Western Suffolk BOCES and the Washington Online Learning Institute have formed a partnership to offer WOLI's nationally acclaimed 100% online Paralegal Certificate Program. This curriculum makes it easier for the prospective legal professional to earn a nationally recognized Paralegal Certificate online. In 10 months you can complete the full sequence of online paralegal classes. New paralegal classes begin every four weeks. Instructors are practicing attorneys with a wealth of experience and knowledge. Communicate with other paralegal students and your instructors through e-mail, discussion boards, and chat rooms. Students may take individual courses for personal enrichment and earn a certificate of completion for each. Payment plan is available when registering for entire onlione paralegal program. Call 631- 667-6000, x 320 for details.

The online paralegal curriculum includes the following:

Introduction to the World of Law

This four-week course acquaints the new student with different types of paralegal employment, regulation of paralegals, basic ethics, introduction to the legal system, legal analysis, interviewing, investigation, use of computers in a law office, and law office management.

Legal Research and Writing

This workshop-style course hones the student's writing and thinking skills. Students learn to use powerful research tools, including online facilities. Students prepare a variety of legal documents and research various issues. Students can easily share their work product and ideas with their fellow students.

Bankruptcy

Get acquainted with the three most common forms of bankruptcy. The student learns the law of bankruptcy and develops practical experience with documents commonly used in bankruptcy practice.

Criminal Law

An introduction to the basic of criminal law, Crimes against the person, crimes against property, legal defenses, as well as the theory and history of criminal justice are presented.

Ethics

Explore the unauthorized practice of law, conflicts of interest, confidentiality, paralegal-client relations, disciplinary procedures, fee splitting, billing, advertising, and misconduct in the law office.

Real Estate

Students gain a working knowledge of contracts, deeds, mortgages and title reports. Handle a theoretical real estate transaction. Valuable for brokers, agents, managers and other real estate professionals.

Litigation

Gain a thorough understanding of the major aspects of civil litigation from beginning to end, from client interview through the drafting of a summons and complaint, motions, briefs, and trial preparation.

Personal Injury Law

Understand the basic theory of tort law, and the process by which negligence cases are developed in preparation for settlement or trial. Subjects covered include evaluating liability, injuries and damages.

Corporate Law

Corporations, partnerships, sole proprietorships, as well as LLP's and LLC's, are explored. Students form a theoretical corporation and prepare Articles of Incorporation, Partnership Agreements, By-laws, Minutes, and Shareholders Agreements.

Family Law

Learn the basic areas of a family law practice: marriage, divorce, property rights, custody of children, separation agreements, and maintenance.

Wills, Trusts, and Estates

Gain a theoretical and practical understanding of the laws of inheritance and estate planning. Prepare a will and trust, and learn the procedure for probate. Estate planning, the role of the probate courts, and basic inheritance issues are discussed.

Complete Paralegal Certificate Series

SAVE when you register for the complete series of online paralegal classes. Cost includes textbooks.