Legal Education Programs

®

Legal Education Programs

Approved by the American Bar Association

Professional Certificate in Paralegal Studies

Embark on a new career in the exciting and rewarding legal profession! UC San Diego Extension’s ABA-Approved Paralegal Program offers you the opportunity to expand your knowledge of legal procedures and increase your chances for promotion. In as little as one quarter (through an intensive accelerated curriculum) or one year (through a series of quarterly evening and/or day courses), you can complete the training required to become a paralegal.

UC San Diego’s Paralegal Program features a curriculum that combines practical skills with legal theory and analysis. Classes are taught by prominent attorneys, judges and advanced paralegals to provide students with a balanced perspective and expertise of the tasks that paralegals perform. Emphasis is placed on the working relationship between the paralegal and the attorney. Course content focuses on civil litigation, criminal procedure, legal research, writing, inter viewing, substantive and procedural law.

American Bar Association

www.abanet.org

National Federation of Paralegal Associations

www.paralegals.org

National Association of Legal Assistants

www.nala.org

American Association for Paralegal Education

www.aafpe.org

What is a Paralegal?

California Business & Professions Code § 6450 defines “Paralegal” as a person who either contracts with or is employed by an attorney, law firm, corporation, govern-mental agency, or other entity and who performs substan-tial legal work under the direction and supervision of a practicing licensed attorney. Tasks performed by a paralegal include, but are not limited to, case planning, development, and management; legal research; interviewing clients; fact gathering and retrieving information; drafting and analyzing legal documents; and collecting, compiling, and utilizing technical information to make an independent decision and recommendation to the supervising attorney. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.

The American Bar Association’s

Definition of Paralegal

A 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.

American Bar Association Approved

American Bar Association (ABA) approval has become a benchmark for many employers who hire paralegals. To be considered for approval by the ABA, a program must meet rigorous standards adopted by the ABA Standing Committee on Paralegals. Both UC San Diego accelerated and part-time programs were granted approval by the ABA in February 1990.

American Association for Paralegal

Educators (AAfPE)

AAfPE is a national organization that serves the needs of paralegal educators and institutions offering paralegal educational programs. Formally established in 1981, its roots go back to the mid 70’s when the American Bar Association sponsored conferences for paralegal educators. From this beginning, much has been accomplished in the field of paralegal education. The UC San Diego program is a member of AAfPE in addition to being ABA approved.

paralegal.ucsd.edu I (858) 534-8164 I [email protected]

Accelerated Program

The intensive Accelerated Program allows students to complete instruction in as few as 12 weeks. This program is offered three times a year, in Fall, Spring, and Summer quarters. Classes meet four days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Students can also expect additional hours of work per session to complete outside the classroom. Classes are held at the UC San Diego Extension University City Center.

Part-time Program

The Part-time Program allows participants to study for a new career without disrupting their work schedules. Quarterly courses meet one night per week. Students pay for courses when they enroll and need not pay for the entire program in advance. On average, the part-time program takes 12 to 24 months to complete. Students who enroll in three to four classes each quarter can satisfy certificate requirements within one year. Daytime courses are also available to accelerate completion of the certificate. Classes are held at the UC San Diego campus and UC San Diego Extension University City Center.

Program Goals & Objectives

UC San Diego Extension upholds the highest quality educational standards in order to provide students with an in-depth perspective into the legal field, as well as the essential skills required for success in the workplace. The goals of the program are to:

• Familiarize students with the legal system and the role

of the paralegal in the delivery of legal services in the public and private sectors.

• Train students in critical paralegal skills such as

investigation, legal research, interviewing, written and oral communications.

• Provide students with the theoretical background to

perform the paralegal’s tasks in substantive areas of law and legal specialties.

• Educate and train students in areas of procedural law,

emphasizing the paralegal’s role in litigation, mediation and arbitration.

• Teach students about the general principles of

ethical legal practice as defined by the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility, and California’s Business & Professions Code § 6450 et seq.

