18 Months!

[palsgraf_polka]

I just went through the courses and I figured out I can complete my certificate program easily in 18 months!

I have to take 18 units of required and 18 units of electives - here's a hypothetical schedule (I only have class listings for the first 4 quarters; I improvised year 2 based on that:

Fall 2007:

FUNDAMENTALS OF PARALEGAL STUDIES (4 Units, Required)
CASE MANAGEMENT (2 Units, Required)
CIVIL LITIGATION I (3 Units, Required)

Winter 2007-2008:

LEGAL RESEARCH (4 Units, Required)
LEGAL WRITING AND COMMUNICATION (4 Units, Required)

Spring 2008:

CONTRACT LAW (3 Units, Elective)
ORGANIZING AND ANALYZING EVIDENCE (3 Units, Elective)

Summer 2008:

CRIMINAL LAW (3 Units, Elective)
TORT LAW FOR PARALEGALS (3 Units, Elective)

Fall 2008:

ETHICS FOR PARALEGALS (1 Unit, Required)
INTERVIEWING AND INVESTIGATIONS (3 Units, Elective)

Winter 2008-2009:

FAMILY LAW (3 Units, Elective)

and that's it! I found out that the paralegal internship is elective and I was glad it wasn't required because I can't afford an unpaid internship. I'll investigate as I get into the classes and see if they are paid, but they're only offered in Fall and it doesn't work with my schedule. I'll probably just take my chances going out and hitting the pavement once I get my certificate.

Anyway, I'm so excited! It's nice that I don't have to take it in 2 years and can get finished sooner.

Comments

[luxlis.livejournal.com]

I don't know if I ever mentioned this, but I'm actually a paralegal assistant (which is sort of like on-the-job training to be a full paralegal).

I've mostly done work on aviation, products liability and medical malpractice law. I never once in my whole life considered being a paralegal... so I've just sort of fallen into it, but I think I really like it. It's really good for people like us who enjoy critical thinking and research (at least you seem like the kind of person who would enjoy that). The one downside to the job, I think, is dealing with the attorneys... who are, for the most part, gigantic babies.

[palsgraf-polka.livejournal.com]

I think I knew that about you...I know you talk about the lawyers being obnoxious. Honestly, they can't be any more of obnoxious babies than the brokers in my firm. I think they're both of the same ilk. So I think I'm prepared.

It's the research and writing that really intrigues me. I looooooooooove research. That's one of my favorite things to do in this world. It just makes me happy. Which why I was drawn to being a paralegal. I like to be behind the scenes rather than in front of them.