UNC Charlotte Continuing Education | PCP101 Paralegal Certificate Program

PCP101 Paralegal Certificate Program

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Program Description/Overview

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Prepare to enter the exciting and rewarding legal field with professionalism and acumen in our post-baccalaureate Paralegal Certificate Program.

Register early - Class size is limited to 25 students

Why choose the UNC Charlotte Paralegal Certificate Program?

• We have an 81% passage rate on the North Carolina Paralegal Certification exam. This is higher than the testing average.

• New!! Interview Practicum: Students hear valuable interview techniques from a professional legal interviewer, receive advice on resumes and portfolios, and have mock interviews for a fictional law firm. Students also have access to our University Career Center and a password-protected job board.

• The only Charlotte program where all participants have a bachelor’s degree. Therefore, we can use sophisticated materials and teach at an accelerated pace.

• A set schedule ensuring a definite graduation date. We have a 99% retention rate.

• Materials upon which we can stake our reputation. Class curriculum is designed by instructors that are experts in their field.

• Strong ties to the Charlotte legal community. Many of our graduates find jobs in Charlotte; our instructors work in Charlotte and we are affiliated with Charlotte, state, and national organizations.

• UNC Charlotte limits the class size to only 25 students. Students receive individual attention and are able to build a rapport with their instructors and the program director.

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is proud to offer a Paralegal Certificate program like no other in the city of Charlotte. Our program is topical, intensive, and intellectually rigorous. We designed it to fit the needs of the Charlotte legal and business communities. Our goal is to equip our graduates with the skills, knowledge, and abilities they need to embark on their careers with professionalism and acumen.

Our Program combines 155 hours of classroom instruction with 73 hours of structured instructional activities that are designed to be completed online or through other methods outside of class.

Graduates will earn a UNC Charlotte Paralegal Program Certificate. Continuing Education transcripts will document the awarding of the Certificate and a letter grade in each of the program's seven core courses as well as in the General Practice segment of the program.

Special Features

All UNC Charlotte Paralegal Certificate Program students will have access to the Charlotte School of Law Library (www.charlottelaw.org) seven days a week for the duration of the program. Specific hours of access will be announced in class. All students will also receive a personal LexisNexis account that will be valid for a period of one year.

University Career Center. Participants in the Paralegal Program will have access to the career library maintained by the University Career Center (UCC), which is located in Room 150 Atkins on the UNC Charlotte Main Campus. Paralegal participants will also be able to attend career fairs and workshops sponsored by the University Career Center, attend UCC's Campus Professional Orientation Sessions, and submit résumés to, and view jobs in, the UCC database.

Individual Academic and Career Advising. UNC Charlotte limits the class size to only 25 students. It is important that students are able to build a rapport with their instructors and the program director. Students will also have the opportunity to have three advisory meetings with the program director, in order to ensure their needs and goals are being met.

Job Posting Board. In addition, students enrolled in the program, and program graduates, will also have password-protected access to a Job Postings Board maintained by the Director of UNC Charlotte's Paralegal Program. While UNC Charlotte does not offer job placement services, area employers are encouraged by the program's Director to list their paralegal-related job openings through the program's Job Board. The program makes this service available to employers free-of-charge in order to provide our students with up-to-date information about these employment opportunities.

Mentorship Program. Mentors are valuable resources for new graduates entering the workforce, and have the ability to impact the mentee's quality of life through job satisfaction and earning potential. The UNC Charlotte Paralegal Certificate program works in conjunction with the Metrolina Paralegal Association (MPA) to provide mentors for students. Provided students meet the MPA's requirements, students have the ability to apply for mentee opportunities.

Legal Writing Lab. We believe excellent writing is an essential paralegal skill. Therefore, the UNC Charlotte Paralegal Certificate Program has made a commitment to its students by offering additional instruction with our legal writing instructors. In these labs, students will have the opportunity to receive candid feedback and helpful insight on ways to improve their writing.

Advisory Board

Click here to view the members of our Advisory Board.

