APPROVED BY THE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION
Call: 877-FDU-5222
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: paralegal.fdu.edu
Metropolitan Campus Florham Campus
Teaneck, NJ Madison, NJ
Monmouth County Graduate Center Eatontown, NJ
The Paralegal
Studies Program
Objectives that provide our students with:
• A focused, applications-based curriculum that will prepare them for successful careers.
• A curriculum in a convenient time frame that accommodates non-traditional schedules.
• The guidance and services necessary to successfully complete their studies.
• Outstanding practical experience and communication skills, and to develop them professionally.
• Effective financial planning and payment options to facilitate the completion of their studies.
• The necessary guidance and skills for a successful employment search, along with individual employment assistance.
Those who should consider the Paralegal Studies Program:
• Interested in the legal profession and the challenges it offers;
• Looking for practical skills to enhance your liberal arts degree and launch your professional career;
• Seeking additional training for a career change or job promotion;
• Considering law school, but are uncertain about the time and money it requires; or • Ready to return to the work force and obtain a position in a high demand field.
In as little as 6 months, you can begin a career as a
Paralegal, one of the Nation’s fastest growing
and high demand professions.
Metropolitan Campus, Teaneck, NJ
Florham Campus, Madison, NJ
Monmouth County Graduate Center, Eatontown, NJ
6 Month Day or 12 Month Evening Programs
Law Office Positions
Bankruptcy Paralegal Case Manager Employment Law Paralegal
Family Law Paralegal Investigator Legal Research Specialist
Litigation Paralegal Mediation Specialist Patent Law Paralegal Probate Paralegal Real Estate Law Paralegal
Workers’ Compensation Law Paralegal
Government Positions
Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms Inspector Clerk of Courts Contract Administrator Copyright Examiner Criminal Investigator Customs Inspector Equal Opportunity Compliance Specialist Legislative Analyst Regulatory Specialist Securities Compliance Examiner Veterans Claims Examiner
Corporate Positions
Administrative Hearing Representative Banking Paralegal Corporate Paralegal Employee Benefits Paralegal
Foreclosure Processor Human Resources Staff/
Analyst Paralegal Labor Relations Specialist
Litigation Manager Loan Facilitator Project Manager Risk Management
Specialist
Working in America’s Legal System
Paralegal, Lawyer’s Assistant and Legal Assistant are all titles used interchangeably to describe individuals who work side-by-side with attorneys and other professionals in the practice of law. While attorneys assume ultimate responsibility for legal work, they often delegate many of their tasks to paralegals.
Whether in the office, in the library or in court, paralegals are active in nearly every aspect of law. Working under an attorney’s supervision, your job responsibilities can include interviewing clients and witnesses, drafting
and processing legal documents, and conducting legal research.
One of a paralegal’s most important tasks is helping attorneys prepare for closings, hearings, trials, and corporate meetings. Paralegals investigate the facts of cases and ensure that all relevant information is considered. They also identify appropriate laws, judicial decisions, legal articles and other materials that are relevant to assigned cases. After they analyze the information, paralegals may prepare written reports that attorneys use in determining how cases should be handled.
Unlimited Career Options
The Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014 Edition, states the employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 17 percent between 2012 and 2022, “much faster than the average” for all occupations.
Employment opportunities for paralegal professionals are plentiful in law
firms, and are increasing in corporate legal departments, banks, insurance
companies, brokerage firms, government agencies and a wide variety of businesses. Preparation as a paralegal can open the doors to a wide range of career options. Many paralegals use the professional experience and practical working skills they gain on the job to advance to managerial-level positions as paralegal supervisors and legal administrators. Others apply their knowledge to their work in such fields as banking and personnel, including trust officers and human resource managers. Others find that their paralegal experience paves the way into law school and a career as an attorney. (Some students even help defray the cost of law school by working as a paralegal while attending classes–gaining valuable professional contacts in the process.)
Success Stories
Our graduates have advanced to exciting and rewarding careers. Here are just a few of our success stories...
Senior Paralegal This graduate began working as an entry-level paralegal in one of the State’s largest law firms. After several years at this firm, she was promoted to Senior Paralegal and has certain supervisory responsibilities within her department.
Now an Attorney While working as a paralegal for several years, this graduate attended law school in the evening and is now a practicing attorney.
Contract Administrator As a Contract Administrator, this graduate is responsible for the negotiation and administration of contracts with corporate clients for a leading insurance carrier.
Six reasons why so many students choose Fairleigh Dickinson
University’s Paralegal Studies Program
1.
When choosing a Paralegal Program, always look for this Mark of Quality:
“Approved by the American Bar Association”
The American Bar Association takes an active role in establishing professional standards for legal assistants and gives its approval to qualified paralegal training programs.
