The two areas of study for this topic-specific Specialist Program are Employment Law and Administrative Law. A required elective further sharpens your understanding of Employment Law.
Employment Law
As long as there has been a “master” and a “servant,” conflict has existed in the workplace, and most of the time conflicts have historically favored the master or employer. Today, conflicts between employers and employees are much more balanced thanks to employment laws, which have come into play, especially over the past century. Examine employment law, and learn about the responsibilities of employers and the rights of employees. Become knowledgeable about contractual issues, harassment concerns, issues related to termination as well as race, age, sex and sexual orientation discrimination.
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.
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.