Curriculum Descriptions

In the first part of the certificate, students will receive comprehensive training in Core Paralegal Skills: American Jurisprudence; Legal Research; Legal Writing; Legal Technology; Litigation; Legal Ethics; and The Paralegal Profession.

The last five weeks of the certificate provide intensive, focused training in the General Practice,which will provide an overview of Criminal Law, Family Law, and Estates & Trusts

General Practice Law (Criminal Law, Family Law, Estates and Trusts)

Objectives -Students will receive intensive, concentrated instruction in the area, focusing on sources of law, legal terminology, jurisdictional issues, practical skills, document management, and recognition factors integral to that area of the law. The emphasis will be on practical skills and applications; however, students will learn enough theory to be intelligent and contributing members of legal teams.

Skills -- Students will have sufficient knowledge of the underlying legal principles of the specialty to intelligently and effectively perform functions necessary and appropriate in the legal specialty. They will acquire the ability to locate and complete the appurtenant paperwork; communicate with the proper courts and government agencies, identify the appropriate sources of law; follow developments in the law of their specialty; and identify associations and organizations offering support, education, and guidance within their specialty.

Legal Ethics

Objectives - Students will study the ABA Rules of Professional Responsibility, the North Carolina Revised Rules of Professional Conduct, and case law dealing with paralegals’ ethical, legal, and professional obligations. The course will emphasize those elements of the Rules that particularly affect paralegals: unauthorized practice of law, advocacy, competence, and diligence.

Skills -Students will be able to: apply principles of professional ethics to specific fact situations; understand the paralegal’s role in the delivery of legal services; conduct research and utilize other resources to find answers to ethical dilemmas.

Topics include:

The regulation of attorney and paralegal conduct
Confidentiality
Conflicts of interest
Handling of client funds
Reporting requirements
Unauthorized practice of law
Disciplinary proceedings
Malpractice

Legal Technology

Objectives - This hands-on course will introduce students to the various technologies available to legal professionals.

Skills - Students will be able to: identify the various technological products available and select the most appropriate ones for a given situation; use and apply important legal technology, such as Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and LexisNexis; use litigation support technology; use the Internet for research; use e-mail and understand the legal and ethical implications of email.

Topics include:

Adobe Acrobat Pro
Electronic Discovery
Electronic Courtroom
Electronic Filing
Law Office Technology
Electronic research: LexisNexis and the Internet
Case management technologies

The Paralegal Profession

Objectives - Students will learn about the day-to-day operations of a typical law office, and the paralegal’s role within it. The course will cover law office mechanics, law office culture, and professional etiquette and will prepare students to confidently enter the legal world knowing they possess the technical and social savvy they require.


	Paralegal participant involved in a mock interview.

Skills - Interact effectively in person and in writing with paralegals, lawyers, judges, court personnel, clients, and witnesses; tactfully and diplomatically adapt to various situations, deal effectively with various personalities; work independently; understand the need to seek guidance when necessary; accept supervision and guidance; be an effective part of a legal team; multi-task; prioritize time and resources; understand management principles; understand billing, accounting systems, and other administrative systems; understand record-keeping and filing systems; identify the various types of legal environments.

Topics include:

Definition of a paralegal and overview of paralegal duties
Certification and regulation of paralegals
File maintenance
Tickler and calendaring systems
Billable hours
Professional comportment
Law office etiquette
Large case management
Automated litigation support
Paralegal associations
How to write resumes and cover letters
Job search strategies
Mock interview

Introduction to American Jurisprudence

Objectives - Students will gain an understanding of the American legal system’s structure and substance, and understand how the various elements of the system work together. They will learn legal terminology, gain an understanding of the major legal instruments, and explore sources of law.

Skills - Students will be able to identify interrelationships among cases, statutes, constitutions, regulations, and other legal authorities; use legal terminology correctly; identify the proper forum and identify the proper source of law for a given fact situation.

