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Course Descriptions

The 2008-2009 program is underway and is no longer accepting applications Next program starts: Autumn 2009 Details will be posted in Spring Program location: UW campus, Seattle Sign up to receive e-mail updates >> Contact a program representative >>

Classes meet three evenings per week on the UW campus, Seattle.

Autumn Courses

Fundamentals of Legal Practice

Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00-9:00 p.m., Sept. 25-Dec. 11, 2008 (no class Nov. 11 & Nov. 27); 6 CEUs; $910.
Instructor: Bruce Wiener, J.D.

Introduction to the legal system and its institutions, with emphasis on areas relevant to paralegals. Topics:

• Function and origins of law
• Court systems and jurisdiction
• Types of hearings and trials
• Legal reasoning
• Professional ethics

Legal Research and Writing

Section A Schedule: Mondays, 6:00-9:00 p.m., Sept. 29-Dec. 1, 2008; 3 CEUs; $455.

Section B Schedule: Wednesdays, 6:00-9:00 p.m., Oct. 1-Dec. 3, 2008 (no class Wednesday, Nov. 26; additional class on Monday, Nov. 24); 3 CEUs; $455.
Instructor: Judith Maier, J.D.

Fundamentals of legal research and writing, legal terminology, and skills needed to communicate effectively in legal matters. This course includes lectures, research in the law library, an introduction to computer-based research, and a series of writing assignments. Topics:

• Types of legal research resources
• Identification of legal issues
• Legal index and digest systems
• Citation rules
• Legal writing style

Winter Course

Litigation Basics

Schedule: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 6:00-9:00 p.m., Jan 6-Mar. 12, 2009; 9 CEUs; $1,365.
Instructor: Bruce Wiener, J.D.

Survey of litigation and life cycle of a lawsuit. Topics:

• Initiating the lawsuit
• Client relations
• Statute of limitations
• Venue and jurisdiction
• Drafting pleadings
• Discovery (depositions, subpoenas, interrogatories and requests for production of documents)
• Motion practice
• Trial notebooks
• Trial setting procedures
• Arbitration and mediation
• Juries
• Conduct of trial
• Evidence
• Trial conclusion
• Settlement
• Post-trial motions
• Appellate practice

Spring Courses

Business Law

Schedule: Thursdays, 6:00-9:00 p.m., April 2-June 4, 2009; 3 CEUs; $455.
Instructor: Sheila Huber, J.D.

This is a substantive course in business law covering contracts, corporations and partnerships, real estate, the banking system and negotiable instruments, the employment relationship, and other topics. Course emphasizes legal reasoning through case discussion and development of practical skills through written work. Topics:

• Contract drafting
• Choice of form of business ownership
• Real Estate transactions
• Banking System
• Negotiable Instruments
• Secured Transactions
• Employment Relationship & Agency

Litigation Specialties

Schedule: Wednesdays, 6:00-9:00 p.m., April 1-June 3, 2009; 3 CEUs; $455.
Instructors: Michael Schwartz, J.D. and Nancy Weil, J.D.

Focus on selected litigation areas and procedures:

• Criminal law and procedures: adult and juvenile
• Family law and procedures: marriage, dissolution, parenting plans
• Electronic discovery: case law, technology, procedures

Complex Litigation

Schedule: Tuesdays, 6:00-9:00 p.m., March 31-June 2, 2009; 3 CEUs; $455.
Instructor: Bruce Wiener, J.D.

Detailed review of techniques and procedures in prosecution of large, multi-party litigation. Topics:

• Contractual and equitable remedies
• Bankruptcy
• Product liability
• Selective topics in insurance, including bad faith and coverage
• Advanced tort theory (joint and several liability, indenmification, etc.)
• First Amendment/14th Amendment (freedom of speech, religion, and equal protection)
• Selected topics in complex litigation