The two areas of study for this topic-specific Specialist Program are Administrative Law and Alternate Dispute Resolution. A required elective further sharpens your understanding of Administrative Law.
Administrative Law
Paralegals are not permitted to give legal advice nor represent others in legal matters. However, an exception to this tenet is with Administrative representation; and since most administrative agencies allow for non-lawyer representation, paralegals are the perfect fit for the legal administrative process.
Administrative representation is very similar in structure to court representation with a pre-hearing stage, the hearing stage and the administrative appeal. Learn to represent clients in an administrative setting like an attorney by settling matters prior to the formal hearing. Become an effective representative by acquiring the skills to interview clients, research applicable administrative rules and decisions, communicate effectually with agencies, provide necessary documentation, and develop proficiency with the procedures specific to the agency.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Alternative dispute resolution has greatly expanded over the last several years to include many areas in addition to the traditional commercial dispute form of arbitration. In fact, mediation has become an important first step in the dispute resolution process with arbitrators and mediators playing essential roles in resolving disputes.
Learn to act as a neutral to reconcile differences before proceeding to arbitration (binding and non-binding) or litigation. Acquire the ability to act as a neutral third party in hearing evidence and deciding cases.
Elective
Once you have begun this program, you will work with your instructor to determine which elective course fits best with your particular area of interest. You will choose one of the following electives: E-Discovery, Accounting and Tax Law for Paralegals, Legal Ethics, Laws of Evidence, Advanced Legal Research or Constitutional Law.