The two areas of study for this topic-specific Specialist Program are Law Office Administration and Accounting and Tax Law for Paralegals. A required elective further sharpens your understanding of Law Office Administration.
Law Office Administration
Lawyers do not usually make the best managers because, to put it simply, it is not what they were trained to do. Thus, it is not uncommon for the law office manager, or administrator, to be a non-lawyer. The perfect law office manager is someone with skills and experience in law but who also possesses administrative skills, such as a paralegal. Gain the skill and knowledge to become a respected law office administrator. Learn to properly oversee all aspects of a law firm and put into place policies and procedures that assure your office runs smoothly. Acquire the skill to hire, fire, promote, reward and shuffle legal staff and attorneys. Increase your awareness of how legal matters can affect the overall business of a law firm.
Accounting and Tax Law for Paralegals
Gain an understanding of fundamental accounting concepts, techniques and standard practices in the business world as well as those unique to law firms. Learn about financial reporting periods, basic business organizational principles, tax terminology and commonly encountered documents. You will also learn to use common federal income tax forms, and develop accounting skills related to small business management.
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.