Legal Courses at Penn Foster Career School
Program Name:
Legal Secretary
| Instruction Set 1: Learning Strategies |
Identifying and implementing a successful study method; planning when, where and how you’ll study; creating effective and efficient study tools; using study tools to improve chances for success. |
| Instruction Set 1: The Legal Secretary |
Introduction to the field; the secretary’s role in the workplace; necessary skills and abilities. |
| Instruction Set 2: Your Professional Image |
Components of a professional image; the link between a professional image and job success; identifying personal strengths and detecting areas for improvement. |
| Instruction Set 2: Stress and Time Management |
Importance of relaxation; developing coping strategies and a stress management program; value of time management; setting goals. |
| Instruction Set 3: Interpersonal Communication Skills |
The importance of interpersonal skills; effective listening; traits for positive interpersonal relations; oral communication skills, articulation; enunciation and pronunciation; improving speech; interacting with others; non-verbal communication; respecting and working with others. |
| Instruction Set 3: Administrative Office Procedures |
Responsibilities of the office professional; leadership tasks; project coordination; customer relations; business ethics; professionalism. |
| Instruction Set 3: Travel and Meeting Planning |
Using a business traveler profile; various ways of making travel arrangements; differentiating between classes of airfare; business traveler’s itinerary; planning online meetings; planning a convention. |
| Instruction Set 4: Filing Techniques |
Filing according to the Association of Records Managers and Administrators (ARMA International); color-coded filing systems; electronic filing systems; alphabetic filing rules. |
| Instruction Set 4:Records Management |
Handling records; classification of records; records control; electronic records management; archiving technologies. |
| Instruction Set 4:Math for Office Professionals |
Basic math; mean, median, mode, and range; figuring sales tax; markups and markdowns; loan amortization, metric system; foreign currency exchange. |
| Instruction Set 5:Technologies in the Workplace |
Technologies used in today’s workplace; use of the Internet; the virtual office; security and ethical issues; electronic communications; electronic communication systems. |
| Instruction Set 5:Resources and References |
Standard reference resources; using the Internet for research; mapping; manuals; using directories and libraries. |
| Instruction Set 5:Internet Basics |
Features of the Web; navigating the Web; accessing and sending email; basic research tools and search engines. |
| Instruction Set 6:Business English |
Writing difficulties; grammar review (sentences, parts of speech, punctuation marks, and paragraphs); defining unfamiliar terms; finding ideas through freewriting and brainstorming; organizing ideas; principles of revising and editing; figures of speech; writing for the senses; getting the readers’ attention; descriptive writing; first-person narratives; reflective and persuasive essays; thesis statements. |
| Instruction Set 7: First Steps in Using a Personal Computer |
The boot process; launching Microsoft® Windows®; developing mouse skills; Windows accessories; Windows programs. |
| Instruction Set 7:Using Windows |
Learning about Windows® XP, Vista®, and Windows® 7; setting up the Windows® desktop; working with Windows® tools. |
| Instruction Set 7:Keyboarding and Word Processing |
Alphabetic and numeric keys; keying techniques; basic keyboarding skills; improving speed and accuracy.
Textbook: Keyboarding and Word Processing
Software: Keyboarding Pro |
| Instruction Set 8:Advanced Word Processing |
Formatting common business documents; basic and advanced word processing functions.
Textbook: Advanced Word Processing
Membership: Student membership in the National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS) |
| Instruction Set 9:Integrated Applications |
Integrating Microsoft® Word®, PowerPoint®, and Excel® to create documents with text, charts and graphs, and clip art, lines, and borders.
Textbook: Integrated Applications |
| Instruction Set 10:Legal Terminology, Part 1 |
Legal terms presented in context, including terminology used in criminal law, contracts, wills and estates, family law, and business organization. |
| Instruction Set 10: Legal Terminology, Part 2 |
The basic elements of criminal procedure; elements commonly included in most contracts; common terms used in landlord-tenant relationships; various legal actions associated with family law. |
| Instruction Set 10: Ethics, Professional, and Risk Management |
Ethical issues in the legal office, including the lawyer’s role and special responsibilities; risk management; types of errors; relationship of ethics, professionalism, and risk management. |
| Instruction Set 11: Legal Document Preparation |
Proper preparation of legal documents utilized in various fields of law, including pleadings, discovery, and appellate procedures. |
| Instruction Set 11: Legal Research |
Law and sources of law; computers and the Internet in legal research.
