Paralegal Studies Certificate Program

The Paralegal Studies Certificate Program at Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus provides students with the skill-set that will enable them to carry out high-quality legal work. The program is a 328-hour, non-credit certificate program designed to prepare the student to work at a law firm, a government agency (e.g., law enforcement), or a law department of a corporation, bank, real estate company or insurance company. Through their course of study at the Brooklyn Campus, students are introduced to a variety of legal subjects and topics.

The School of Professional and Continuing Studies’ Paralegal Certificate Program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). Legal employers recognize the ABA’s role in establishing professional guidelines for paralegal programs. Of more than 1,000 colleges, universities, and law schools that offer paralegal programs, approximately 260 paralegal programs are approved by the ABA.

Paralegals may not engage in the unauthorized practice of law (UPL) or provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.

Tuition
Please see the course listing for the most up to date fees. Tuition subject to increase during academic year

Admissions Criteria
The criteria for entry into SCSs Paralegal Studies Certificate Program meets the requirements for the American Bar Association. Applicants must provide:

• a completed application form
• proof of an 60 college credits, transcripts are required

Upon meeting the requirements above, applicants must participate in an in-person interview.

Goals and Objectives
The mission of the Paralegal Studies Program at LIU Brooklyn is to provide students with an education that encompasses the theoretical, practical, and ethical skills necessary for gainful employment in a career as a paralegal. In carrying out this mission, LIU Brooklyn is committed not only teaching in-depth substantive knowledge of law, but also teaching in every course the practical knowledge necessary for success.

In furtherance of its mission, LIU Brooklyn’s Paralegal Studies program strives to serve the needs of the legal community and to fulfill the following goals and objectives:

1. Understand legal concepts and their practical application
2. Improve oral and written communication skills
3. Develop proficiency in using legal technology
4. Gain the knowledge necessary to meet the ethical obligations of paralegals and attorneys.

To Apply to the Paralegal Studies Certificate Program
As part of the application process, an in-person interview is required. On the day of your interview, you will fill out all of the required paperwork. To schedule an interview, please contact our office at (718) 488-1364 or visit our Registration page for more information.

For more information
Email us at scsinfo@brooklyn.liu.edu or download our printable brochure click here.

Courses

The following courses are required for successful completion of the certificate program.

PLS125 Introduction to Law
An overview of the legal system, basic legal terminology, and the paralegal profession. (30 hours) Tuition: $490

PLS130 Litigation and Trial Preparation
Students develop skills in file management, and trial preparation. Analysis of New York’s CPLR. (52 hours)Tuition: $850

PLS135 Legal Research & Writing
Students become familiar with manual research systems used by attorneys and paralegals. In addition, students work on practical writing assignments. (45 hours) Tuition: $735

PLS145 Probate, Trusts & Estates
Students learn the fundamentals of will and trust law as well as how to administer an estate. Drafting exercises familiarize the student with appropriate probate forms. (30 hours) Tuition: $490

PLS150 Business Organizations
Course covers procedures involved with business entities such as sole proprietorships, general partnerships, limited partnerships, and corporations. (12 hours) Tuition: $195

PLS155 Real Estate
Students will become acquainted with substantive real property concepts and practical skills, enabling them to act as legal assistants in the area of real estate law. (30 hours) Tuition: $490

PLS160 Contracts
This course covers the law of contacts. Course examines issues related to contract formation, remedies, and damages. Students are familiarized with contract language and issues that arise in contract drafting. (12 hours) Tuition: $195

PLS165 Criminal Law
Students are exposed to the New York State penal code and related statutes as well as various motions and court procedures encountered in a criminal practice. (12 hours) Tuition: $195

PLS170 Matrimonial Law
Matrimonial causes of action are discussed as well as equitable distribution, child custody and child support. (12 hours) Tuition: $195

PLS185 Ethics
This component is designed to help the student understand the standards for conduct for lawyers and their legal assistants, and recognizes potential ethical problems that may arise for paralegals. (12 hours) Tuition: $195

PLS200 Computer Aided Legal Research
This course will acquaint students with the fundamental concepts of locating and accessing legal information using computer technology. During this course, students will utilize Westlaw and Lexis Nexis. In addition, students will learn how to conduct legal research via various online search engines and internet resources. (45 hours) Tuition: $735

PLS201 Bankruptcy Law
This course will review both law and the procedure as it relates to bankruptcy and will provide students with the basics in bankruptcy matters from the point of view of creditors, debtors, and trustees. The course explains how bankruptcy cases are commenced, converted, dismissed, and closed. (24 hours) Tuition: $390

PLS202 Intellectual Property
This course is a survey of the four primary areas of intellectual property — patents, trademarks, copyright, and trade secrets. This course will focus on the paralegal’s role in securing and enforcing these rights. The content of this course is appropriate as a general overview for non-specialists and a foundation course for those who intend to specialize in intellectual property. (12 hours) Tuition: $195

Faculty

Richard J. Olivieri, Esq.
An instructor in the paralegal program since 2009, Mr. Olivieri now serves as the Director of the paralegal studies program at Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus. Mr. Olivieri received a B.A. from Fordham University, a J.D. from Creighton University, and completed graduate work at the London School of Economics.

Kenneth Husserl, Esq.

Pradip Khakar

Richard Batelman, Esq.