School begins September 6 for the “Paralegal Studies Certificate Program” from Extended Studies at the University of Nevada, Reno, a program which was designed as a valuable credential for those in the legal field as well as others with expertise in other careers.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for trained paralegals and legal assistants are projected to increase by nearly 20 percent between 2010 and 2020.
Paralegal training can lead to advancement in the growing fields of litigation support and legal transactions, as well as in corporations and law firms, banks, courts, government agencies, titles companies, accounting and engineering firms and other industries.
The University’s Paralegal Studies Certificate Program is dedicated strictly to those relevant subjects integral to success in the highly competitive paralegal field and offers the tools essential to advancement with training in high-demand areas of law.
Sessions include case analysis, the Nevada legal system, legal research, legal writing and more. Participants will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the program.
Classroom hours submitted to the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) may be applicable for up to 112 contact hours toward the continuing education requirements of the Certified Paralegal and Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) designations granted through the NALA.
Taught by Washoe County Second Judicial District Probate Commissioner Linda A. Bowman and Sparks Municipal Court Judge Jim Spoo — both with extensive experience in Nevada’s state and federal courts — the program provides students with the skills to accurately identify legal issues, research relevant law and apply the law to factual situations.
Writing skills are developed in a highly effective practice-oriented approach from initial demand letter through motion and pleading exercises. Students will complete a small portfolio of writing samples.
The University’s paralegal studies program begins September 6, and provides a noncredit educational experience in an intensive weekend format for working adults. The 16-session program will be offered during Fall 2014 on eight select weekends.
To register or for more information, call Extended Studies at the University of Nevada, Reno, 775-784-4062 or 1-800-233-8928. For more about Extended Studies courses and online registration, visit and search by course title at www.extendedstudies.unr.edu. For more about the National Association of Legal Assistants click here.
