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Paralegal
Course Outline
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Online Paralegal Course

Paralegal Estimated Time of Completion

Estimated Length of program:
4-8 months, self-paced

Criminal Justice Program Estimated Time of Completion

Program Goal:
To prepare students for entry-level employment as a paralegal in a variety of legal settings.


Program Outcomes

The Paralegal Course provides theoretical and practical instruction that enables students to gain competency as an entry-level paralegal or legal assistant. Students are trained on the principles of law and how to conduct legal research; they gain skills in legal writing, interviewing and investigations and civil and criminal law procedures.


The coursework trains students to:

  • Analyze and summarize depositions, interrogatories and testimony.
  • Draft correspondence, pleadings and other legal documents and correspondence in the IRAC format.
  • Conduct legal, statistical and documentary research pertaining to cases.
  • Perform secretarial duties pertaining to law office management, including schedule organization, client file management, timekeeping and administrative reports.
  • Prepare reports and case materials in order to assist a lawyer for trial.
Online Paralegal School training outcomes

Bonnie Kilpatrick Instructor

Bonnie Kilpatrick, B.A., J.D.
Paralegal Instructor/Course Expert

Meet the Instructor

Bonnie Kilpatrick is a Paralegal Instructor at U.S. Career Institute. She graduated from the University of Nebraska, with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Psychology. Following her undergraduate studies, she attended the Paralegal Institute in Phoenix, where she received her diploma in Paralegal Studies. She began her legal career working as a litigation paralegal for the law firm Fleming, O’Bryan, Fleming in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Her interest in law inspired her to further her education by attaining her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Denver College of Law, and she is currently a member of the Colorado Bar. Bonnie values education and lifelong learning and believes it is the key to new opportunities and experiences. She finds it rewarding as an educator helping students achieve their goals. In her spare time, she enjoys travel, reading, playing the piano and spending time with family and friends.

Meet the Instructor

Bonnie Kilpatrick Instructor

Bonnie Kilpatrick, B.A., J.D.
Paralegal Instructor/Course Expert

Bonnie Kilpatrick is a Paralegal Instructor at U.S. Career Institute. She graduated from the University of Nebraska, with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Psychology. Following her undergraduate studies, she attended the Paralegal Institute in Phoenix, where she received her diploma in Paralegal Studies. She began her legal career working as a litigation paralegal for the law firm Fleming, O’Bryan, Fleming in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Her interest in law inspired her to further her education by attaining her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Denver College of Law, and she is currently a member of the Colorado Bar. Bonnie values education and lifelong learning and believes it is the key to new opportunities and experiences. She finds it rewarding as an educator helping students achieve their goals. In her spare time, she enjoys travel, reading, playing the piano and spending time with family and friends.

Curriculum

Instruction Pack I: Introduction to the World of the Paralegal

Students explore the responsibilities and duties of paralegals, including how the field has changed and grown. Then, students discover the structure of the United States Court System, including the supreme law (the U.S. Constitution) and the origination of laws. Students are also introduced to the nuances of legal writing style.

Instruction Pack II: Legal Research and Criminal Law

Students learn how legal research is performed, from federal and state court research to statutory research, including shepardizing. Then, students are introduced to criminal law, from the elements of crime, to prosecution, defense and the trial itself.

Instruction Pack III: Trial Preparation and Civil Law

Students are introduced to trial preparation, from preparing exhibits, briefs and interrogatories to conducting interviews. Law specialties covered include civil law, personal injury and torts, and family law.

Instruction Pack IV: Paralegal Specialties

In the final pack, students continue to develop hands-on skills in legal document writing, while exploring the diversity of law specialties available, including contract law, estates, wills and trusts, real estate law, business law and environmental law

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