Academics
Our 306-hour program is approved by the American Bar Association.
Courses in the Paralegal Studies Certificate Program are taught by practicing attorneys and judges who understand the current legal trends and issues. The program also shows students the specific substantive and procedural aspects of New York law to ensure success in the field within the Metropolitan area.
Paralegal students have access to the school’s Law Library. Students in the Legal Research and Writing course also learn how to use LexisNexis Academic and Westlaw — the computer research tools used in every law firm.
Course Offerings
Note: The Law School reserves the right to adjust class offerings and/or schedules.
P1110: Introduction to Law
This course introduces students to the American legal system, law office procedure, legal ethics, the laws of torts and contracts, etc. This course also introduces students to the paralegal field.
Note: Paralegal Studies - Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
P1111: Legal Research and Writing
This course explores physical, statutory and case law sources, digests, the key number system, and Shepardizing (enables you to find, read and update case law). You'll also learn to prepare legal correspondence.
Note: Paralegal Studies - Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
P1112: Civil Litigation
A study of procedural rules and process in the New York and federal courts, from the client interview through the filing of a complaint, motions, discovery, trial preparation and trial, as well as post-trial activities.
This course explores physical, statutory and case law sources, digests, the key number system, and Shepardizing (enables you to find, read and update case law). You'll also learn to prepare legal correspondence.
Note: Paralegal Studies - Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
P1113: Contracts
A study of the law and practical considerations in the drafting and interpretation of contracts. The law governing sales is also discussed.
Note: Paralegal Studies - Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
P1114: Real Estate
A study that includes types of property ownership, legal descriptions, title searches, contracts, deeds, mortgages, liens, and landlord/tenant law.
Note: Paralegal Studies - Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
P1115: Business Organizations
A study that includes sole proprietorships, partnerships and corporations. The application of basic principles of business formation, as well as the tax law impacting business organization is explained.
Note: Paralegal Studies - Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
P1116: Bankruptcy
A study of the United States Bankruptcy Code; voluntary and involuntary petitions; concerns of debtors and creditors, including treatment of the automtic stay provisions of the code; the formation of debt; secured transactions law; statutory liens and exemptions; and collection of debt.
Note: Paralegal Studies - Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
P1117: Family Law
The formation and dissolution of marriages, primarily focusing on divorce and separation; grounds for divorce; spousal maintenance; child support; custody/visitation; property division; and tax consequences; as well as a discussion regarding the law of abortion.
Note: Paralegal Studies - Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
P1118: Criminal Law
A study that includes fundamental criminal law concepts; the basics of criminal procedure from arrest and bail through trial and appeal, including a review of the omnibus motion; and requisites to secure pre-trial hearings.
Note: Paralegal Studies - Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
P1210: Estates, Trusts and Wills
A study that includes the laws of intestacy, requirements for all types of wills and trusts, probate and intestate administration, and the procedure for each, as well as the tax consequences regarding estates, trusts, and wills.
Note: Paralegal Studies - Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
P1211: Immigration Law
This course is designed to teach the paralegal student about current trends in the field of immigration, as well as preparing petitions and applications for Immigration benefits, such as family-based and employment-based immigrant visas (the “green card”), employment-based and other non-immigrant visas, applications for naturalization, preparation for the naturalizations civics and English examinations, applications for asylum, appeals, consular matters, and understanding the different functions of the USCIS, CPB, ICE, the Immigration Courts, the Embassies and Consulates.
Note: Paralegal Studies - Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
P1212: Information Technology for Paralegals
This course integrates the most current technology used in the legal field. Students are taught to access and navigate the most up-to-date software, databases, and computer networking programs utilized by the legal profession, including courts, law offices, and agencies, as well as those of cities and municipalities.
Note: Paralegal Studies - Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
P2100: Resume and Interviewing Skills
This course will teach the student how to successfully secure employment as a paralegal. Students will be learn how to prepare a resume, and cover letter, as well as how to conduct a legal job search. Students will learn how to network and market themselves, and they will participate in mock interviews.
Note: Paralegal Studies - Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
“The Hofstra Paralegal Program has given me not only the confidence to succeed at a prestigious law firm, but also the knowledge for continued growth in the legal field.” Ellen Sullivan, Paralegal, Sahn Ward Coschignano