not apply.

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Business Law and Practices
CLS ... Online

-CELW226-
  Section 2
Start Date = 10/13/2008 ... End Date = 11/28/2008 ... Days = n/a ... Times = n/a ... Cost = $275 -- Must be paid by 10/6/2008 -- Does not include textbooks ... CEUs = 4.2 ... Instructor =
Same description as Section 1 (above)

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Bankruptcy Law
CLS ... Online

-CELW228-
Start Date = 8/18/2008 ... End Date = 10/3/2008 ... Days = n/a ... Times = n/a ... Cost = $275 -- Must be paid by 8/11/2008 -- Does not include textbooks ... CEUs = 4.2 ... Instructor =
Bankruptcy is an area of law that has provided significant employment for paralegals. This course examines the debtor-creditor relationship and the difference between voluntary and involuntary bankruptcy, both under Chapter 7 (liquidation) and 11 (reorganization). You will study the Bankruptcy Code in depth and learn how to prepare the most important bankruptcy forms.

Prequisites:  Paralegal Certificate Course (CELW012) or online (CELW014) or online (CELW016)

Note:  Howard University faculty, staff, and alumni receive a 10 percent discount, but remission of tuition does not apply.

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Bankruptcy Law
CLS ... Online

-CELW228-
  Section 2
Start Date = 10/13/2008 ... End Date = 11/28/2008 ... Days = n/a ... Times = n/a ... Cost = $275 -- Must be paid by 10/6/2008 -- Does not include textbooks ... CEUs = 4.2 ... Instructor =
Same description as Section 1 (above)

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Advanced Legal Research
CLS ... Online

-CELW230-
Start Date = 8/18/2008 ... End Date = 10/3/2008 ... Days = n/a ... Times = n/a ... Cost = $275 -- Must be paid by 8/11/2008 -- Does not include textbooks ... CEUs = 4.2 ... Instructor =
Advanced and specialized approaches to utilize the legal resources available in a law library, and elsewhere, will be examined. The conceptual differences between computer-assisted legal research and hard copy research will be taught. You will also learn how to formulate WESTLAW search queries and effectively and efficiently use WESTLAW and other online legal research methods as timesaving devices in legal research and legal writing.

Prequisites:  Paralegal Certificate Course (CELW012) or online (CELW014) or online (CELW016)

Note:  Howard University faculty, staff, and alumni receive a 10 percent discount, but remission of tuition does not apply.

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Advanced Legal Research
CLS ... Online

-CELW230-
  Section 2
Start Date = 10/13/2008 ... End Date = 11/28/2008 ... Days = n/a ... Times = n/a ... Cost = $275 -- Must be paid by 10/6/2008 -- Does not include textbooks ... CEUs = 4.2 ... Instructor =
Same description as Section 1 (above)

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Estate Planning
CLS ... Online

-CELW232-
Start Date = 8/18/2008 ... End Date = 10/3/2008 ... Days = n/a ... Times = n/a ... Cost = $275 -- Must be paid by 8/11/2008 -- Does not include textbooks ... CEUs = 4.2 ... Instructor =
This course explores the paralegal's role in estate planning. The requirements of creating enforceable wills and trusts will be covered, and study of resulting and constructive trusts will be provided.

Prequisites:  Paralegal Certificate Course (CELW012) or online (CELW014) or online (CELW016)

Note:  Howard University faculty, staff, and alumni receive a 10 percent discount, but remission of tuition does not apply.

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Estate Planning
CLS ... Online

-CELW232-
  Section 2
Start Date = 10/13/2008 ... End Date = 11/28/2008 ... Days = n/a ... Times = n/a ... Cost = $275 -- Must be paid by 10/6/2008 -- Does not include textbooks ... CEUs = 4.2 ... Instructor =
Same description as Section 1 (above)

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Intellectual Property
CLS ... Online

-CELW233-
Start Date = 8/18/2008 ... End Date = 10/3/2008 ... Days = n/a ... Times = n/a ... Cost = $275 -- Must be paid by 8/11/2008 -- Does not include textbooks ... CEUs = 4.2 ... Instructor =
An in depth guide to one of the most dynamic and challenging areas of the law that includes trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and unfair competition.

Prequisites:  Paralegal Certificate Course (CELW012) or online (CELW014) or online (CELW016)

Note:  Howard University faculty, staff, and alumni receive a 10 percent discount, but remission of tuition does not apply.

