Join FAU’s distinguished Legal Assistant Certificate
Program and prepare for a career that is projected by the Department of
Labor to grow faster
than the average for all occupations through 2010.
FAU’s program was planned for you!
• Evening classes 7:10-10:10 p.m.
• Full-time or part-time enrollment
• Courses taught by practicing attorneys
• Affiliation with staffing companies to assist with job placement
• Career Center with job postings emailed to Students and Graduates
• Member of National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
• National Test Center for CLA exam
TRAINING THE BEST SINCE 1976!
For more information or to apply, call us at 1.800.228.5845 or visit our
website at smart.fau.edu.
Legal Assistant
What is a Legal Assistant?
A legal assistant or 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 to perform specifically delegated substantive
legal work for which a lawyer is responsible.
THE PROGRAM
12 Intensive Courses in One Year!
The program consists of 375 contact hours of legal education and is comprised
of twelve courses. Attend classes three nights a week and complete the program
in one year.
Introduction to Law is a prerequisite for all courses and is offered twice
a year. You may register for this course before applying for admission to
the program.
ELECTIVES
Each year paralegals and students with special interests participate in
elective courses from FAU’s Legal Assistant Program. These courses
are not part of the core courses of the Legal Assistant Certificate Program
and can be taken by anyone. Consider these courses if you want to sharpen
your skills, develop new ones, or enhance your knowledge.
No application is required for elective classes. Just call
1.800.228.5845 to register. Paralegals will receive CEU’s to maintain
CLA certification.
TRANSFER STUDENT INFORMATION
FAU welcomes transfer students and will evaluate and consider waivers of course
work.
An official transcript from previous post-secondary educational training
will be evaluated. Courses may be accepted, waiving certain requirements
within our program.
TRANSCRIPTS INFORMATION
Official transcripts and a certificate from Florida Atlantic University will
be provided upon completion of the program. (Additional transcripts can
be issued at a cost of $5.00 per transcript).
Admissions Requirements
Completion of official application, along with a non-refundable $45 application
fee, and meeting one of the following requirements:
1. Provide transcript(s) from an accredited college or university showing
at least an associate of arts or associate of science degree and a typewritten
statement of approximately 200 words explaining career goals.
Or
2. Provide high school transcript (or GED) and two letters of recommendation
from employers verifying at least one year of work experience and a typewritten
statement of approximately 200 words explaining career goals.
FINANCIAL AID
Call 1-800-658-3567 for information on financial aid available through the
Wells Fargo Education Connection Loan program or 1-888-272-5543 for information
on financial aid through the Career Training Loan of SLM Financial Corporation,
a Sallie Mae Company.
The Smart Legal Assistant Certificate Program is VA-approved.
APPLICATION CHECKLIST
1. Complete application form (see page 10)
2. Attach $45 application fee
3. Include official transcripts (college or high school)
4. Include 200-word career goal essay
5. Include 2 letters of recommendation, if no college
For more information, call 561.297.3648 or 800.228.5845.
Visit FAU’s website at www.fau.edu or call 561.297.2020
for updates on campus operations due to hurricanes or other natural disasters.
CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
LA-1 Introduction to Law
Begin with an examination of the history of law from the earliest known legal
decision to the present. Additional topics include: the two primary legal
systems in modern society; American theories of jurisprudence; and the
role of law in American society. American law is studied through a comparison
of Florida and Federal courts, criminal and civil law, substantive and
procedural law, and trial and appellate law. Several topics that are tested
by the National Association of Legal Assistants’ Certified Legal
Assistant Examination are studied.
If you decide to enroll in the Legal Assistant Certificate Program after
completing this course, you will need to meet the admission requirements
of the Program. LA-1 Introduction to Law is a prerequisite for all courses.
