Required textbooks for this course:
• Legal Secretary Handbook, 2nd edition, ISBN# 978-0-9637248-3-0, available through CLS by BARBRI.

Highly recommended legal resources:
• Gilbert Pocket Size Law Dictionary, 3rd Edition, West Academic.

This is an accelerated course. Participants are expected to spend approximately 8 hours per lesson reading and completing writing assignments. Extensions will not be granted, and a minimum passing score of 70% is required on all tests and assignments.

A basic knowledge of word processing and a typing proficiency of at least 50 words per minute are presumed. Basic word processing and typing skills will not be covered in this course.

Note: PEWD program participants should be 18 years or older.

Participants will demonstrate the following skills through successful completion of all coursework and assignments:

• Discuss the origins and history of the American legal system
• Define and apply important legal terminology
• Discuss ethics for the law office
• Demonstrate professionalism and organization
• Identify important rules of e-discovery
• Demonstrate proper file management and discuss common filing systems
• Use common word processing features and other computer applications specific to the law office
• Prepare legal documents, including letters, pleadings, discovery documents, motions, and memos
• Apply basic rules of citation format
• Define elements of law office management

Your grade will be based on the completion of five quizzes, four writing assignments, a practicum, and class participation/Bulletin Board Submissions. Here's the breakdown:

• Quizzes: 40% of your grade
• Writing Assignments: 30% of your grade
• Legal Secretary Practicum: 20% of your grade
• Class Participation/Bulletin Board Submissions: 10% of your grade

Guidelines
• The loan amount must be at least $500.00.
• The loan amount in the application cannot exceed the enrollment fee noted on our website.
• Books will NOT be included in the loan amount.
• Service charges may apply.
• When applying for the Continuing Education Private Loan, please use the UTRGV Continuing Education School Code: 003599.

Lender Information
• The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley does not endorse or recommend any specific lenders for private loans. You are free to select any lender offering private loans. We recommend you compare loans from several vendors to find the best interest rates/terms and repayment options.
• When exploring loan options, please ensure the lender offers loans for non-credit continuing education programs.
• Our department has identified that Sallie Mae offers private loans that may be used for continuing education programs. This is shared for informational purposes only and does not constitute endorsement.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers for paralegals and legal assistants are expected to grow much faster than average, at a rate of 12% through 2030.

Submit a required written request via email three business days before the program start date. Weekends are not considered. Partial refunds are not allowed.

By the end of this course, you'll be equipped to work more efficiently within a law office. You'll gain insights into the theory of law, the practice of law, and specific legal terminology and ethics. You'll also study the technology used in law offices and be exposed to actual court documents, office procedure manuals, billing techniques, and overall management techniques.

Topics Covered