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Intellectual Property
CLS ... Online

-CELW233-
  Section 2
Start Date = 10/13/2008 ... End Date = 11/28/2008 ... Days = n/a ... Times = n/a ... Cost = $275 -- Must be paid by 10/6/2008 -- Does not include textbooks ... CEUs = 4.2 ... Instructor =
Same description as Section 1 (above)

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Immigration Law
CLS ... Online

-CELW234-
Start Date = 8/18/2008 ... End Date = 10/3/2008 ... Days = n/a ... Times = n/a ... Cost = $275 -- Must be paid by 8/11/2008 -- Does not include textbooks ... CEUs = 4.2 ... Instructor =
Explores all facets of the immigration process in the United States, the USA Patriot Act of 2001, the Homeland Security Act of 2002, and recent efforts to curtail the hiring of illegal aliens.

Prequisites:  Paralegal Certificate Course (CELW012) or online (CELW014) or online (CELW016)

Note:  Howard University faculty, staff, and alumni receive a 10 percent discount, but remission of tuition does not apply.

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Immigration Law
CLS ... Online

-CELW234-
  Section 2
Start Date = 10/13/2008 ... End Date = 11/28/2008 ... Days = n/a ... Times = n/a ... Cost = $275 -- Must be paid by 10/6/2008 -- Does not include textbooks ... CEUs = 4.2 ... Instructor =
Same description as Section 1 (above)

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Criminal Procedure
CLS ... Online

-CELW235-
Start Date = 8/18/2008 ... End Date = 10/3/2008 ... Days = n/a ... Times = n/a ... Cost = $275 -- Must be paid by 8/11/2008 -- Does not include textbooks ... CEUs = 4.2 ... Instructor =
This intensive course deals with the Constitutional protections afforded to accused persons in the United States and the impact on our law enforcement system.

Prequisites:  Paralegal Certificate Course (CELW012) or online (CELW014) or online (CELW016)

Note:  Howard University faculty, staff, and alumni receive a 10 percent discount, but remission of tuition does not apply.

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Criminal Procedure
CLS ... Online

-CELW235-
  Section 2
Start Date = 10/13/2008 ... End Date = 11/28/2008 ... Days = n/a ... Times = n/a ... Cost = $275 -- Must be paid by 10/6/2008 -- Does not include textbooks ... CEUs = 4.2 ... Instructor =
Same description as Section 1 (above)

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Education Law
CLS ... Online

-CELW236-
Start Date = 8/18/2008 ... End Date = 10/3/2008 ... Days = n/a ... Times = n/a ... Cost = $275 -- Must be paid by 8/11/2008 -- Does not include textbooks ... CEUs = 4.2 ... Instructor =
This course focuses on the laws that govern America’s public school system and home schooling, including student rights regarding discipline, suspension, personal grooming, testing and grading, and drug testing. Topics such as segregation, integration, dress codes and drug testing are essential not only for paralegals seeking full or part-time law office employment, but also for teachers, school counselors, and administrators working in the American education system.

Prequisites:  Paralegal Certificate Course (CELW012) or online (CELW014) or online (CELW016)

Note:  Howard University faculty, staff, and alumni receive a 10 percent discount, but remission of tuition does not apply.

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Education Law
CLS ... Online

-CELW236-
  Section 2
Start Date = 10/13/2008 ... End Date = 11/28/2008 ... Days = n/a ... Times = n/a ... Cost = $275 -- Must be paid by 10/6/2008 -- Does not include textbooks ... CEUs = 4.2 ... Instructor =
Same description as Section 1 (above)

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Water Law
CLS ... Online

-CELW237-
Start Date = 8/18/2008 ... End Date = 10/3/2008 ... Days = n/a ... Times = n/a ... Cost = $275 -- Must be paid by 8/11/2008 -- Does not include textbooks ... CEUs = 4.2
Participants will learn how the law has influenced the growth of the west and the various forms of ownership that people can exercise over the inland waters of the United States. Particular emphasis will be given to adjudication of competing claims to a finite resource, water. Students will leave the course with an appreciation of the importance of water to western civilization, and the rights and duties of upstream and downstream riparians. Although this course is concerned with U.S. water law, the student will also recognize the importance of the free flow of water between the U.S. and its continental neighbors, Canada and Mexico.

Prequisites:  Paralegal Certificate Course (CELW012) or online (CELW014) or online (CELW016)

Note:  Howard University faculty, staff, and alumni receive a 10 percent discount, but remission of tuition does not apply.

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Water Law
CLS ... Online

-CELW237-
  Section 2
Start Date = 10/13/2008 ... End Date = 11/28/2008 ... Days = n/a ... Times = n/a ... Cost = $275 -- Must be paid by 10/6/2008 -- Does not include textbooks ... CEUs = 4.2
Same description as Section 1 (above)

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Last updated: 11/19/2008 12:02:23 AM