Introduction

The Registered Paralegal (RP) credential is awarded by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) to recognize paralegals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge, skills, and professionalism in the legal field. This 5-day intensive training course is designed to provide aspiring paralegals with the essential tools, techniques, and legal knowledge required to excel in the field and succeed in the RP certification exam. From legal research to drafting legal documents and understanding ethical considerations, this course prepares participants to perform crucial tasks in legal offices and assist attorneys in effectively representing clients.

Course Objectives

By the end of this training, participants will:

1. Gain a thorough understanding of the paralegal profession, including the legal and ethical responsibilities associated with the role.
2. Learn to perform legal research and draft legal documents such as contracts, pleadings, and discovery requests.
3. Understand core areas of law, including civil procedure, criminal law, family law, and real estate law.
4. Develop skills in managing case files, organizing evidence, and assisting with trial preparation.
5. Master the professional and ethical standards required of registered paralegals in various legal environments.
6. Be fully prepared for the RP certification exam and enhance their careers as paralegals.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

• Aspiring paralegals seeking to earn the RP certification and advance their careers in the legal field.
• Legal assistants, legal secretaries, and paralegals looking to formalize their credentials and improve their knowledge.
• Individuals seeking to transition into the legal profession and build foundational skills for working in law offices or corporate legal departments.
• Experienced paralegals who want to refresh their skills and knowledge in preparation for the RP exam.

Day 1: Introduction to the Paralegal Profession and Legal Ethics

• Session 1: Overview of the Paralegal Profession

  • The role of paralegals in the legal system
  • The difference between paralegals, legal assistants, and attorneys
  • Types of legal practice areas and the paralegal’s responsibilities in each
  • The importance of paralegals in enhancing law firm efficiency and client service

• Session 2: Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility

  • Understanding ethical responsibilities: confidentiality, conflicts of interest, and attorney-client privilege
  • Paralegal’s ethical duties to clients, attorneys, and the court
  • The importance of adhering to the NFPA’s Model Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility
  • Handling ethical dilemmas and avoiding unauthorized practice of law (UPL)

• Session 3: Legal Research and Legal Writing

  • Introduction to legal research techniques: Primary and secondary sources, case law, statutes, and regulations
  • Utilizing online databases (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis) for efficient research
  • Legal citation: How to cite cases, statutes, and other legal materials
  • Drafting legal documents: Understanding legal terminology and structuring documents correctly

Day 2: Civil Procedure and Litigation Support

• Session 4: Understanding Civil Procedure

  • The structure of a civil lawsuit: Pleadings, motions, and discovery
  • Key stages of a civil case: Pre-trial, trial, and post-trial procedures
  • Overview of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP) and state rules
  • Drafting complaint and answer documents and understanding the process of filing with the court

• Session 5: Discovery Process

  • Types of discovery: Interrogatories, depositions, requests for production, and requests for admissions
  • Paralegal’s role in drafting discovery requests and organizing discovery responses
  • Managing discovery documents and keeping track of evidence
  • Preparing and maintaining discovery logs and databases

• Session 6: Trial Preparation and Courtroom Procedures

  • Paralegal’s role in trial preparation: Organizing exhibits, preparing witnesses, and preparing trial notebooks
  • Understanding the trial process: Opening statements, witness testimony, closing arguments, and jury instructions
  • Courtroom procedures: Etiquette, rules of evidence, and assisting attorneys during trial
  • Post-trial activities: Assisting with appeals and finalizing case documentation

Day 3: Legal Document Drafting and Contracts

• Session 7: Legal Document Drafting

  • Introduction to drafting legal documents: Types, formats, and common components
  • Drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs
  • The role of the paralegal in preparing and filing legal documents
  • Review and proofing of legal documents for compliance and accuracy

• Session 8: Drafting Contracts

  • The essentials of contract law: Offer, acceptance, consideration, and legal capacity
  • Drafting simple contracts: Employment contracts, non-disclosure agreements, and lease agreements
  • Key provisions to include in contracts: Terms, conditions, and dispute resolution clauses
  • Common mistakes in contract drafting and how to avoid them

Day 4: Specialized Areas of Law

• Session 9: Family Law and Domestic Relations

  • Overview of family law issues: Divorce, child custody, child support, and alimony
  • Paralegal’s role in drafting family law documents: Petitions, custody agreements, and motions
  • Understanding the role of mediation and arbitration in family law
  • Ethical considerations in family law cases

• Session 10: Real Estate Law

  • Introduction to real estate transactions: Property transfers, leases, and mortgages
  • Paralegal’s responsibilities in real estate closings: Reviewing contracts, title searches, and deeds
  • Legal documentation in real estate transactions: Deeds, leases, purchase agreements, and mortgage documents
  • Overview of landlord-tenant law and dispute resolution

• Session 11: Criminal Law and Procedure

  • Introduction to criminal law: Types of crimes and legal classifications (felonies, misdemeanors, infractions)
  • The criminal process: Arrest, arraignment, discovery, trial, and sentencing
  • Paralegal’s role in criminal defense: Assisting with case preparation, witness interviews, and motion filing
  • Ethical considerations in criminal law cases

Day 5: Exam Preparation and Case Studies

• Session 12: Paralegal Case Studies and Practical Application

  • Real-world scenarios in different areas of law (civil, criminal, family, real estate)
  • Applying knowledge and skills from previous sessions to solve legal problems
  • Reviewing case studies to assess the paralegal’s role in case management and legal documentation

• Session 13: RP Exam Review and Preparation

  • Review of key concepts and areas of focus for the RP certification exam
  • Practice exam questions and discussion of answers
  • Test-taking strategies for the RP certification exam
  • Final Q&A session to address remaining questions and reinforce learning