This intensive, nationally acclaimed 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 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. There are no prerequisites, but students will be expected to complete a significant amount of homework for each
session. This program will help students increase their office’s efficiency, productivity, and billable hours as well as learn new
market job skills. Successful graduates will be awarded a Certificate of Completion from Weber State University. To receive a
certificate, you must successfully complete six tests, two memos, and class participation assignments / Bulletin Board Submissions.
All assignments must be submitted to pass the course. 70% is the minimum passing score on all assignments.
This Professional Certificate provides an individual with the recognition he/she has achieved the level of professional knowledge
and competency to work within the legal field.
Legal Terminology, documents, ethics and the Litigation Process
This first session focuses on the history of American jurisprudence, the theory
of the law, the legal process, and the nature of litigation. Discussion will cover
pre-trial, trial, and post-trial procedures as well as in-depth coverage of legal
ethics. Students will learn how to prepare a Complaint, Answer, Third Party Complaint,
and Motion for Summary Judgment based upon tort and contract causes of action.
Introduction to the Evidenciary Predicate
During this session we will review the rules of evidence and civil procedure as
well as basic interviewing and investigation techniques and the development and
use of demonstrated evidence. Students will prepare discovery matter such as Interrogatories,
Requests for Admissions, and Requests for Production of Documents.
Identify Relevant Authority
Throughout this session you will learn how to identify relevant law and determine
the difference between primary and secondary and mandatory and persuasive authority
through the use of hypothetical situations.
Introduction to Legal Research
During this session you will learn research techniques for use in legal memoranda,
motions, and briefs. A concise approach to legal research and the West key number
system will also be discussed.
Legal Research Practice
Legal research skills will be reviewed during this session with emphasis on shepardizing
statutes and case law and an introduction to computerized legal research. Numerous
research assignments will be given, discussed, and critiques.
Legal Writing and Principles of Appellate Procedure
This session will concentrate on the preparation and critique of legal memoranda,
including an interoffice memorandum of law and appellate procedure. Fundamentals
of efficient law office administration will also be discussed with an emphasis on
timekeeping records and file management techniques.
Registration & Pricing
Register
Refunds
We understand that your schedule may change at the last minute and prevent you from attending this course. If you must cancel your registration, please call Weber State University at 801-626-6600 at least one week in advance of the program and we will issue you a refund. Refunds will only be given prior to the first day of class.