• Encourage students to contribute to the advancement

of the paralegal profession.

• Provide counseling during the program and to assist

students in preparing for and obtaining meaningful careers in the paralegal field.

“It’s pretty amazing that after just three months I understood the steps of the litigation process, I was confident in my ability to draft correspondence and pleadings, and I had a solid resume to cast into the job market.”

Monica Thompson

Law Offices of Bobette Fleishman Alumnae, Accelerated Program

“I have found my education at the UCSD Extension Paralegal Program to be the keystone in preparing me for my career path as a certified paralegal. From the variety of classes to the knowledgeable and hands-on instructors to the CLA/CP exam preparatory course, every aspect of the program ensures quality.”

Kristine M. Custodio, C.P. Butterfield Schechter LLP Alumnae, Part-time Program

Admission Requirements

Standards are set by the American Bar Association. Applicants must meet entrance requirements prior to admission. The basic requirements and submissions are as follows:

• Bachelor’s degree (for the Accelerated Program);

preferred for the Part-time Program

• Minimum of an Associate’s Degree or equivalent of

general

education units (for the Part-time Program)

• Application for Candidacy in the Paralegal Program

(see next page)

• A nonrefundable $60 application fee, payable to

UC Regents.

• Official transcripts of college work

• Three letters of recommendation from individuals

who are familiar with the applicant’s academic and/or professional background

Application Deadlines

Applications for the Accelerated Program are due six weeks prior to the beginning of the quarter.

Certificate Program Application

and Enrollment

Anyone may enroll in any or all of the evening courses; however, those who wish to earn a certificate must for-mally apply for the certificate before enrolling in their third course. Upon acceptance into the program, candidates have four years from the date of enrollment in their first class to successfully complete all requirements. Certificate enrollees have priority enrollment in courses.

Program Costs

A $60 nonrefundable fee is required upon submitting

the certificate application. The program cost for the

Accelerated program is $5900 which includes all books,

course materials, orientation, graduation, and certificate. Part-time students pay on a course-by-course basis and purchase textbooks separately; part-time students should expect to pay approximately the same amount as the Accelerated program once all tuition and course material fees are paid. For information on the refund and withdraw-al policy, please visit parwithdraw-alegwithdraw-al.ucsd.edu.

Financial Aid

UC San Diego Extension will assist in providing you with the best financial assistance options. You get 100% of the money you borrow and there are no fees. You are welcome to make payments before completing your program to help lower monthly payments later, but it is not necessary. Rates are based on the prime rate as published in The Wall Street Journal. For further information, call (858) 534-3400.

Career Services

The UC San Diego Extension staff conducts individual counseling sessions and workshops on interviewing tech-niques, resumé drafting, sources of employment contacts, and general job assistance. While UC San Diego Extension cannot guarantee job placement, counselors are available to help students develop career skills, identify personal strengths and goals, and ultimately translate these ele-ments into successful employment opportunities.

Internship assistance can be offered and arranged through the program but is not a requirement of the program. Internships provide students with valuable experience in the delivery of legal services and allow them to apply their skills upon completion of their certificate.

“Butz Dunn & DeSantis has been very pleased with our experience in hiring a paralegal whose paralegal education was completed through the UCSD Extension Paralegal program. She was hired to fill in on a temporary basis for someone who was on maternity leave. As it turned out, her comprehe nsive paralegal skills and attention to detail were of such value to the firm, we ultimately hired her as a full-time employee of the firm.”

Patti L. Groff, CLM

Director of Administration, Butz Dunn & DeSantis, APC

paralegal.ucsd.edu I (858) 534-8164 I [email protected] paralegal.ucsd.edu I (858) 534-8164 I [email protected]

Transfer Credit

Credit from other University of California paralegal programs is accepted. Credit from other schools is accepted only by special permission. Nine courses must be taken through UC San Diego Extension, regardless of whether the students have completed core require-ments elsewhere.