FDU’s Paralegal Studies Program received the American Bar Association approval in 1990 and was reapproved in 1997, 2000 and 2007.
2.
Three attractive and easy-to-reach locations
The Program is offered through the Petrocelli College of Continuing Studies in Bergen, Morris and Monmouth Counties:
Metropolitan Campus:
Located in Bergen County, just five miles from the George Washington Bridge. Florham Campus:
Near historic Morristown and many of Morris County’s leading corporate centers.
Monmouth County Graduate Center:
Located on Route 35, just North of the Monmouth Mall.
3.
Convenient day or evening programs that allow you to study
or work full-time
You can complete the Day Program in just 6 months. Classes meet Monday through Thursday mornings (9:30am-12:30pm). Occassional Fridays (9:30 AM–12:30 PM) are scheduled as make-up dates.
The Evening Program is designed to accommodate students who wish to continue full-time employment during the course of the program. About twelve months in duration, the program meets Tuesday and Thursday evenings (6:30-9:30pm). Occassional Saturdays (9:30 AM– 12:30 PM) are scheduled as make-up dates.
4.
Instruction by accomplished professionals
The faculty is comprised of experienced attorneys and members of the judiciary who specialize in the area of law which they are teaching. Many faculty members are associated with some of the leading law firms and corporations in the region.
5.
Opportunities for on-the-job experience
An optional professional volunteer program is available to students which provides practical hands-on experience that supplements classroom lectures and reading. A limited number of volunteer positions are available with law firms, corporate legal departments and government agencies throughout the State. The employer selects students and arranges work schedules.
6.
Counseled by a leading Board of Advisors
The quality of the Program is greatly enhanced by a distinguished Board of Advisors. The Board is instrumental in adapting the latest developments in the legal field to the Program’s curriculum, and in providing continued input on employment opportunities. Its members also serve as important contacts for securing the finest faculty and lecturers available.
A Closer Look at the Curriculum
Course Descriptions
The 300-clock hour Paralegal Studies curriculum provides training in the practical aspects of law. It is a non-credit, certificate program designed to prepare you for a smooth transition from the classroom to the office in settings
ranging from law firms, corporate legal departments, banks, insurance companies and government agencies. Students take courses in the following legal topics:
1. Civil Litigation
Following completion of this course, graduates will have an understanding of the role of the paralegal in general and in the context of civil litigation in particular. The course introduces basic tort and contract law, together with certain jurisdictional considerations. Graduates will learn how to prepare pleadings, motions, discovery, as well as participate in pretrial and trial activities while working under the supervision of an attorney.
2. Criminal Law
The graduate, under the supervision of an attorney, will be able to assist the attorney in client interviews; draft pre-trial motions; assist in conducting discovery; assist in trial preparation; and draft post-conviction pleadings.
3. Family Law
The graduate, under the supervision of an attorney, will be able to interview a
matrimonial client; draft a summons and complaint; draft and answer interrogatories; assist in discovery; organize and digest information obtained through discovery; assist the attorney in preparing for depositions; assist the attorney in trial preparation; draft settlement agreements; participate in motion practice; and draft final judgments.
4. Legal Research and Writing
The graduate will become familiar with the American legal system, including the courts and the legislature; judicial reports (including federal and state reports); constitutions, statutes and ordinances; basic citation forms,
case finding techniques in digests, encyclopedias, annotated law reports; other secondary research tools including Shepard’s Citations; miscellaneous research aids and non-legal research aids; case analysis and briefing; memorandum format and writing; legal brief writing and use of computerized legal research.
5. Ethics
This course presents an overview of the ethical considerations facing a paralegal. Included are discussions of the unintentional violation of the ethical duties placed directly on attorneys and indirectly on paralegals. The graduate will be introduced to the applicable disciplinary rules and learn to function
ethically under an attorney’s supervision.
6. Corporate Law
Graduates learn the distinguishing legal attributes of various types of business organizations including the sole proprietorship, general and limited partnerships, limited liability companies and corporate forms. Under the supervision of an attorney, graduates should be able to evaluate when and how each form of business might
be advisable for particular clients; identify and evaluate the obligations, responsibilities and potential liability of business owners and management; and perform fundamental tasks necessary for the formation, legal maintenance, regulatory compliance and dissolution of various types of business entities.
7. Real Estate and Mortgages
The graduate, under the supervision of an attorney, will be able to draft deeds, contracts of sale, and leases; prepare closing statements utilizing appropriate formulae and complete a HUD-RESPA form; assemble evidence for quiet title and foreclosure actions; deal with title guaranty representatives regarding title search and the “abstract”; and draft mortgages and deeds of trust.