Topics include:

State, Federal, Appellate, Small Claims, and Specialty Courts
Sources of Law: Common Law; Statutory Law; Administrative Regulations; Constitutions
Branches of Law: Criminal; Civil; Probate; Domestic Relations
Legal Terminology
A brief overview of the Concentration course: General Practice (Criminal Law, Family Law, and Estates & Trusts)

Legal Research

Course Objectives - Students acquire the basic techniques of legal research and learn to find and use statutes, cases, and secondary sources using the law library and electronic legal research tools LexisNexis and Westlaw.

Skills - Students will acquire the ability to apply critical thinking, organizational, and communication skills; prepare and execute a legal research plan; find, evaluate, and apply print and electronic sources of law.

Topics include:

Case Analysis and Reasoning: finding a case that is on point; understanding the difference between binding authority, persuasive authority, and dicta; distinguishing unfavorable cases
Primary sources: statutes; case law; administrative regulations; constitutions
Secondary sources: encyclopedias; treatises; law reviews; digests
Shepardizing
Cite checking
Methods of compiling legislative histories
Administrative and international legal research

Legal Writing

Objectives - Students will then apply the research skills they acquire in Legal Research to the task of writing various legal documents, including memoranda, motions, pleadings, briefs, discovery requests, notices, and correspondence.

Skills - Students will acquire the ability to apply critical thinking, organizational, and communication skills; use proper English grammar and spelling; acquire a clear and effective writing style; locate and modify standardized forms; apply or distinguish precedent to a given fact situation; use proper citation form; draft legal documents and correspondence

Topics include:

Case Analysis and Reasoning: finding a case that is on point; understanding the difference between binding authority, persuasive authority, and dicta; distinguishing unfavorable cases
Writing letters, law office briefs, court briefs, and other legal documents

Blue Book citation form
Legal forms

Litigation

Objectives - Students will learn the fundamentals of bringing and defending against a lawsuit with heavy emphasis on the critical roles paralegals play. Students will follow a case as it progresses from the initial client interview, to conducting an investigation, researching the cause of action, choosing a forum, filing and responding to pleadings and motions, drafting discovery requests and responses, filing notices of depositions, preparing for depositions, digesting deposition transcripts, locating and preparing witnesses, filing subpoenas, preparing releases and other dispositional documents, and filing notice of appeal.

This course will also acquaint students with the various litigation support services available to them. Students will learn how they can employ various services and technologies in their roles as litigation support specialists. They will learn what roles each of the services can play, how to choose from among myriad resources, and how to effectively use those services they have chosen.

Skills - As students move through the stages of litigation, they will acquire the ability to: Analyze problems and identify and evaluate alternative solutions; construct and assess legal arguments; determine which area of law applies to a specific problem; identify and locate witnesses; conduct effective interviews and investigations; prepare releases and use other methods to find and acquire information.

Topics include:

Stages of Litigation
Client Contact and Interviewing Techniques
Informal Fact-Gathering Techniques
Evaluation of Evidence in Light of the Rules of Evidence
Pleadings
Discovery Preparation and Coordination
Motions
Briefs
Trial Notebooks
Lay and Expert Witnesses

And the following Litigation Support Topics:

Presentation Specialists
Litigation Consultants
Reprographic Services
Document Management
Court Reporting
Private Investigators
Couriers
Research Services
Title and Title Insurance Companies
Staffing Agencies
Surveyors

The Paralegal Profession

The paralegal profession is dynamic and rewarding. Paralegals in the Charlotte metropolitan region work in all areas of the law, from banking and finance to real estate, criminal law, and family law. They work in law firms, corporate offices, universities, research institutes, government agencies, courts, real estate offices, patent offices, banks, and virtually every other business, legal, or educational setting. The mean annual salary for Paralegals in the Charlotte region, according to the May 2008 Bureau of Labor Statistics, is $43,390. The average salary for North Carolina is $40,150.