Advisory Committee

Certified Paralegal Butz Dunn & DeSantis

Patrick Meyer, J.D.

Professor of Law and Library Director

Thomas Jefferson School of Law

Angelo Corpora

Coordinator,

Legal Studies Program Palomar College

Julia M. Dunlap, Esq.

Attorney and Director of Legal Education UC San Diego Extension

Patti L. Groff, CLM

Director of Administration Butz Dunn & DeSantis

Carole M. Leffler

Asst. Administrator/Billing Coordinator

Farmer Case & Fedor

Suzie Johnson

Paralegal,

Office of General Counsel San Diego County Regional Airport Authority

Deborah Murphy, CLA

Administrator, Legal & Corporate Department Biosite, Incorporated

Katherine B. Scheele Paralegal Manager

Robbins Umeda LLP

Katherine B. Wilkins, CLAS

Certified Paralegal

Abigail Parente

Senior Recruiter Exclusively Legal

Course TiTle Crs. No. uNiTs

required Courses

Introduction to the Legal System LAW-40000 1

Legal Communications LAW-40015 2

Business Law for the Legal Professional LAW-40001 3 Computers for the Legal Professional LAW-40027 2 Ethics for the Legal Professional LAW-40028 1

Civil Litigation I LAW-40018 3

Civil Litigation II LAW-40021 3

Legal Research and Analysis LAW-40003 3

Evidence Law LAW-40035 2

Practice and Procedures LAW-40020 2

ELECtivES (6 units required)

Administrative Law and Procedure LAW-40047 3 Alternative Dispute Resolution LAW-40384 3

Bankruptcy Law LAW-40016 3

Intellectual Property Law BUSA-40263 2

Contract Law LAW-40019 2

Computer and Software Law BUSA-40211 1

Corporate Law LAW-40044 3

Criminal Law and Procedure LAW-40049 3

Domestic Relations Law LAW-40006 3

Employment Law for the Paralegal LAW-40030 3 Estate Planning and Administration LAW-40017 3

Immigration Law LAW-40038 2

Real Property Law LAW-40022 3

Tort Law LAW-40037 2

RECoMMEnDED

Certified Legal Assistant Exam Preparation

and Review LAW-40042 3

Professional Certificate in Intellectual Property

Intellectual Property has become one of the most important assets and critical growth factors for many businesses and governments around the world. As technology rapidly changes, ensuring high levels of protection becomes central to the legal framework an organization. UC San Diego Extension’s Professional Certificate in Intellectual Property is designed to meet the diverse needs of the community by

providing a foundation in securing and maintaining patents, copyrights and trademarks.

With the help of a highly-qualified and prestigious advisory board, the comprehensive curriculum addresses essential and timely concepts providing practical application of skills learned.

FAQ’s

How long will it take me to finish the certificate?

On average most students take one to two years by enrolling in one to two courses per quarter. It can,

however, be completed in as soon as two quarters. Most

courses meet one evening per week for six or ten weeks depending on the number of units.

How much does the certificate program cost? Each course costs approximately $330-$415, making the total tuition about $3,200. Textbooks will cost an additional $1,000-$1,500.

Do i need a legal background?

Having a legal background is not required but would be helpful. Classes are made up of a variety of students with backgrounds in law, science, IT or other corporate experience.

i just finished the paralegal program. Would this certificate benefit me in becoming a patent paralegal?

Yes! Patent paralegals are in high demand as technology develops. It is also widely regarded as a more lucrative field, where a patent paralegal may typically see salaries higher than their counterparts in other areas.

Who Should Take This Certificate?

