What is the duration of the Paralegal Associate Diploma training?

The duration of the course is 12 months, 8 to 10 hours per week. The students will gain knowledge and skills of Paralegal Associate, different types of lawyer roles, and understand the work of the lawyer.

Who are the potential employers of the Paralegal Associate Diploma online course?

The potential employers are law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, non-profit organisations, legal aid organisations, real estate firms, banking and financial institutions, courts and judicial offices, and compliance departments.

Does the Paralegal Associate Diploma certification course offer recruitment and placement support?

The certification course offers a training method which is unique and is an exercise-based lesson, it empowers learners by providing the needed knowledge and skills to apply to real-world opportunities.

Does the Paralegal Associate Diploma online course provide students a chance to ask questions?

Students can ask questions, share their screens, and get their questions answered. They can arrange a private one-on-one conversation for career guidance and will also receive personalised feedback.

Paralegal Associate Diploma by LawSikho: Fee, Duration, How to Apply

particular	details
Medium of instructions English	Mode of learning Self study	Mode of Delivery Video and Text Based	Frequency of Classes Weekdays, Weekends	Learning efforts 8-10 Hours Per Week

Part 1: Theory Based Studies

Introduction to the Job Role of Paralegal Associate - Legal Documentation

Role and responsibilities of a ‘Paralegal Associate - Legal Documentation’
Identify the sub-sectors in the management and entrepreneurship sector
Describe the common organisational structures and various functions in a law firm
Describe the common policies and procedures followed in various law firms relevant to employment and performance conditions
Describe the general hierarchy of communication in a law firm

Document design and structure

Describe the functions and particulars of pleading, signing and verification
Describe the process of civil and criminal pleading
Prepare legal documents by modifying approved existing precedent documents
Common document designs for complaints, petitions and responses and cover memos for registration of entities
Drafting basic contracts
Drafting legal briefs
Interpret information from dictated notes, notes provided and audio recordings and use as instructed
Use a range of software commonly used in legal firms for drafting and to ensure accurate completion of the task
Formatting, placing appropriate pagination and footnotes as well as legal references
Perform proofreading of documents for accuracy of content and consistency of layout and style
Perform printing of documents, back-up copies, save and store the document in the appropriate folder

Maintenance of records and documentation in a law firm

Identify the information systems used for recording and managing data and information
Describe the use of various software applications used for the storage, retrieval and communication of data and information
Maintain filing system for essential correspondences, contracts, case-related documents and specific documentation given by the authorised persons for filing
Describe the archiving procedures and appropriate file retention periods
Maintain a catalogue of the files/documentation in the office and take inventory periodically
Taking care of data security and confidentiality protocols in managing client data
Describe the relevant court processes, current legislation, legal processes and the required documentation
Describe the protocol with reference to retrieval of legal documents
Establish that safety and security measures are in place as per the organisational procedure
How to help a lawyer with basic company and tax registration
How to help lawyers and resolution professionals with insolvency recoveries

Workplace Safety, Rescue and First Aid

Explain possible causes of “hazards” and “risks” present in the work environment and related precautions that need to be taken
Explain hygiene related concerns to superiors
List the causes of fire and other accidents and ways to prevent them
Describes the various fire extinguishers for different types of fires
Demonstrate appropriate first aid in different situations
Describe the emergency procedures during accidents or hazardous situations
Explain the types of safety signs and their significance
How to assist with installing processes of energy conservation at the workplace
How to assist with instilling values of gender sensitivity and inclusion at the workplace

Principles of Professional Practice and knowledge management

Explain what personal and professional goals are and how to develop them
Discuss the importance of continuous learning and developing a professional development plan
Explain the importance of displaying professional appearance and behaviour at all times
Demonstrate ways of communicating with team members and different stakeholders in a professional manner
Discuss the importance of completing duties accurately, systematically and within required timeframes for professional and organisational success
Explain guidelines on confidentiality of data and documents collected
Discuss the importance of policies related to non-discrimination and rights of the clients
Explain the ethical and unethical conduct in a workplace
Identify inappropriate workplace behaviour and ways to manage them
Identify conflict of interest and how to resolve it.
Making process manuals for the law firm
Ensure implementation of productivity tracking

