Post on 18-Nov-2021
APPROVED BY THE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION
Call: 877-FDU-5222E-mail: paralegal@fdu.eduWebsite: 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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.