Paralegal Studies

Comprises two sections: the introduction to the legal profession and a pre-employment seminar. The first part covers in detail the legal systems of the U.S. in both the federal courts and the N.H. state courts. Students will be introduced to the federal and N.H. constitutions, to the legislative processes, and to a “how to” approach to the law. Practical experience in drafting court documents, conducting initial client interviews, and investigating cases will be gained. Ethical rules and regulations governing lawyers and paralegals will also be covered. The second part includes writing a resume, drafting a cover letter, refining interview techniques, and conducting an independent job search.

A “cause of action” here is defined as a right the law gives and will enforce for one to recover something from another. It is the legal foundation from which the plaintiff derives the right of action against a defendant. This course is limited to the elements and defenses of various causes of action in contract and tort; it does not address remedies. 

The paralegal will be able to assist in most aspects of legal research in support of the drafting of clear and concise legal writings. Functional skills acquired in this course include a working knowledge of federal and state statutory research including legislative history, federal and state case law reporter systems, the hierarchy of the federal and state court systems, legal form books, law digests, case and statutory citators, legal treaties, legal periodicals, legal encyclopedia, and both local and national standards of citation used in legal writing. An introduction to the use of LEXIS will also be included. Students enrolled in this course will be charged a $125 fee to cover costs associated with ABA dues, Lexis/Nexis, and UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law Library.

Covers in detail the legal systems of the U.S. in both the federal courts and the N.H. state courts. Students will be introduced to an overview of substantive and procedural law, legal research, and interviewing and investigative skills. Ethical rules and regulations governing lawyers and paralegals will also be covered.

The contract portion of the course will cover contract law from formation, defenses, and remedies for breach. Likewise, various civil wrongs in which the victim is entitled to a remedy in the form of damages, including negligence, product liability, trespass, and defamation are addressed in the Torts section.

The student will be able to assist in virtually all phases of litigation. Functional skills acquired include preparing and maintaining the file, gathering information through client interviews, drafting pleadings, organizing and indexing documents, tracing evidence, examining public records, and preparing briefs and memoranda.

The student will be able to assist in virtually all phases of transactions in real property. Functional skills acquired include conducting title searches; assisting in preparation and drafting of deeds, contracts of sale, leases and abstracts of title; gathering and reviewing documentation necessary in mortgage transactions; recording deeds and mortgages; and organizing and witnessing documents at the closing.

The paralegal will be able to assist in most aspects of legal research in support of the drafting of clear and concise legal writings. Functional skills acquired in this course will include a working knowledge of federal and state statutory research including legislative history, federal and state case law reporter systems, the court systems, legal form books, law digest, case and statutory citators, legal treaties, and legal periodicals. In addition, an introduction to the use of LEXIS will be included. The student will develop the specific writing skills necessary for the paralegal. Preparation of trial memorandum and appellate court briefs will also be covered. Emphasis will be on brevity, clarity, and precision of expression together with the refinement of editing skills. Students enrolled in this course will be charged a $125 fee to cover costs associated with ABA dues, Lexis/Nexis, and UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law Library.

The student will be able to assist in the formation, daily administration, reorganization, and dissolution of a corporate entity. Functional skills acquired include preparing articles of incorporation, satisfying state filing requirements, taking minutes at meetings of board of directors, preparing registration materials for regulatory agencies, and preparing bankruptcy petitions, claims, and other documents. 

The student will examine the substantive and procedural law and the legal ethics relating to marriage, divorce, support, and custody issues and will be prepared to assist the attorney in drafting pleadings and completing preliminary research relative to these aspects of family law.

The student will examine the substantive and procedural law and the legal ethics relating to marriage, divorce, and custody issues and will be prepared to assist the attorney in drafting pleadings and completing preliminary research relative to these aspects of domestic relations Law.

The student will be able to assist in the planning and administration of the decedent’s estate. Functional skills acquired include assisting with estate planning, collecting assets, notifying beneficiaries, assisting in preparation of federal and state estate tax returns, submitting documentation to the probate court, transferring securities, drawing checks for the executor’s signature, and maintaining account records.

The student will examine the various elements of N.H. criminal practice and procedure and will trace the steps by which the process is completed from the initial interview through the post-trial procedure. 

The student will examine the various elements of N.H. criminal practice and procedure and will trace the steps by which the process is completed from the initial interview through the post-trial procedure. 

Offers the opportunity to combine the theoretical and practical issues of the classroom in the workplace setting. Students are required to complete a specified number of hours in a law office or law-related environment. Weekly meetings will be held with the internship coordinator to discuss the ongoing experience.

Focuses on the specific writing skills necessary for the paralegal. The assignments involve practical examples of paralegals’ work products as demonstrated in the areas covered in the certificate curriculum. Preparation of a trial court memorandum and an appellate court brief will also be covered. Emphasis will be put on brevity, clarity, and precision of expression together with a refinement of editing skills.