Part 2: Practical Modules

Module 1: Formal and informal communication

Basic essentials in any type of communication
- Understanding the difference between formal and informal communication
- Communicating informally with colleagues in English
- Communicating formally - what kind of language should and should not be used
- One to one and one to many communications
- Use of slangs and short forms - where is it not appropriate to use
- Use of emojis, GIFs, forwards etc.
- Gender sensitivity in communication
- How to put across your thoughts - in speech and writing
- Answering questions
- Presenting an argument
- Communication for persuasion
- Presenting data and information for better and easy comprehension

E-mail communication

E-mail addresses, replying, copying and blind copying etiquette
How to write emails to different people - prospective employers, clients, opposite parties in litigation, government or regulators, colleagues
Writing follow up emails
Managing attachments, sorting inbox into folders and tracking responses
Email signatures and auto responses

Communicating on telephone calls, audio conference calls and WhatsApp

How to initiate and end a telephone conversation
General courtesy on conference calls
WhatsApp dos and don’ts - individual communication and group communication
Managing WhatsApp groups as an admin

Communicating in video conferencing meetings

Commonly used video conferencing platforms and how to use these
Handling mic and camera during video conference meetings
Hosting video conferencing meetings, muting and unmuting participants
Screen sharing and using whiteboard

Module 2: How to assist lawyers with their work

Calendar Management

Monitoring calendars and fixing meetings
Reminders and Deadline management
Making travel arrangements if required

Conducting basic research

Finding contact information
Researching basic statistical data for something
Researching relevant blogs and articles and marking them up for reading

Conducting advanced research and drafting summary

Researching entity information
Researching case related information
Writing great case summaries
Background research
Business development related research

Execution related work

Arranging execution with Docusign and storing signed copies
Arranging for stamping and notarisation of documents
Managing Folders in Microsoft Office and Google Drive and also managing access to these

Module 3: Document Management

Using Microsoft Office and Google Suite

Documents, Spreadsheets and Slides - what are they best used for
Sharing files
Using images and drawings
Creating slides for presentations
Managing databases - different types of data entry roles
Introduction to different types of commonly used software

Review and proofread legal documents

Examine the text for spelling, grammatical and terminology errors and apply corrections.
Describe how to flag errors and track changes.
Compare the proofs against the original copy to identify errors or omissions.
State the syntax and citation protocols Identify accepted and unaccepted copying and mark unaccepted for rectification.
Use the defined legal terms consistently throughout the text, giving proper definition of the terms.
Inspect all titles, headings, the case caption, and the client’s name and correct any errors or omissions identified.
Preparing transcripts where required and also redacting the documents using proper manner

Reviewing, Summarising and organising documents

Examine and summarise documents for lawyers
What kind of documents will you come across and what do you need to review in these
How to prepare excellent document summaries
How to present the relevant information in flowcharts, tables etc.
Why and how of document review
How to use checklists for document review
What do you need to be careful about while transcribing depositions, meetings or hearings into a written document

Records Management Work

Maintaining client information files and updating databases relating to client entities
Maintaining and storing all communication received from and sent to clients in a physical and / or electronic form
Ensuring that a backup of the data is taken periodically to take care of system failures
Confidentiality and privilege management, database management, data security and access control
Managing confidential shredding and coordinating with firms providing confidential shredding

Module 4: Overview of the US Legal System

Sources of US Law

Constitution
Legislation - Acts, Rules, Regulations,
Case law
Common law
Contract and administrative law
How are statutes enacted in the US?