Paralegals continue to assume a growing range of tasks in legal offices and perform many of the same tasks as lawyers, always under an attorney’s supervision. One of a paralegal’s most important tasks is helping lawyers prepare for closings, hearings, trials, and corporate meetings. Paralegals investigate the facts of cases and ensure that the legal team considers all relevant information. They identify appropriate laws, judicial decisions, legal articles, and other materials that are relevant to assigned cases. After they analyze and organize the information, paralegals may prepare written reports that attorneys use in determining how cases should be handled. Should attorneys decide to file lawsuits on behalf of clients, paralegals may help prepare the legal arguments, draft pleadings and motions to be filed with the court, obtain affidavits, and assist attorneys during trials. (Adapted from Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Paralegals and Legal Assistants, at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos114.htm.)

Employment Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the number of paralegals and legal assistant jobs to grow 22% between 2006 and 2016. Paralegals and legal assistants held about 238,000 jobs in 2006. Some employment growth stems from law firms and other employers with legal staffs increasingly hiring paralegals to lower the cost and increase the availability and efficiency of legal services. Highly skilled, formally trained paralegals have excellent employment potential.

The business cycle affects paralegal jobs to a limited extent. The decline in demand for discretionary legal services during times of recession is offset by the fact that employers hire more paralegals, who provide many of the same legal services as lawyers at a lower cost, during these periods. Paralegals tend to fare relatively better in difficult economic conditions. (Adapted from Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Paralegals and Legal Assistants, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos114.htm. Visited May 15, 2009).

Testimonials

UNC Charlotte Paralegal Success Stories

Aboubacar S. Coulibaly
Future Canadian Attorney

One of my objectives, as an African lawyer that specialized in the Civil Law “Business Option”, was to acquire the principles and mechanisms of the American Legal System. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s Paralegal Certificate Program helped me to not only reach this goal, but it also opened the door of the Quebec bar. I am now in the process of becoming an attorney in Quebec (Canada), where the legal system is a combination of the Civil Law and Common Law system. I am grateful to Janeene Humphrey, the Program Director, for her dynamism and her contribution for this achievement. I am also thankful to all instructors of the program (“CHAPEAU A JUDGE DIAZ,” you are the man).

Quintina Harrington, NCCP
Crawford Law Office, PC
Member, NC BAR ASSOCIATION-PARALEGAL DIVISION

Since graduation, I have been promoted from legal assistant to paralegal at Crawford Law Office, PC. I sat for the NCCP exam in October 2008 and earned the NCCP designation. Even though I have several years of legal experience, I gained a wealth of knowledge from this course. I would recommend this program, enthusiastically, to anyone desiring to gain employment in this field. You truly have an exceptional program. I’m glad I chose UNC Charlotte.

Sheri Varner
Paralegal at Brinkley Walser PLLC

Third Place Winner of the NC Paralegal Association’s 2008 Student Essay Scholarship

I successfully gained full-time employment within 2 weeks of finishing the UNCC Paralegal Certification courses. I started out working for 15 hours a week as an intern at Brinkley Walser, PLLC in Lexington, NC for about three months and then because of recent changes in the office, there was an open position for a Legal Assistant that I successfully acquired. I work for three attorneys and do a number of different things ranging from estate planning, medicaid planning, general corporate work, collections, litigation, and real estate. I really think that the Paralegal Course was extremely helpful to me right out of college, because I never had a professional job to rely on, when working in the legal field. Just knowing the terms and what to expect was extremely important to my success. I would suggest to anyone to get an internship or to get experience in a law office before looking for a job. It changed my whole perspective on what I wanted, and what I was looking for in a job and prospective attorneys. Joining a Paralegal Association was also very helpful and even fun. The yearly seminar taught me a lot, and I got to know a lot of great people; networking is key!

Rebecca Clarke

Paid Intern for Cherokee Law Litigation

Before beginning the program, I had a background and work experience in American Indian Studies, but I really wanted to pursue American Indian law. Since American Indian law is a very specific area of law, networking has been essential. Judge Horn, who taught Criminal Law, was extremely helpful, because he encouraged me to observe federal court in Asheville, where I live. That's how I met Judge Howell, who suggested that I observe tribal court and put me in contact with a tribal judge for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Judge Martin took me to lunch and then introduced me to the attorney I am working for now.

