Legal Studies Certificates
In conjunction with the Center for Legal Studies, the University of Michigan-Flint offers four noncredit certificate courses in legal studies, all in a completely online format! These certificate courses are affordable, flexible and feature practice-oriented instruction—all from practicing lawyers and paralegals!
Paralegal Certificate Course©
Advanced Paralegal Certificate Course
Victim Advocacy Certificate Course
Alternative Dispute Resolution Certificate Course
Paralegal Certificate Course©
This intensive program is designed for beginning as well as advanced legal workers. Students will be trained to interview witnesses, investigate complex fact patterns, research the law, prepare legal documents, and assist in preparing cases for courtroom litigation. The instruction is practice-oriented and relates to those areas of law in which paralegals are in most demand.
This course is completed in two consecutive seven-week sessions:
Paralegal I: Provides the foundation for the study of paralegalism. During this part of the course, we will provide a detailed understanding of the American legal system, legal terminology, and ethics. Instruction will include how to prepare pleadings, discovery, motions, and briefs and will review the rules of evidence and civil procedure.
Paralegal II: Continues the legal education developed in Paralegal I. The course provides instruction on more advanced paralegal skills including legal research, writing, and proper citation format. Course topics also include how to prepare important legal documents relating to real property, corporations, partnerships, wills, trusts, bankruptcy, and domestic relations. Formal and informal advocacy techniques and principles of appellate procedure will also be covered.
Advanced Paralegal Certificate Course
The Advanced Paralegal Certificate Course picks up where the Paralegal Certificate Course© left off. These substantive legal education classes will provide you with more in-depth coverage of specific topics of law.
Topics (complete at least six to earn certificate):
- Advanced Legal Research
- Victim Advocacy
- Constitutional Law and Civil Liberties
- Criminal Law
- Bankruptcy Law
- Family Law
- Mediation and Other Forms of ADR
- Estate Planning
- Business Law and Practices
- Immigration Law
- Education Law
- Criminal Procedure
- Intellectual Property
- Water Law
Certificates are issued upon completion of at least six of these advanced topics.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (Mediation) Certificate Course
This seven-week intensive online course is designed to train and qualify students to develop or participate in conflict mediation processes. Participants will review the growth and application of settlement options in the United States. The course focuses on both traditional and non-traditional dispute resolution options. Alternative Dispute Resolution (Mediation) is geared for all professionals who are focused on "interest-based bargaining." This course takes the mystery out of settlement processes and focuses on reaching reasonable solutions.
Successful graduates of this non-credit course will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.
Prerequisite: The Paralegal Certificate Course© or at least one year of legal experience.
Victim Advocacy Certificate Course
This program is designed to train and qualify students to provide assistance to crime victims, both inside and outside of the courtroom. Participants will be prepared to work with state and county governments as advocates for crime victims, assisting them in progressing through the criminal justice system and toward successful recovery.
