Paralegal Specialization Courses

Emory University now offers a broad range of concentrations to prepare our graduates and paralegal professionals for the highly specialized practice areas in today's major law firms and corporate legal departments. Anyone can take these courses, whether you're a graduate of our Paralegal Certificate Program or not. Even attorneys can benefit from the in-depth knowledge gained from our legal specialization courses.

The specialization topics will include Business Organizations for Paralegals, Legal Research for Paralegals, and Debtor and Creditor Law, just to name a few. These advanced certificates have been designed to help you further your educational development in the legal field and gain new professional skills.

Upcoming Specialization Courses

Business Organizations for Paralegals

Business Organizations for Paralegals is a practical, application-oriented business law class for paralegals.  The class is designed to meet the needs of today’s busy paralegal through demystifying the various business processes and emphasizing the daily tasks and responsibilities of a paralegal involved in business law.  Students will learn the types of legal entities most commonly used by businesses and how such entities are created, managed and terminated.  The course will also cover related topics including agency law and regulations that may impact organizations, such as securities laws and Sarbanes-Oxley. Business law can be complex and confusing. Make sure you have all the information!

Legal Research and Writing

This course will provide a comprehensive working knowledge of and an understanding of legal research materials and research tools.  Students will learn to develop research strategies. In addition, students will learn to write legal memoranda. 

Civil Litigation

This course focuses on the principles of civil litigation in federal and state courts. You will learn causes of action and defenses, and will be introduced to rules of procedure and discovery, along with ethical responsibilities. Pretrial practice, including discovery, pretrial motions, and trial preparations will be covered, together with the basics of a civil trial, post-trial motions, and appeals. The principles learned will be applied to practical exercises.

Debtor and Creditor Law for Paralegals

The Debtor and Creditor Law for Paralegals class is an overview of bankruptcy law and procedure, the rights of creditors and debtors, and a brief introduction to garnishments and other judicial attachments of property.  Bankruptcy forms used in Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and to a lesser extent, Chapter 11, Chapter 9 and Chapter 12, will be stressed.  The role of paralegals in bankruptcy matters will be reviewed as well.  Written assignments include preparation of bankruptcy petitions as well as questions for a mock Section 341(a) meeting of creditors to which paralegals are often assigned by their attorney employer.