Online Courses for Legal Assistants

What Topics Are Covered in Online Legal Assistant Courses?

Many aspects of the legal field typically covered in legal assistant courses include legal concepts, terminology, and specified areas of law. Coursework teaches you to conduct research, draft legal documents, and prepare for trials. Specific courses may include:

Introduction to Law

This course focuses on the structure and functions of law in our society. You will learn to read and analyze family law cases and statutes and develop basic legal communication skills.

Family Law and Policy

Family law explores areas such as parental rights, marriage, and divorce. Students will study topics such as child custody and visitation, spousal and child support, and asset division.

Wills, Trusts, and Estates

The laws regarding estate planning and property distributions after death are introduced in this course. You will also study the creation and termination of wills and trusts.

Civil Litigation

This course includes litigation practices and procedures including trial preparation, discovery, motions, and trial/post-trial matters. You will study evidence, investigation, case management, pleadings, and depositions.

Legal Research Methods

Legal research includes locating the applicable law, analyzing written opinions and applying legal authority to the specific case. This course provides hands-on practice in legal research and in written legal correspondence through class assignments, case brief reviews, and memoranda writing.

How Can I Use These Courses?

Online legal assistant courses can provide the knowledge and skills to pursue an array of legal assistant and paralegal positions in a law firm, corporation, or specialized area such real estate/title work, intellectual property, bankruptcy, or immigration.

You can take online legal assistant courses as part of a paralegal or legal assistant certificate program or an Associate of Arts in Paralegal or Legal Studies. Some schools may also offer bachelor's and master's degree programs in paralegal or legal studies, though these programs may not be as widespread.

How Do Online Courses Work?

Online courses are typically self-paced and may be accessed at any time. Some are offered on a semester basis, while others can be taken throughout the year. A computer with high-speed internet access is necessary; some schools may have additional operating system or software requirements.

Legal assistant courses are accessible via a content management system on your school's website. You'll complete assignments, quizzes and exams online. You'll also be able to post questions and comments on discussion boards, participate in chat sessions, and e-mail your professor and other classmates.