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Paralegal Programs at Chancellor

Chancellor University's Paralegal degree programs provide the opportunity to get ahead on your schedule. We offer Associate of Science, Bachelor's of Science, and post-degree certificates both on ground on our Cleveland Campus and online. Our programs are both academically and technologically progressive in a personal and supportive environment. Our courses are developed to provide for the study and exchange of ideas and for the acquisition of practical career skills so that our students can graduate and enjoy a fulfilling career in the legal field.

Our program and our courses are built on a "portfolio" platform, where our students develop a professional portfolio that will assist in setting them apart when they seek employment which includes their resume, and work products. Our legal specialty courses also are built with the student portfolio in mind, where the students work a case in that area of law from beginning to end, as they would in the field. This provides practical experience and a work product to show potential employers. The students begin their "portfolio" on a webpage that they set up and add to during their tenure.

Chancellor University also has an active Paralegal Association which is available to both the ground and online students that provides opportunities to network and learn more about opportunities in the field. Finally, Chancellor University has a Lambda Epsilon Chi (LEX) Chapter on Campus, The National Honor Society in Paralegal /Legal Assistant Studies.

What an exciting time for you to be interested in pursuing or furthering a career in or studying paralegal education! The Paralegal field is projected to experience a 28% boost between 2008 and 2018 according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Paralegals, do everything from interviewing potential witnesses to conducting research and assisting lawyers in general office work and as such, have the potential to earn on average $50,080, with the top ten percent averaging at $75,700.

Paralegal is not limited to working in a law firm. Paralegals enter the legal field in many ways, as graphic artists, free lance, corporate, real estate. Remember the law is everywhere and therefore so are paralegals. Combine your passion with a paralegal degree and your opportunities are endless. For example a nurse who becomes a paralegal can experience a fulfilling career working for insurance companies, Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice or Workers Compensation firms as an invaluable member of the legal team.

** This and additional career and salary information can be found in the Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition.

Chancellor University offers Certificate, Associate and Bachelor Degrees in Paralegal Studies. These programs are designed to give the working professional the opportunity for a flexible, real-world education. Classes are small, interactive and entrepreneurial in nature. The required core of courses consists of upper level courses that prepare students who are interested in professional development or career advancement in challenging and dynamic careers within the legal field.

Degree Options
Bachelor of Science - Paralegal Education (120 Credit Hours)
Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Education (63 Credit Hours)
Certificate - Paralegal Education (36 Credit Hours)

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PA 351 - Introduction to Law for the Paralegal (3)
An introduction to the role of the paralegal in the legal system. The sources of law, court systems, administrative agencies, limits on the powers of the courts, and remedies are explored. An introduction to civil procedure is given, which is the foundation for all other paralegal courses. Legal ethics with emphasis on the paralegal, including the unauthorized practice of law. Law office administration and procedure are discussed. Prerequisite: Departmental approval

PA 352 - Introduction to Legal Research and Writing (3)
Introduces the student to the many sources from which one may gather legal authority. Traditional legal sources are used to teach primary and secondary authority, reporters, and codebooks, to name but a few. Use of a law school library is required. Additionally, students will learn research on CDROM, the Internet, computer-assisted legal research, and other cyber sources. Email and intranet will also be taught. The special requirements of legal writing will be taught and students will be given a number of legal writing assignments. Prerequisite: EN 125 and PA 351 or concurrent enrollment.

PA 353 - Debtor/Creditor Relations (3)
Use and application of legal rules and procedures under the Uniform Commercial Code as it relates to security interests, liens, financing statements and related debtor/creditor rights, remedies, and protections. Debt collection and creditor practices under federal laws will be examined. Pre-judgment and postjudgment rights and remedies of debtors and creditors are explored. An in-depth view of federal bankruptcy laws is offered. Practical use of the relevant forms and documents in all of the areas will be required. Prerequisite: PA 352 or concurrent enrollment.