Textbook: Legal Office Document Processing |
| Instruction Set 12: Office Finances |
Operating income; operating expenses; travel expenses; using technology to handle office finances; banking procedures; maintaining inventory records; understanding financial reports; office finances and ethics. |
| Instruction Set 12: Office Management |
Office planning and layout; selecting office staff; supervising employees; motivating employees; evaluating employee performance; Effective teams in the office; legal issues in office management. |
Program description: Learn the skills you need to become a Legal Secretary - at home, at your own pace, with Penn Foster Career School.
There are certain skills you need to begin a career
as a Legal Secretary. The Penn Foster Career School Legal Secretary Program helps you learn them at home, quickly and conveniently! You'll learn:
* Technologies in the office
* Filing techniques and records management
* PC basics, keyboarding, and Internet basics
* Ethics, professionalism, and risk management
And you’ll learn it all at home – no classroom needed! You’ll get valuable information about written communication, time and stress management, and administrative office procedures.
Program Name:
Legal Transcriptionist
| Introduction to Legal Transcription |
| Course Number |
PLS025 |
This course is designed to introduce you to a career as a legal transcriptionist. You will learn about the typical responsibilities, personal characteristics, and necessary training of professional transcribers, as well as their relationship to other legal professionals. You will also learn about effective study methods and how to apply them to this program. |
| Basic Legal Terminology |
| Course Number |
PLS026 |
This course is an introduction to the basics of legal terminology. It includes specific terms for litigation, torts, criminal law, contract law, real property, family law, and other areas of law. |
| Law and the Legal System |
| Course Number |
PLS113 |
This course discusses how the law works and is an introduction to the United States court system. Topics include function and sources of law; the legal community in America; ethical considerations; jurisdiction; “briefing” a case; due process; the foundations of modern law and the justice system; the English common law system; case law and precedence; the codification of law; the structure of the court system; federal vs. state courts; civil vs. criminal litigation; and litigation in federal vs. state courts. |
| Basic Keyboarding and Microsoft Office Applications |
| Course Number |
CSC106 |
This course is an introduction to the basics of a personal computer, the Windows® operating system, and the Internet. You will learn PC applications in word processing spreadsheets. The course also covers basic keyboarding topics, including alphabetic and numeric keys, keying techniques, basic keyboarding skills, and improving speed and accuracy. (Required textbook and software provided with the course.) |
| Business English |
| Course Number |
ENG010 |
This course provides instruction on the basic types of writing you’ll encounter in a business environment. You’ll learn about business letters, forms, client records, and memos; organization, grammar, punctuation, and sentence and paragraph construction; coherent paragraphs, well-organized documents, and purpose-focused materials; and accurate, attractive, and effective final copies. |
| Personal Development |
| Course Number |
PLS028 |
This course is intended to help you develop the personal skills needed for a career as a legal transcriptionist. Topics include handling problems, relating to your supervisor, improving your reading skills, setting up a time-management program, handling work overload, and effective stress-management strategies. |
| Legal Research and Document Preparation |
| Course Number |
PLS029 |
This course covers sources of law, the use of computers and the Internet in legal research, and proper preparation of legal documents utilized in various fields of law—including pleadings, discovery, and appellate procedures. (Required textbook provided with the course.) |
| Legal Transcription |
| Course Number |
PLS030 |
This course is designed to introduce you to the common transcribing duties performed by legal transcriptionists employed in a law firm or another legal setting. Focus is on litigation, probate practice, family law, legal instruments, bankruptcy, and appellate practice. You will transcribe and format various types of legal documents. (Required textbook, transcription practice CDs, and foot pedal software provided with the course.) |
Program description: Upon completion of the Legal Transcriptionist program, the student will be able to:
* Discuss how history has shaped the organization and structure of contemporary courts
* Use and understand basic legal terminology in the drafting of legal documents
* Prepare legal documents utilized in various fields of law, including pleadings, discovery, and appellate procedures
* Use legal libraries, computers, and the Internet to complete legal research
* Use basic word processing programs to create, edit, format, save, and print correspondence, reports, tables, newsletters, and Web pages
* Transcribe and revise any legal document with correct formatting, punctuation, and spelling using word-processing software
* Obtain entry-level employment as a legal transcriber in law firms, independent transcription agencies, corporations, government agencies, insurance companies, banks, and even the military
You’ll also get valuable information intended to help you develop the personal skills needed for a career as a legal transcriptionist such as handling problems, setting up a time-management program, handling work overload, and effective stress-management strategies.