US Court system and hierarchy of courts at federal and state level

US Federal Court System
US State Court System
District Courts, Trial Courts and Courts of Appeals
The US Supreme Court
The Jury System
The US Department of Justice
The Attorneys General

Different types of Lawyer roles in the US

Attorney
Counsellor
Investigator
Negotiator
Mediator

Module 5: Paralegal skills associated with Drafting and vetting various Specific Agreements and Contracts

Introduction to Parts of a Contract

The different parts of a contract, and the sequence in which different clauses customarily appear in a contract
How to draft Title, recitals, definition and interpretation clauses
Drafting Representations and Warranties clauses and covenants
Conditions Precedent, Conditions Subsequent and Completion
How to Draft Obligations and Payment Clauses for Contracts
Term, termination, renewal and survival clauses
Assignment and Change of Control Clauses
Confidentiality, non-compete, non-solicit and exclusivity clauses
Waiver, Variation and Severability clauses
Notice and communication clauses
Governing law, Jurisdiction, Arbitration and Dispute resolution clauses

How to draft some of the essential clauses in various specific contracts/ Agreements

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
Non-Disclosure of Agreements (NDA)
Lease Agreements
Employment Agreements
Master Service Agreement
Trademark Licencing Agreements

Breach and Enforcement related clauses

The concept of breach and what kinds of scenarios amount to a breach
Legally permissible remedies in the event of a breach
Contract enforcement in the USA including the hierarchy and jurisdiction of courts along with the reliefs sought.

Module 6: Paralegal skills associated with Intellectual Property Rights

Introduction to Intellectual Property Protection in the US and UKIPO

What are the different types of intellectual property rights recognised by US and UK laws
How to conduct a trademark classification search through the UKIPO and the USPTO portals
How to file a trademark application in the US and UK?
How to deal with USPTO and UKIPO office action received against a trademark application

An overview of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act

Implementation of the two WIPO treaties through DMCA
Limited liability to the internet service providers
Penalties under the DMCA
How to draft a DMCA compliant takedown notice and counter notice thereof

How to draft a cease and desist notice for infringement of intellectual property

What is a cease and desist notice?
When should one send a cease and desist notice?
How should a cease and desist notice be drafted?
Responding to a cease and desist letter.

Module 7: Paralegal work in Technology laws

Technology laws, Data Protection and Privacy

Federal data protection laws in the US
State level data protection laws in the US
Legislations in the US dealing with cybercrimes and cybersecurity and compliance required

Different types of electronic signatures and their uses

E-tokens
Em-signer / DocuSign / other software
Scanned or Pdf signatures
Managing E-signed contracts

Introduction to Blockchain & Cryptocurrency

How are cryptocurrency regulated in the United States?
How do laws and compliances vary at state and federal level?
What are the different kind of compliances to be undertaken by businesses
How to assist businesses setting up a crypto exchange, crypto wallets or offering coins or tokens

Module 8: Paralegal work in Business and corporate laws

How to choose the right form of business organization

What are the factors to consider while choosing the right form
How to choose the right state for forming a company if you are a non-resident
Entity types depending upon sectors

How to register a corporate entity

LLCs, C-Corporations, S-Corporations
Requirement to hire a registered agent
Reserving a name
Submitting incorporation documents
Which officers do you need to identify

What are the constitutional documents and how to draft them

Operating Agreement
By-laws

Module 9: Paralegal work relating to litigation

Preparation of legal case files for submission and case management

Identify various types of courts and their submission procedures related to the case documentation and court etiquettes.
Access relevant information in the client file.
Access precedent from the firm’s existing documentation and library.
Prepare files and clusters of documents and the right number of copies as per the requirements of the court procedures.
Identify the authorised signing parties.
Choose the appropriate delivery and payment method.
Plan for secure transport and submission of the documents to the court/tribunal.
Record information regarding deficiency from court officials if documents are deficient and cannot be lodged.
Collect and file proof of lodgements and any associated documents appropriately.
Apply the appropriate manner of entering into and departing from the courts/tribunals.
Court and court website management

Trial and litigation management

Assistance in collecting evidence, getting information,organizing meetings by maintaining contact with people involved in the case
Preparing case summaries and notes or transcription from client conferences, mediation sessions, etc
Preparing pleadings and organizing research materials for review by attorneys
Organizing evidence, preparing exhibits, scheduling witnesses, ensuring that witnesses are ready when needed, taking notes in courtroom
Preparing and forwarding summons and subpoenas
Prepare chronologies and timelines
Editing of documents using Adobe Pro and other pdf editing software
Keep a running agenda of tasks that need to be performed during a case
Gather enough data or information for the case and present it in an easily digestible manner