PA 354 - Business Organizations (3)
Legal aspects of business organizations, including corporations and partnerships, with emphasis on the research and preparation of forms. Drafting articles of incorporation and other basic forma including, employee stock plans, buy- sell agreements, underwriting, registration materials for regulatory agencies, acquisition and merger transactions, and closing papers and binders filing requirements, maintenance of securities ledgers, minutes of meetings, records of resolutions, and agreements. Prerequisite: PA 352 or concurrent enrollment.

PA 355 - Wealth Transfer I (3)
This course introduces the student to the way in which wealth is transferred upon the death of its owner. Wills, probate, and estate administration are taught in-depth as well as valuation of property, tax implications, and payment of debt. The course also discusses gifts, asset protection, second spouses, co-habitors and children of different marriages in the planning process in light of federal tax laws. A sophisticated review of trusts and other forms of ownership is offered. Pensions, IRAÕs, and other forms of wealth transfers are reviewed. Prerequisite: PA 352 or concurrent enrollment.

PA 356 - Civil Trial and Appellate Practice I (3)
Location, jurisdiction, and procedures of courts; pre-trial, trial, and settlement of cases. Emphasis is on research into and development of physical, documentary, and testimonial evidence, trial preparation, rules of appellate procedure, and documents used in appellate proceedings. Preparation of documents, files, pleadings, and witnesses for trial. An overview of the substantive law of torts and contracts is offered. Prerequisite: PA 352 or concurrent enrollment.

PA 357 - Real Estate Law for the Paralegal (3)
This course covers the legal aspects of real estate transactions, forms, documents for ownership, encumbrances, and filing and recording common transactions. Emphasis is on forms, documentation, and procedures relative to land contracts, land purchases, including improved property, leases, mortgages, liens, and landlord-tenant relations. Prerequisite: PA 352 or concurrent enrollment.

PA 373 - Criminal Law and Procedure (3)
This course is an analysis of fundamental concepts of criminal law. Course content includes common law and statutory crimes, culpable mental states and the elements of crimes. Procedural aspects from arrest to pretrial and trial are explored, including constitutional guarantees of criminal suspects and rules of evidence. In addition, the rights of society are contrasted with the rights of criminal defendants and the government. Prerequisite: PA 352 or CJ 200 or CJ 350 or concurrent enrollment in either course.

PA 375 - Employment Law (3)
The focus of this course is on the most important federal laws regulating employment. Family leave, disabilities, civil rights, labor standards, national labor relations, and "whistleblowing" are some of the topics covered. Ohio state laws in this area and employment-at-will will also be considered. Special emphasis will be on non-lawyer practice before relevant administrative agencies. Prerequisite: MG 200 or PA 352 or concurrent enrollment.

PA 376 - Family Law (3)
This course presents an overview of the substantive and procedural laws in the area of domestic relations. Includes allocation of parental rights, child and spousal support, adoptions, paternity, and domestic violence. Property division and tax implications of divorce will be examined. Prerequisite: PA 352 or concurrent enrollment.

PA 450 - Computer Use in the Law (3)
The uses of computers in the delivery of legal services beyond word processing are studied in this course. Utilization of computers in the areas of litigation support, jury and related research, information and document management, docketing, conflict of interest and other prepackaged software will be taught. In-depth training in computer-assisted legal research will be offered. Prerequisite: PA 352, MS181.

PA 491 - Health Care Law (3)
For paralegals and others interested in the laws, rules, and regulations related to health care. Covers sources of payment, rights in medical treatment, and other issues facing those involved in seeking or offering health care. The 3-credit hour course is divided into 3 sessions, each 5-1/3 weeks long. The student may register for any or all of the sessions and, upon successful completion, earn the corresponding semester-hour credit. The divisions are: 1) health benefits and payments, 2) basic planning for extended health care, and 3) organ transplants and donations. Prerequisite: PA 352.