Program Name:
Paralegal
| Instruction Set 1 |
Learning Strategies
The advantages of learning at home; types of study materials; types of examinations; accessing and using the features of our website; determining what kind of learner you are; establishing a study schedule; using study tips; preparing for and taking examinations.
The Paralegal Professional
An introduction to the paralegal career field; education, qualifications, and certifications; personal characteristics; places of employment; typical paralegal duties. |
| Instruction Set 2 |
Legal Terminology, Part 1
The basics of legal terminology; specific terms for litigation and torts.
Legal Terminology, Part 2
Specific terms for criminal law, contract law, real property, family law, and other areas of law.
Developing Critical Thinking Skills
How to analyze the logic of arguments; cheap tactic strategies, including emotional manipulation and agenda promotion; how to determine valid reasoning. |
| Instruction Set 3 |
Ethics and Professional Responsibility
Professional ethics; the unauthorized practice of law; working as an independent contractor; confidentiality issues, including attorney-client privilege; conflicts of interest; advertising and solicitation.
Graded Project: Thinking Critically About Ethics
Practical exercise designed to heighten your awareness of important ethical issues |
| Instruction Set 4 |
How the Law Works
Function and sources of law; the legal community in America; ethical considerations for the paralegal; jurisdiction; “briefing” a case; due process.
U.S. Court System, Part 1
The foundations of modern law and the justice system; the English common law system; case law and precedence; the codification of law; different areas of law; the structure of the court system; federal vs. state courts.
U.S. Court System, Part 2
Civil vs. criminal litigation; litigation in federal vs. state courts; state laws, procedures, and rules of court, including local rules of court; federal laws, procedures, and rules of court; the paralegal’s role in litigation. |
| Instruction Set 5 |
Business Law
Types of business organizations; sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations; advantages and disadvantages of business types; law of agency; the paralegal’s role.
Graded Project: Business Law
Practical exercise designed to apply what you’ve learned about business law.
Torts
Definition of torts; tort law; categories of torts; negligence defined; typical defenses; intentional torts; liability; state-specific tort laws. |
| Instruction Set 6 |
Civil Litigation Introduction To Civil Litigation; Courts And Jurisdiction; Investigation, Evidence, And Case Evaluation; Discovery; Settlements; Trials; Appeals. Discovery Definition, Purpose, And Overview; Compelling Discovery; Interrogatories; Depositions; Requests For Physical And Mental Examinations; Expert Witnesses. Alternative Dispute Resolution History Of Alternative Dispute Resolution (adr); Adr Vs.litigation; Types Of Adr: Negotiation, Mediation, Arbitration, And Hybrids. Criminal Litigation Introduction To Criminal Litigation; Courts And Jurisdiction; Investigation, Evidence, And Case Evaluation; Pleadings, Draftings, And Motions; Trials; Appeals. |
| Instruction Set 7 |
First Steps in Using a Personal Computer
Setting up a computer system; navigating in the Windows® environment; accessing the Help feature; using programs in Windows® Accessories; using System Tools for Windows.®
Using Windows® XP
Customizing your computer display and input devices; changing the size, shape, and position of a window; creating notes, documents, and drawings using Windows® Accessories; saving and closing a data file; adding a screen saver to protect your monitor; locating a file; retrieving a file that has been recently deleted; using the Clipboard to copy information from one window to another; using the taskbar to control two windows; viewing and organizing files and folders on your local disk.
Internet Basics
How to use a browser; downloading; using email and search engines; setting preferences; plug-ins.
Study Unit: Microsoft® Word
Using Word; creating and saving documents.
Graded Project: Microsoft® Word
Practical exercise designed to apply what you’ve learned about Word.