$185, 18 hrs. 1.8 CEUs
Option 1
3 Sat.
July 26 – Aug. 9
9:00a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
(1-hour lunch break)
Boca Raton Campus
#LA1-1 0708-1
Option 2
3 Tues. & 3 Thurs.
July 22 – Aug. 7
7:10-10:10 p.m.
Boca Raton Campus
#LA1-1 0708-2
LA-2 Wills, Trusts & Estate
Planning
Focus on various available methods of estate planning and the federal tax
consequences of transferring family wealth and property, with emphasis on
Florida probate law and practice. Additional topics to be discussed in detail
include: the preparation, content and use of wills, will substitutes, trusts
and other similar arrangements, tax savings ideas and strategies, the role
of life insurance and irrevocable life insurance trusts, major changes and
recent developments in gift and estate tax planning, the use of revocable
and irrevocable trusts, jointly-held property, ownership of family business
interests, use of pension/profit sharing plans, charitable contributions/trusts,
and post-mortem estate planning.
$380, 45 hrs., 4.5 CEUs
15 Wed.
Aug. 20 – Dec. 3
(no class 10/08)
7:10-10:10 p.m.
Boca Raton Campus
#LA1-2 0808
LA-3 Real Property Law
All phases of real estate practice are studied. Topics include: residential
and commercial contracts; the process from listing a piece of property through
closing; various forms of property ownership and restrictions; financing
(types of mortgages); types of title insurance matters (liens vs. permitted
acceptable items); construction-related matters (liens/notices required);
types of deeds; taxation; homestead; loans; residential and commercial leases;
eviction proceedings; foreclosure; litigation; and preparation of closing
statements. The goal is to give you the knowledge to understand a basic residential
contract, understand a title insurance commitment, prepare all documentation
relating to closings, and the various issues involved in a real estate practice.
$365, 42 hrs., 4.2 CEUs
14 Mon.
Aug. 18 – Dec.1
(no class 09/01 and 09/29)
7:10-10:10 p.m.
Boca Raton Campus
#LA1-3 0808
LA-4 Civil Litigation
The primary focus is on civil litigation in Florida. Included are: sources
of law, jurisdiction, venue, pleading requirements in civil actions, motion
practice, third party practice, all aspects of discovery, trial preparation,
trial procedure, post-trial motions and appeals, and post-judgment enforcement.
The course will provide an understanding of civil litigation as it is practiced
in Florida, with emphasis on practical aspects of litigation. In addition,
you will learn how to prepare for a trial and how to assist the attorney
in handling a civil matter from initial interview through trial.
$380, 45 hrs., 4.5 CEUs
15 Thurs.
Aug. 21 – Dec. 11
(no class 10/09 and 11/27)
7:10-10:10 p.m.
Boca Raton Campus
#LA1-4 0808
LA-5 Contract Law
The broad application of contract law is kept in mind during the exploration
of what makes some promises enforceable. Areas of discussion include: how
the concepts of offer, acceptance and consideration are combined to create
enforceable contracts; what happens when one or more elements is missing;
and the performance and breach of contracts. You will be invited to apply
your learning to real-world situations through discussions of contract disputes
in the news, hypothetical situations based on current events and by drafting
exercises that challenge you to create unambiguous provisions.
$285, 27 hrs., 2.7 CEUs
9 Wed.
Jan. 7 - March 11
(no class 03/04)
7:10-10:10 p.m.
Boca Raton Campus
#LA1-5 0109
LA-6 Criminal Law
This course involves the study of both substantive and procedural criminal
law. First, you will study the criminal justice system, elements to various
offenses and defenses to crimes, sentencing and punishment, and the details
of each part of a criminal trial. The second part deals with constitutional
and procedural aspects of criminal law. You will study numerous foundation
cases decided by the Supreme Court. Various topics within the area of search
and seizure, including warrants, confessions, the Miranda rule, and the exclusionary
rule will be covered.
$325, 33 hrs., 3.3 CEUs
11 Thurs.
Jan. 8 – March 26
(no class 03/05)
7:10-10:10 p.m.