PA 494* - Alternate Dispute Resolution (3)
Designed to give an overview of the Alternate Dispute Resolution process, this course familiarizes students with vocabulary of ADR and the many applications of this explosive field of dispute resolution. It will use a variety of methods to familiarize the student with the subject: experiential, demonstrative, guest lectures, video presentations, and class discussions. Prerequisite: PA 352.

PA 499 - Paralegal Senior Seminar (3)
This course is one of three elective classes from which paralegal majors must choose if pursuing the Bachelor of Science degree. The class will be an overview and review of the critical thinking and acquisition of knowledge that students will need before they graduate. A weekly series of topics will be covered and the student will write a number of papers, which will not only measure whether the student has acquired the core knowledge necessary of all paralegals but will help the student master legal concepts and strengthen writing skills. Prerequisite: PA 356 or concurrent enrollment or departmental approval.

Gretchen Fleming is currently the Chair of the Paralegal Education Programs at Chancellor University in Cleveland, Ohio. A position she accepted in July 2009. Gretchen has a JD from the University of Toledo and a MS in Criminal Justice-Forensic Psychology from Tiffin University. She has been teaching Criminal Justice and Sociology for Bowling Green State University since 2000. Other work experience has been for the Erie County Prosecutor's Office, Criminal Division and for a Civil Law practice in Cleveland. Gretchen has also been a psychologists assistance for a private practice in Toledo Ohio. Gretchen presented "Postpartum insanity defense: What's in a label?" at the OCCJE Conference in April 2004.

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The Chancellor University Paralegal Education faculty is very dedicated and experienced with academic, practical and field experience. They boast a wide range of scholarly interests and offer a variety of philosophical and practical approaches to paralegal education. They are also deeply committed to teaching and advising every student to their fullest potential.

The Paralegal Education Program at Chancellor University is both high quality and extremely affordable. Standard tuition rates for undergraduate programs are $385 per credit hour. Chancellor University also offers an extremely generous program for members of the military.

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Chancellor University is proud to show our appreciation to members of the military. Military personnel play a vital role in our country's safety and welfare. As a result, we provide a number of benefits including a military tuition discount to active duty, reserve, and veterans pursuing all Undergraduate and Graduate degrees. Military members pay only $250 per credit hour! We also provide a book voucher of up to $800 each academic year, $100 per class for up to eight classes, for Undergraduate military students. Furthermore, we show our appreciation to the spouses of active military members by providing them the same military tuition rate of $250 per credit hour.

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A student may request a special examination for course credit. Students pay a non-refundable exam fee for the course. After making an official application, a student has 30 days to complete the exam. The examination is graded by a subject-area faculty member and submitted with a grade of pass or fail to the Office of Academic Records. A pass grade results in credit's being entered on the student's transcript. A failing grade is not entered on the transcript. Neither a pass nor fail affects the student's cumulative GPA. Students should see their advisor to obtain a list of courses available for credit by examination.

Credit for courses taken by examination at other institutions cannot be transferred to Chancellor University. Credit by Examination may not be used toward the University's residency requirements.

Credits earned through Portfolio Review Process, Direct Assessment, or Credit by Examination may not be eligible for transfer credit at other institutions.

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Once a student has developed their skills with an Academic and Career Advisor they can apply to enter into any of the following programs through our Student Employment Office:

• Internship Program
• Co-op Program
• Work-Study Program
• CU Mentor Connect Program

Students can also seek out the assistance of Student Employment to help with finding peer and alumni mentors, as well as, finding great resources for different career opportunities.

Founded in 1848 in Cleveland, Ohio, Chancellor University has served students locally, nationally and globally through its innovative programs and online course offerings. The school currently enrolls students from 45 of the 50 U.S. states and several foreign countries. Notable alumni include oil tycoon John D. Rockefeller, rubber and tire magnate Harvey Firestone and accounting giant Theodore Ernst. Since 1978, Chancellor University has been accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.