8. Estates, Trusts and Wills
This course presents an overview which enables a graduate, under the supervision of an attorney, to assist in preparation of documents associated with estate planning, participation in the collection of assets, valuation of assets
and maintenance of records; drafting of wills and trust forms for attorney and client review; assisting with estate administration of a Personal Representative including preparation of correspondence, tax returns for the decedent and estate; drafting periodic statements for estates and trusts; preparing of court documents; distribution of tax waivers and related activities.
Legal Specialty Courses
Students are required to take one legal specialty course in order to complete the program. Students are assigned one legal specialty course as part of the program. If students choose to take an additional legal specialty course, a fee will be charged for each additional course. Students may switch to another legal specialty course offered in another section if that course better suits their career goals, space permitting. Additional legal specialty courses are always being added to our curriculum.
Administrative Law
This course presents basic concepts of administrative law and procedure in federal and state agencies, with emphasis on the paralegal’s role in the administrative process. Paralegal students will learn both formal and informal advocacy techniques, including representing clients before administrative bodies. Substantive topics will include
administrative delegation of power, rule making, agency discretionary powers, remedies, and judicial review. Procedural topics include agency operation, adjudication, hearing preparation, and administrative and judicial appeals.
Advanced Contracts
This course presents an overview of contract law with emphasis on the legal sources of law (common law and Uniform Commercial Code) with respect to contract formation and interpretation. The student will be introduced to tasks such as drafting contract provisions and interpreting the potential rights and liabilities of the client.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
This course introduces the student to the various types of alternative dispute resolution programs that are being used by the courts and parties independent of court-mandated programs, including mediation and arbitration. Furthermore, students are provided with a working knowledge of the rules, ethical considerations and other procedural issues that arise in dispute resolution arenas.
Bankruptcy Law
The graduate, under the supervision of a lawyer, will be able to assist in the preparation of documents associated with bankruptcy, including petitions for voluntary and involuntary bankruptcy, case management, marshalling assets, preparing for reorganization; draft creditors’ meetings minutes, proofs of claim and final orders.
Elder Care Law
This course provides an introduction to the legal issues affecting the elder population including Federal and State law. An overview of issues concerning Medicare, Medicaid, Long Term Care, Power of Attorney, Guardianships, Health Care Proxies, Living Wills and Viatical Settlements will be covered.
Employment Law
An overview of the legal framework governing employer-employee relations will be explored. Topics
include Employment Contracts, Wrongful Discharge, Work Place Torts, and Unemployment Compensation.
Environmental Law
The graduate will learn how to assist in preparing environmental complaints and other pleadings; working with environmental consultants and expert witnesses; maintaining environmental files; and organizing files for trial, while working under the supervision of an attorney.
Federal Practice and Procedure
This course presents an overview that enables a graduate, under the supervision of an attorney, to understand the process and procedure necessary to adjudicate a dispute in the Federal District Court system between parties arising from a private injury utilizing the rules and regulations contained in the Federal Rules of Procedure.
Franchise Law
This course is designed to provide an overview of the regulatory aspects of franchising. Franchising is a highly regulated and complex area of law requiring legal professionals to tread cautiously in counseling clients and prospective franchisees to become educated to make informed decisions before embarking into a franchise relationship. This course will provide insight into what constitutes a franchise, the benefits of a franchise business model, legal protections afforded to franchisees and the considerations a franchisor must make in
the implementation and maintenance of a franchise system. The graduate will be introduced to the regulatory process from the perspective of a franchisor and be asked to perform paralegal level functions necessary to assist in the registration of a Franchise Disclosure Document.
Immigration Law
This course provides an overview of immigration law, including family visa petitions, consular processing, adjustment of status, VAWA, relationship of immigration and matrimonial/criminal law, issues in criminal immigration, immigration court practice, employment and labor based visas, and naturalization. Practical exercises include preparation of basic immigration forms including affidavit
of support, Alien Labor Certification, H1-B, and L-1. Basic explanation of refugee and asylum law; parole power of President, special legislation, e.g., TPS, NACARA is explored.
Intellectual Property
This course presents an overview of patents, trademarks and copyright law. Intellectual property law focuses on the marketplace activities of producing new products and services, thereby creating new intellectual property rights to be protected. The graduate will be introduced to tasks such as searching to determine whether a proposed trademark is available for use and registration or to determine who is record owner of a patent or trademark or copyright registration.
Landlord/Tenant Practice
An overview of New Jersey landlord/tenant law as it pertains to residential tenancies. Topics covered will include the creation and termination of a tenancy, grounds for eviction, the eviction process, housing discrimination, rent control and subsidized
housing programs. “Hot Topics” that will be covered include the rights of a tenant when the property is in foreclosure, the distinction between a pet and a service animal and bed bugs.