Boca Raton Campus
#LA1-6 0109
LA-7 Personal Injury
This course includes an in depth examination of the elements making up a
cause of action based on negligence; the study of intentional torts such
as assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, actions
based on strict liability and product liability, as well as other aspects
of personal injury. Topics of discussion include: the various documents used
in personal injury cases (complaints, answers, affirmative defenses); discovery
documents used in preparation for trial (interrogatories, requests to produce
and requests for admission); and the use of other pre-trial and trial documents
and exhibits and how they are used in personal injury actions. You will learn
the fundamental elements of personal injury causes of action, settlement
negotiations, mediation, and arbitration. The goal of the course is achieved
through both the text and the use of actual case documents and experiences,
with an emphasis on practical application.
$310, 30 hrs., 3.0 CEUs
10 Mon.
Jan. 26 – April 6
(no class 03/02)
7:10-10:10 p.m.
Boca Raton Campus
#LA1-7 0109
LA-8 Effective Legal Research
You will become acquainted with the fundamentals of legal research. You
will learn to use and locate primary and secondary sources and gain exposure
to computer research systems like Westlaw and LexisNexis.
NOTE: This course is a prerequisite to LA-9 Research Writing.
$310, 30 hrs., 3.0 CEUs
10 Wed.
March 18 – May 27
(no class 04/08)
7:10-10:10 p.m.
Boca Raton Campus
#LA1-8 0309
LA-9 Research Writing
Research Writing is a continuation of Effective Legal Research and includes
exercises in grammatical construction and legal writing. You will become
acquainted with the fundamentals of legal writing and learn to present legal
analysis in a logical concise format. Prerequisite: Effective Legal Research.
$275, 24 hrs., 2.4 CEUs
8 Wed.
June 3 – July 22
7:10-10:10 p.m.
Boca Raton Campus
#LA1-9 0609
LA-10 Probate
You will be introduced to the principles of probate law in Florida. Topics
for study include: the role of the attorney and personal representative,
probate vs. non-probate assets, testate vs. intestate estates, creditor and
beneficiary rights, accountings, probate litigation and federal estate taxes
as well as trust administration. You will learn to administer an estate from
beginning to end, including formal, summary and ancillary administrations,
and you will be required to prepare pleadings after a study of the Florida
probate code.
$310, 30 hrs., 3.0 CEUs
10 Thurs.
April 2 – June 11
(no class 04/09)
7:10-10:10 p.m.
Boca Raton Campus
#LA1-10 0409
LA-11 Corporations
You will study sole proprietorship and general and limited partnerships,
with a special emphasis on corporations. Topics include: corporate formation,
articles of incorporation and by-laws, sub-chapter S, corporate financial
structure, operation, meetings, dividends, distributions, employment, steps
after formation, foreign corporations, and corporate taxation.
$310, 30 hrs., 3.0 CEUs
10 Mon.
April 13 – June 22
(no class 05/25)
7:10-10:10 p.m.
Boca Raton Campus
#LA1-11 0409
LA-12 Domestic Relations
Dissolution of marriage in Florida is the primary focus. Included are: valid
marriages, annulments, preparation of pleadings in a dissolution action,
jurisdiction venue, uniform child custody, child support, alimony and other
relief, property settlement agreements, final hearing and post-judgment proceedings.
Adoption and paternity may also be covered.
$225, 21 hrs., 2.1 CEUs
7 Thurs.
June 18 – July 30
7:10-10:10 p.m.
Boca Raton Campus
#LA1-12 0609
ELECTIVE COURSES –
Open Enrollment
Each year paralegals and students with special interests
participate in elective courses from FAU’s Legal Assistant Program. These courses
are not part of the Legal Assistant Certificate Program; they are available
for those who wish to sharpen their skills, develop new ones, or enhance
their knowledge. No application is required for elective courses. Just call
1.800.228.5845 to register. Paralegals will receive CEU’s to maintain
CLA certification.