Study Unit: Microsoft® Excel®
Creating spreadsheets with Excel.®
Graded Project: Microsoft® Excel®
Practical exercise designed to apply what you’ve learned about Excel.®
Study Unit: Microsoft® PowerPoint®
Using PowerPoint® to create, modify, enhance, and customize presentations; producing visual aids; working with charts and embedded and linked objects in presentations; creating hyperlinks in presentations; using advanced PowerPoint® features.
Graded Project: Computer Applications
Creating a memo with Microsoft® Word; creating a chart with Microsoft® Excel;® creating a presentation with Microsoft® PowerPoint.® |
| Instruction Set 8 |
Introduction to Writing
The basics of business writing; how business writing differs from personal writing; why good writing is important; how to approach each type of writing based on the audience and the purpose of the task; a review of the parts of speech.
Using the Parts of Speech
A description of the parts of a sentence; how to use the parts of speech to write effectively; subject-verb agreement; use of the active voice; effective use of modifiers; producing correct, polished writing for business; common grammatical problems.
Punctuation and Capitalization
Descriptions of punctuation marks and the purpose of each; using punctuation to properly document research sources; rules of capitalization.
Writing Sentences and Paragraphs
Writing complete, correctly structured sentences and unified, coherent paragraphs; sentence length and variety; avoiding run-ons and fragments; constructing organized paragraphs.
Improving Your Writing
Using particular patterns of organization, content, and language to most effectively convey a specific idea to a specific audience; revising, editing, and proofreading.
Types of Business Writing
Composing clear, courteous, and complete messages; formatting and etiquette for letters, email, memos, and forms. |
| Instruction Set 9 |
Legal Writing Law-specific Style And Usage; The Legal Memorandum; Forms And How To Use Them; Hands-on Form Practice. Graded Project: Legal Writing Project 1 Practical Exercise Designed To Apply What You’ve Learned About Legal Document Production In The Creation Of A Legal Document. Legal Research Sources Of Law; The Hierarchy Of Law; Looking Up Cases And Statutes; Citing Cases And Statutes; Reading And Debriefing Cases. Graded Project: Legal Writing Project 2 Practical Exercise Designed To Apply What You’ve Learned About Legal Document Roduction And Legal Research In The Creation Of A Legal Document. Computer-assisted Legal Research, Part 1 Hands-on Legal Research Using Lexis.com.® Computer-assisted Legal Research, Part 2 Hands-on Legal Research Using Lexis.com.® Graded Project: Calr Project Practical Exercise Designed To Apply What You’ve Learned About Legal Research, Legal Writing, And Calr. Supplements (available Online): • Work Experience Option • Job Hunting For Paralegals Access To Lexis.com® Provided To Student In This Instruction Set. |
Program description: Learn the skills you need to become a Paralegal - at home, at your own pace, with Penn Foster Career School.
There are certain skills you need to begin a career
as a Paralegal. The Penn Foster Career School Paralegal Program helps you learn them quickly and conveniently!
You'll learn:
Legal terminology and the U.S. Court System
How to conduct legal investigations and interviews
Legal writing and legal research
Paralegal ethics and professional responsibility
And you’ll learn it all at home – no classroom needed! You’ll get valuable information about the Paralegal’s role in civil vs. criminal litigation, the federal and state court system, case investigation, and evidence and evaluation.
Start a rewarding career in a growing field.
Why learn Paralegal skills? With the right credentials, you can:
Work for a private law firm, corporate legal department, or government agency.
Work in civil and criminal litigation, real estate, or estates and trusts.
Prepare legal documents, do research, and ready cases for trial.
Demand for the professional Paralegal will rise more than 28% through 2018.* Paralegals enjoy exciting, varied assignments, respect and prestige, and the confidence that comes with doing important work and doing it well.
State Licensing Requirements
In the States of California and South Dakota, a Paralegal Diploma will not qualify graduates for employment as paralegals.
Contact Penn Foster Career School Today.
We’ll send you FREE information – with absolutely no obligation! Find out more about Penn Foster Career School's Paralegal training that includes:
All the lessons, equipment, and learning aids you need
Access to student services by website, phone, and mail
Get Started Today!
Start today and in as little as one year from enrollment, you can be on your way to a career as a Paralegal!
*Growth figures represent a ten-year period ending 2018. Source: "National Industry-Occupation Employment Matrix,” a publication of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.