My current internship assignment involves researching a very complex, specific issue and writing a memorandum of law. The task I have been given is somewhat atypical and quite challenging. I am working at home, alone, without the benefit of another paralegal or attorney to help me out when I am stuck. However, this program taught me to persevere and succeed in a career in which I am not spoon-fed the answers and yet so much is at stake. I remind myself that I chose a very unconventional path, and that creates its own challenges. But when you have a purpose, tenacity and persistence can overcome any challenge.

Chris Littlefield
Paralegal atWomble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice

I obtained a job through the job postings board at Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice at their Case Management Facility in Winston-Salem where I am a paralegal. I am enjoying what I do. I remember things from class everyday, as I go through my work. The Paralegal Certificate Program was very helpful and informative, and was the right choice to make at that time right after college.

Lisa Rockholt
Paralegal with the Federal Defender’s of Western North Carolina

I thoroughly enjoy working for the Federal Defender's office, and learned an enormous amount about federal criminal law over the past year.

I obtained my job by responding to an offer to come in to visit the office for a tour, and while I was there, I offered to listen to about 100 hours of audio tapes for a case that was coming up within the next two weeks. Following that offer, I agreed to work as an intern for several months to learn more about how to function as a paralegal, and then was offered permanent employment. So, encouraging those taking classes now to be a little bit assertive and not assume there isn't a place for you in an organization. Sometimes, if you can get a toe in the door and perform well, jobs miraculously become available.

J. Erin Gross
Bush Ross, P.A. (Tampa, Florida)
Legal Assistant to the Chair of the Bankruptcy Department and Trademark Legal Assistant

I absolutely love this job and the firm that I am working at. I couldn't have dreamed of a more perfect fit for me, when I moved to Tampa last year. This August 31, I will be with Bush Ross for one year!

I am so glad that I was a part of the UNC Charlotte Paralegal Program! I learned so many things that when I started my job (fresh out of the Program) I had a very small learning curve. I had excellent reviews from my bosses and received a pay raise percentage that is rarely given to Legal Assistants who have been with the Firm less than one year. I excel at my position and because of the Program's concentration portion; I was able to gain more responsibility by becoming the trademark legal assistant in addition to my bankruptcy responsibilities. The instructors of the Program taught viable information that I would have otherwise not known. I highly recommend this Paralegal Program and all that it has to offer!

FAQs

For Program and Registration Questions:
Please call the Registration Center at 704-687-8900 or 1-877-741-0134 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or email CEregistration@uncc.edu.

What types of Professional Credits are offered by UNC Charlotte Continuing Education?

Is tuition assistance available for this program?

What are the attendance requirements?

What is The North Carolina State Bar approved plan for Certification of Paralegals?

The North Carolina State Bar Board of Paralegal Certification has designated the UNC Charlotte Paralegal Certificate Program a qualified paralegal studies program. Graduation from the Certificate Program will satisfy the educational requirements for certification as a paralegal by the Board; graduates will be eligible to sit for the exam to become Certified Paralegals.

The North Carolina State Bar has established a voluntary North Carolina certification program with requirements that are properly defined and that will ensure the credential has value. The North Carolina certification plan will assist lawyers and administrators in distinguishing paralegals that meet or exceed the skills required for certification. For more information, please visit http://www.nccertifiedparalegal.org

Paralegals who have graduated from an approved program and passed the examination may use the following designations:

North Carolina Certified Paralegal
North Carolina Bar Certified Paralegal
Paralegal Certified by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Paralegal Certification
NCCP

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is an official test site for the North Carolina Certified Paralegal Exam. For more information about the exam, please visit http://www.nccertifiedparalegal.org/becoming.asp.