LA-13 Computer Skills for Paralegals and Secretaries
You will learn basic computer skills and software programs to operate effectively
as a paralegal or a legal secretary in an office setting. Software and skills
covered: WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
Internet Basics, and File Management. You will also sample Legal Applications
like PC Law, Amicus, and other programs. This is a fast paced course. Knowledge
of Windows is a prerequisite.
$300, 30 hrs., 3.0 CEUs
10 Tues.
Aug. 5 – Oct. 14
(no class 09/30)
7:10-10:10 p.m.
Boca Raton Campus
#LA1-13 0808
LA-14 Immigration Law
Immigration Law begins with the topic of American citizenship and continues
with the study of admissibility, inadmissibility, naturalization and removal.
In addition to the complex constitutional laws, statutes and regulations
involved in the various processes and steps, the course will cover the context
of the broader historical and political forces that shaped the body of immigration
law. You will get skills training in the interpretation of difficult statutes
and regulations, a working knowledge of the many forms required by the DHS/USCIS
for the working practitioner, and an understanding of how our immigration
policies fit into the study of civil rights and liberties.
$285, 24 hrs., 2.4 CEUs
8 Tues.
Oct. 21 – Dec. 16
(no class 11/11)
7:10-10:10 p.m.
Boca Raton Campus
#LA1-14 1008
LA-15 Cyber Law
Technology has grown at a pace which has forced the legal system to examine
complex, and seemingly impossible, legal questions on how to regulate the
Internet in a relatively short period of time. For example, if an Internet
transaction involves more than one state (or better yet, more than one country),
who has jurisdiction to resolve a dispute? Or, if a crime is committed solely
on the Internet, do the same Constitutional procedural rights apply to protect
the alleged defendant? This course introduces you to the special complications
presented when technology outpaces the legal system. We will specifically
examine the U.S. Constitution, jurisdiction and cyberspace, e-commerce, privacy
on the Internet, crimes committed on the Internet, and property rights in
cyberspace.
$285.00, 24 hrs., 2.4 CEUs
8 Tues.
Feb.3 – March 31
(no class 03/03)
7:10 – 10.10 p.m.
Boca Raton Campus
#LA1-15 0209
LA–16 Elder Law
Although the term “elder law” was not coined
until the late 1980s, the question of how to care for aging relatives and
the special problems
they face has plagued families for generations. In the past, this specialized
area of law received little national attention. Now that the Baby Boomer
Generation is headed for retirement, issues involving the senior population
will come to the forefront of our society. In this course, we will explore
a variety of issues facing the aging population, including: guardianship,
estate planning (with an emphasis on the alternatives to guardianship and
planning for incapacity), Medicare and Medicaid, long- term care, retirement,
and elder abuse and neglect.
$300.00, 30 hrs., 3.0 CEUs
10 Tues.
April 14 – June 16
7:10 – 10.10 p.m.
Boca Raton Campus
#LA1-16 0409
CLA – Certified Legal
Assistant Review Course
The Test Preparation office offers this course three times
per year immediately prior to NALA’s CLA examination testing dates.
The course tracks NALA’s CLA Review Manual: A Practical
Guide to CLA Exam Preparation and provides a comprehensive overview of
each general and
substantive law area tested by the CLA examination. Effective test-taking
skills applicable to the CLA examination are covered. Focus is placed on
weekly writing assignments that provide practice in memorandum drafting---a
skill that figures prominently in the judgment and analytical ability portion
of the CLA examination. At the end of the course, a mock examination is administered
for those wishing to experience realistic CLA examination test-taking conditions.
$249, 21 hrs. 2.1 CEUs
(Call the Test Preparation office at (561)-297-2573 for dates and times).
1.800.228.5845
To register for LA-1 Introduction to Law starting July 22 or July 26, 2008
call 1.800.228.5845.
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Reserved.
