The document summarizes DePaul University's Paralegal Studies Certificate Program. The program is a 17-week intensive course that provides students with the practical skills needed to work as a paralegal, covering legal fundamentals, core skills, and substantive law topics. It benefits working adults by offering evening and online classes, and prepares students for a fast-growing career field with increasing salaries.

1. PARALEGAL
STUDIES
2012–2013
PROGRAM GUIDE

2. PARALEGAL STUDIES
Paralegals play a central role in law offices. They help
attorneys create legal documents, investigate facts,
conduct legal research, and interview clients and witnesses.
Given these responsibilities, it’s no wonder that the
paralegal profession is one of the country’s fastest growing:
U.S. Department of Labor estimates suggest that the
number of paralegals will increase by 22 percent between
2006 and 2016. Salaries also are expected to increase at an
impressive rate.
With DePaul’s Paralegal Studies Certificate Program, you’ll
gain the skills and credentials to succeed in this dynamic,
rewarding profession.
“DePaul’s Paralegal program pulls the most
important aspects of the profession and puts
them into a rigorous educational course.
The practical application of skills taught made
the transition into a paralegal career very
smooth. And, the evening program makes attaining
the certificate easier for working adults.”
Meghann Artner

3. PARALEGAL STUDIES CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
The program is a rigorous and intensive educational experience that gives you the practical
skills needed to work as a paralegal. The program curriculum covers legal fundamentals and
core paralegal skills, as well as substantive topics of law, including torts, contracts and business
law. Develop the important skills you’ll use every day as a paralegal: interviewing, investigation,
document preparation, file maintenance, correspondence, research, writing and analysis.
Program Topics • Legal Research Skills • You’ll have access to the following
You’ll gain knowledge, skills and • Bluebook Citation Form resources:
credentials in these areas: • Strategies for Employment - website containing course support
A
• Electronic Legal Research Skills materials (interactive exercises,
Substantive Law • Résumé Preparation diagrams, charts, graphics, textbook
• Tort Law commentary and mock exams)
• Business Law Who Should Attend - CD-ROM with templates,
A
• Contract Law This program is designed for those forms, links and other important
seeking new careers or interested in information
Essential Skills for Paralegals enhancing their paralegal career. It builds - online communication hub
An
• Introduction to the Legal Field on expertise developed in non-legal fields, where you can access course
• Legal Terminology such as accounting, education and health updates, class materials and grades,
• Legal Analysis care, to provide a better understanding of while participating in postings and
• Legal Memorandum Form the legal system. discussions with students and
• Federal and Illinois Court Structure teachers
• Government Structure How You Will Benefit
• Legal Ethics • This program is intensive. In just 17
• Court Rules weeks, you’ll earn the credentials of
• Discovery Preparation a paralegal.
• Pleading Preparation • With a blended format of evening
• Utilization of Legal Forms classes and online study, the program is
• Summarizing Depositions specifically designed to accommodate
• The Arbitration Process the schedule of working adults.
• Discovery Coordination • A substantial portion of the program is
• Interviewing Clients and Witnesses delivered through online study. You can
• Law Office Investigation test drive the program on our website
at cpe.depaul.edu/paralegal.
Prerequisites Information Sessions Campus Locations
A bachelor’s degree or three years DePaul University CPE offers free Courses are offered at DePaul’s Loop,
experience in the legal field is strongly information sessions about our Paralegal Naperville and O’Hare campuses
recommended. For further information Studies Certificate Program prior to beginning each fall and winter. Presented
about eligibility, call (312) 362-6292. the start of each new term. Meet with as a combination of evening classes and
a Paralegal Studies instructor who online study, this program is specifically
will provide an overview of the program designed to accommodate the schedules
and answer your questions. Visit of working adults.
cpe.depaul.edu/paralegalinfo
for the dates and times of upcoming
information sessions.
cpe.depaul.edu/paralegal

4. DePaul University Continuing and
Professional Education (CPE) is a leading
P
provider of professional development
and learning for working adults seeking
to enhance their skills, advance in their
careers and enrich their understanding of
S
a rapidly changing world. CPE also offers
education solutions customized to meet
the needs of business, government and
nonprofit organizations.
Visit Our Website
For online registration, course information
and current dates, please visit our website
at cpe.depaul.edu/paralegal.
Program Contact
Moses Hudson, Program Manager
(312) 362-6292
mhudson2@depaul.edu