Discovery related services (for US lawyers)

Drafting appropriate discovery requests to the opposing party
Calendaring the due dates associated with the outgoing discovery on your own and the attorney’s calendar
Recording on the case file accordingly if no responses are received
Preparing follow-up letters to opposing counsel and parties regarding non-receipt of information
Assist in drafting and filing a “Motion to Compel Discovery”
Review discovery responses in-depth and prepare a summary for the perusal of your attorney
Review, log (date-stamp) and organize the incoming documents and make a list of deficiencies in the response received.
Assemble documents to be produced for courts and opposing counsel as a part of discovery and prepare necessary indexes and charts
Assist in drafting subpoenas duces tecum (subpoenas for documents) to be directed to non-party persons or entities as may be appropriate
Keep track of due dates for subpoenas duces tecum, put the same in the calendar and receive, log and review any documents received in response to the same
Assist with medical records requests, review, organization, and summary - this may be required for insurance cases, personal insurance cases, divorce cases and a lot of different matters
Retrieve information from public records by conducting a search
Drafting interrogatories, requests for production and requests for admissions during the discovery phase of a lawsuit

Managing Depositions (for US lawyers)

Preparation of witnesses before they appear in a deposition before an opposing counsel by telling them what to expect and how to respond to questions so that they do not jeopardize their own case out of nervousness or are not taken advantage of
Explain the process to witnesses and opposing parties who show up at the deposition, especially when they are not accompanied by their own lawyers
Coordinate with expert witnesses, explain to clients and deponents about how to respond to objections, rules of deposition and consequences of breaking those rules and when to let attorneys sort things out before opening their mouth
Research issues to find information that the attorney can use to frame questions during the deposition
Conduct case law research that helps the lawyers to choose certain legal strategies and frame certain questions accordingly
Arrange the evidence already collected, including the evidence that disputes the testimony of the witnesses from the other side, to assist lawyers during questioning in a deposition
Conduct background search on the witnesses
Organise mock depositions mock trials at times
Schedule depositions, put the same on the calendar of their attorneys and prepare deposition digests that would be used later
Prepare accurate deposition transcripts, and prepare a summary of the same

Module 10: Financial Administration and MIS for a Lawyer’s Office

Managing billing

Managing legal billing software, sending invoices, collection, sending reminders to clients for payment
Preparing the attorney’s timesheets

Managing MIS for revenues and expenses

Maintaining spreadsheets that track costs for a client or profitability of a practice area or a monthly information system (MIS)
Maintaining records of costs and fee receipts by verifying outstanding balances with attorneys, clients, and service providers

Module 11: Knowledge Management

Knowledge Management for a lawyer’s office

Organizing and managing templates and standard form precedents for future use
Making best practice checklists
Designing workbooks, playbooks, training manuals and study material
Creating slides and pitch decks
Organizing webinars and sending regular industry relevant updates to clients
Connecting with potential clients on social media on behalf of the lawyer
How to maintain and manage an email list

Module 12: Contact listings and Social Media Management

About Social Media Platforms and their Algorithms

LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

Preparing a Social Media Strategy

Developing a good social media profile
Target audience
Content Strategy
Social Listening - building mass trust and one to one communication
Measuring the results from your social media strategy

Listings and other mechanisms

Including yourself in contact listings and identifying the right ones
Lawyer specific listings
Coordinating and managing webinars

Module 13: Navigating and using freelancing platforms

Creation of Fiverr account- Video
Optimization of Fiverr account- Video
How to register on People Per Hour and UpWork- Video
Optimization of People Per Hour account- Video
Optimization of Upwork Account- Video
How to use Linked In and Facebook for freelancing opportunities- Video
How to build your web page for freelancing- Video
How to create proposals and pitch for work on freelancing platforms - Video
How to approach US law firms / companies for remote freelancing work - Video.

Certification Course	Fees
Paralegal Associate Diploma	Rs 63,000
Paralegal Associate Diploma (EMI)	Rs 3,000

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Paralegal Associate Diploma

Online

12 Months

₹ 63000

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