The two areas of study for this topic-specific Specialist Program are Intellectual Property Law and Administrative Law. A required elective further sharpens your understanding of Intellectual Property Law.
Intellectual Property Law
For much of the past century, intellectual property discussions focused on copyrights or patents on written materials or inventions. But more recently, with the advent of high-tech intellectual property, there is a high demand for intellectual property representation within that sector as well. Paralegals are now an indispensable part of that representation. Become a qualified patent specialist, so you can knowledgeably assist in the administration of intellectual property—one of the fastest growing and highest paid areas of the paralegal field.
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.