The two areas of study for this topic-specific Specialist Program are Juvenile Law and Criminal Law. A required elective further sharpens your understanding of Juvenile Law.
Juvenile Law
Juvenile law has evolved into a combination of criminal and family law, with an emphasis on the unique and continually shifting process involved in the prosecution of minors. Paralegals are an especially valuable tool for lawyers who practice juvenile law as they often bring a more sensitive nature to client communication while still possessing the skills needed to assist in representation. Learn to deal with minors involved in a wide range of situations, from truancy to serious criminal acts, from delinquency to emancipation. This area of law can be stressful, but it can also be extremely rewarding. Paralegals entering this field should possess strong communication skills, and the ability to “leave the work at the office.”
Criminal Law
Criminal law is entirely different from other areas of the law, like contract, business and litigation law. In criminal work, not only are property and/or money at stake, but a defendant’s freedom hangs in the balance. Whether you work for a defense attorney or a government entity, as a paralegal you can be part of the process that guarantees accused individuals the right to a fair trial. Learn to interview witnesses, prepare deposition questions, sift through discover disclosed by the prosecution, and research relevant legal issues specific to your cases. Acquire the skills to prepare evidence for presentation at trial, and prepare legal documents for filing with the court on behalf of the attorney.
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.