Prerequisites

The Paralegal Certificate Program is for people in pursuit of a second career, recent college graduates and working professionals who want to enter the legal field, and working paralegals who want to obtain a North Carolina State Bar-qualified post-baccalaureate paralegal certificate from an accredited University.

A bachelor's degree is required for admission to the program. You will need to submit a transcript documenting the awarding of your undergraduate degree either with your registration or as soon as possible thereafter. We will not be able to confirm your registration in the program until we have received your transcript. An unofficial transcript is acceptable.

Students are required to be proficient in their oral and written use of the English language. The program also requires that students have basic computer and technology skills. The following are tasks that it is assumed students in the program are able to complete:

Attach a document and open an attachment in e-mail
Open, create, format, and save Microsoft Word files
Print word process files and web pages
Load and access files and programs from a CD-ROM
Use a Web browser (Internet Explorer or Firefox)
Use an online search engine (e.g., Google) for general web searches
Download and install various plug-ins as needed

Some classes in the program will be conducted in a computer lab. However, in order to participate fully in the program, a participant will need individual, extended, and convenient access -- outside of class -- to a basic technology package. At the first class session, students will receive a comprehensive overview and introduction to all aspects of the program. The overview will include a technical orientation to technology-based systems that students will need to use to complete out-of-class and online structured instructional activities. The orientation will not cover the basic computer skills listed above under Prerequisites, but it will ensure that before beginning the program, students are familiar with the program-specific uses of technology that will be required for their success.

Click here for the minimum hardware, software, and connectivity requirements to which participants will need personal access.

Additional Information Required from Admitted Students:
Following admission to the program, each student is required to submit additional items that will help us provide individually-based academic and career counseling throughout the program. The following items must be submitted to the Program’s Director no later than one week prior to the program’s first class. Items can be submitted as Word documents, transmitted via e-mail to jhumphr1@uncc.edu.

A standard professional résumé, which includes a summary of your educational and work experiences and skills.

An essay addressing the following two questions. (Note: The essay should be between 750 and 1,500 words.)
- “How will this program help you achieve your professional goals?”
- “What skills and knowledge do you hope to acquire as a result of this program?”

A good essay will 1) follow the prescribed format, 2) have specific and coherent ideas, and 3) contain no mechanical and grammatical errors.

Registration/Refund/Cancellation Policies

For best availability, students are encouraged to register at least two weeks prior to the start date of the course section.

This course is eligible for a 3-payment plan. Please click the Registration Options / Refund / Cancellation Policies link below for more details.

Please read:

·         Registration Options / Refund / Cancellation Policies

·         Discounts (if applicable)

·         Accessibility

Applies Towards the Following Certificate(s)

Paralegal Certificate

Sections

PCP101 - 003 Paralegal Certificate Program

Programs FY11

Status: Available

Section Schedule(s):
	17 Jun 2010 to 14 Dec 2010

Click Here for Times - Sessions: 46
Contact Hours: 164.0

Tuition Option(s):
	Registration Fee non-credit	$4,995.00
Potential Price Adjustment(s):
	Faculty/Staff Discount
	Early Bird Discount

22.8 CEUs

Campus:	UNC Charlotte Ben Craig Center
Instruction Method:	Classroom Online
Instructor(s):	Anthony Aycock Annette Brinson Heim Calvin Chesson Albert Diaz Stephanie Elliott-Park Albert Hendrix Carl Horn, III William Thompson Adrienne Woods

Reading List / Textbook: Complete information on the required texts for the program will be provided to participants, who will then be able to purchase their texts directly from book vendors. Estimated cost of the textbooks is $800.

Section Note(s):

The program registration fee includes access to the Charlotte School of Law Library (www.charlottelaw.org) seven days a week during the length of the program. Specific hours of access will be announced in class. The registration fee also includes a personal LexisNexis account that will be valid for a period of one year.

You must have a baccalaureate degree prior to enrolling or have your degree by the time you complete this program.

Receipt Note(s): Program Coordinator: Cheryl Johnson