NJ Land Use Practice
The graduate, under the supervision of an attorney, will be able to prepare land use applications to the various New Jersey Municipal Land Use Boards and understand the various statutory requirements necessary to bring an application for land use development
approvals. The paralegal will obtain an understanding of the organization, jurisdiction and function of the Municipal Land Use Agencies, be able to prepare municipal land use applications and hearing documents, in addition to becoming familiar with the various forms used for relief and the appeal process.
NY Practice and Procedure
This course presents an overview that enables a graduate, under the supervision of an attorney, to understand the process and procedure necessary to adjudicate a dispute in the NY State Court system between parties utilizing the rules and regulations contained in the New York Practice Law and Rules (CPLR).
Torts (Personal Injury)
This course presents an overview of the elements of torts and the defenses asserted to intentional torts, negligence, and strict liability torts. The graduate will be introduced to the legal analysis used in tort law and evaluating the evidentiary material and learn what the paralegal’s role is in relation to tort litigation with an emphasis in pleading and discovery practice.
Workers’ Compensation
This course covers the procedures and statutory method of providing benefits to an employee (or employee’s dependent) who suffers a personal injury or death by accident or occupational
disease arising out of or in the course of employment. The course presents an overview of the no-fault concept in New Jersey, limited discovery, hearing procedures and defenses available to employers.
Technical Seminars
Computer use and technical knowledge has become essential to paralegal work. Computer software packages and the internet are increasingly used to search legal literature stored in computer databases and on CD-ROM. In litigation involving many supporting documents, paralegals may use computer databases to retrieve, organize, and index various materials. Imaging software allows paralegals to scan documents directly into a database, while billing programs help them to track hours billed to clients. Computer software packages also may be used to perform tax computations and explore the consequences of possible tax strategies for clients.
In addition to their coursework, students receive training on the following computer software packages and internet websites:
1. Federal E-filing (PACER)
2. Westlaw (Legal Research)
3. Lexis/Nexis (Legal Research)
4. Easy Soft® Family Software (Divorce Financials, CIS)
5. Easy Soft® HUD-RESPA (Residential Real Estate)
6. Easy TimeBill & Trust Accounting (Case/Matter Management, Time & Billing)
Resources and Services
Library Facilities
Each campus library contains legal reference books and journals for student use. In addition, county law libraries and law school libraries are conveniently located near each campus. Each campus library has a computerized database terminal for Westlaw and Lexis/Nexis research which is incorporated into the Legal Research curriculum.
The Monmouth County Library offers a complete legal reference area and computerized database terminals with access to Westlaw and Lexis/Nexis for student use. It is
conveniently located less than a mile from the location.
Computer Labs
Each campus has several computer labs conveniently located to enable students to complete written assignments using various software applications and internet websites.
Career Services
Volunteer Program
This optional component of the program is designed to provide you with practical, hands-on-experience that supplements the classroom and homework. A number of volunteer positions are available with law firms, corporate legal departments and government agencies throughout the State. Selection of students and arrangement of work schedules is done by the employer. While students are encouraged to apply
for a volunteer position, they should bear in mind that meeting classroom requirements should be top priority.
Pre-employment Seminars
Shortly after beginning the Program, you will attend three pre-employment seminars which provide instruction in resume preparation, interviewing techniques and job search strategies. In addition to these services, you should plan to conduct your own independent job search. Available to students and graduates are job listings from prospective employers available on our website, professional legal journals containing job postings, Martindale Hubbell Legal Directory, New Jersey Lawyer’s Diary and Manual, New Jersey Law Journal, National Legal Directory and other written material.
Private Consultations
During a private consultation with a counselor, you may discuss career goals,
individualize job search strategies and obtain advice on finalizing your resume. While FDU cannot and does not guarantee employment, the University is committed to providing the resources and support needed to pursue a professional position upon completion of the program.
National Certification
Certification is the process through which an organization grants formal recognition to a paralegal who meets certain established requirements, including formal training, work experience, and passing an examination. Once a paralegal has met these criteria, they may use the designation “certified paralegal” or “CP.” Currently, two National organizations offer certification, NALA and NFPA. The scope, duration and requirements for certification vary with each organization. FDU affords graduates the opportunity to become “certified” by offering a review course for the NALA exam following graduation and is an official testing site for the exam administration.
Fairleigh Dickinson University Paralegal Studies Program
Administrative Offices 285 Madison Avenue M-DH2-02 Madison, NJ 07940 Phone: 877.FDU.5222 Facsimile: 973.443.8524 E-mail: [email protected] Visit us on the web at paralegal.fdu.edu
