The Paralegal Studies Program

APPROVED BY THE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION

Call: 877-FDU-5222E-mail: [email protected]: paralegal.fdu.edu

Metropolitan Campus Florham Campus Teaneck, NJ Madison, NJ

Monmouth County Graduate CenterEatontown, NJ

The Paralegal Studies Program

6 MONTH DAY PROGRAM or 12 MONTH EVENING 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.

The Paralegal Studies Program at FDU I Page 1

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, NJFlorham Campus, Madison, NJ

Monmouth County Graduate Center, Eatontown, NJ

6 Month Day or 12 Month Evening ProgramsEmployment Assistance Provided

Page 2 I The Paralegal Studies Program at FDU

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 SystemParalegal, 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.

What area are you interested in?

Unlimited Career OptionsThe 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 StoriesOur 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 locationsThe 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 professionalsThe 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 experienceAn 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 AdvisorsThe 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 CurriculumCourse 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 LitigationFollowing 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 LawThe 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 LawThe 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 WritingThe 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. EthicsThis 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 LawGraduates 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 MortgagesThe 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 WillsThis 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 CoursesStudents 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 LawThis 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 ContractsThis 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 ResolutionThis 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 LawThe 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.

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Elder Care LawThis 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 LawAn 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 LawThe 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 ProcedureThis 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 LawThis 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 LawThis 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 PropertyThis 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 PracticeAn 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 PracticeThe 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 ProcedureThis 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’ CompensationThis 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 ServicesLibrary FacilitiesEach 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 LabsEach campus has several computer

labs conveniently located to enable

students to complete written

assignments using various software

applications and internet websites.



Career Services Volunteer ProgramThis 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 SeminarsShortly 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 ConsultationsDuring 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 UniversityParalegal Studies Program

Administrative Offices 285 Madison Avenue

M-DH2-02Madison, NJ 07940

Phone: 877.FDU.5222Facsimile: 973.443.8524

E-mail: [email protected]

Visit us on the web at paralegal.fdu.edu

Documents

The Paralegal Studies Program