• Paralegals and legal support staff • Research Scientists

• Potential law school students preparing for their

law degree

• Professionals interested in becoming a Patent Agent • Business professionals who handle their companies’

IP portfolios

• Professionals who wish to change career emphasis • Legal professionals seeking MCLE credit

Your classes helped me make my first steps towards this long journey of pursuing a life-time career in patent law, drawing on my background as a biologist. The class not only gave me a good understanding of the fundamental laws and policies for patent practice, it but also offered me an opportunity to know a great lawyer, a great firm, and a great career path to pursue.

paralegal.ucsd.edu I (858) 534-8164 I [email protected] extension.ucsd.edu/iplaw I (858) 534-8164 I [email protected] view quarterly offerings, course descriptions and instructor

biographies online at extension.ucsd.edu/iplaw.

Advisory Committee

Mark Abumeri, J.D.

Partner

Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP Susan B. Fuller

Patent Agent

Buchanan Ingersoll LLP

Bernie Greenspan

Director, Intellectual Property Prometheus Laboratories

Donn K. Harms, J.D.

Attorney

American Patent & Trademark Law Center

Hani Z. Sayed, J.D.

Associate

Rutan & Tucker, LLP

Course TiTle Crs. No. uNiTs

required Courses

Intellectual Property Law BUSA-40263 2

Principles of Copyrights BUSA-40539 3

Principles of Patents BUSA-40537 3

Principles of Trademarks BUSA-40538 3

Patent Prosecution BUSA-40540 3

Patent Searching and Internet Research BUSA-40541 3 Advanced Issues in Intellectual Property BUSA-40542 3

ELECtivES

Biotech Patent Law BUSA-40716 2

Computer and Software Law BUSA-40211 1

Foreign Patent Prosecution BUSA-40624 2

Patent Drafting BUSA-40682 2

Explore the principles of intellectual property and its

importance in safeguarding innovation and creativity.

. UCSDD 52 805 Miramar Rd. Eastgate Mall Executive Dr. Governor Dr. Governor Dr. La Jolla Village Dr. Regents Rd . Regents Rd. Genesee Av e. Campus Point Dr . Voigt Dr. Gilman Dr . Villa La Jolla Dr . Girard Av e. Torrey Pines Rd. Prospect St. . N. T orrey Pines Rd.

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Mandatory Continuing Legal

Education (MCLE)

UC San Diego Extension brings the best and brightest minds together to offer approved continuing education courses. There are a variety of beneficial topics for legal, business, medical and administrative professionals.

Fulfill your hourly requirements with an assortment of classes that suit your interests and schedule. With several classes

offered each quarter that satisfy MCLE requisites, you are free

to choose from one-day seminars or quarterly courses.

UCSD Campus, La Jolla

UCSD Extension Complex 9600 North Torrey Pines Road La Jolla, CA 92093

Phone: (858) 534-3400 Fax: (858) 534-8527

Locations and Phone Numbers

UCSD University City Center

6256 Greenwich Drive San Diego, CA 92122 Phone: (858) 534-9999 Fax: (858) 246-1031 ®

Administrative Staff

Director of Legal Education (858) 534-8164

[email protected]

Carla S. Haney, ACP, MBA

Career Services Manager

Paralegal Program (858) 534-8152 [email protected]

vicki L. Krantz

Managing Director of

Business, Science & Technology

UC San Diego Extension

Katherine Sears

Marketing Representative

Business Programs (858) 534-8178 [email protected]

Julia M. Dunlap, Esq., is the Director of Legal Education for UC San Diego Extension’s American Bar Association (ABA) Approved Paralegal Program and Intellectual Property Certificate. Additionally, she teaches Legal Research and Analysis, Certified Paralegal Exam Prep and Review course, and various other courses for UC San Diego Extension. She has been involved in the legal edu-cation field for over 15 years.

Ms. Dunlap received her Bachelor’s of Art degree in English from the University of California at Berkeley. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Diego, School of Law, and became an active member of the California State Bar in 1993. In addition to her duties at UC San Diego, Ms. Dunlap is a solo practitioner specializing in estate planning.

For more information:

Julia Dunlap, Esq.

Director, Legal Education Program UC San Diego Extension