Legal Writing Specialist

The Legal Research & Writing program is designed to introduce students to legal thought, writing styles and research methods used in the profession every day. Learners will be introduced to various methods used to solve clients’ problems by using effective research techniques, accurate and in-depth legal analysis, and the clear and concise written and oral communication that are paramount to the legal profession. As these skills can only improve with a great deal of practice, this course offers the foundation from which students can build on these skills for years to come.

For individuals looking toward law school or who are interested in the paralegal profession, this program offers an incredibly useful and realistic look into the actual work that lawyers and legal professionals do every day. Using a problem-solving approach, learners will use the tools and techniques introduced to represent a fictional client and provide the clients with legal advice. Participants will learn essential skills of successful lawyers, including researching legal authorities, applying the law to a client’s situation, and communicating that analysis both in writing and verbally.

This program is designed to provide learners with a solid working knowledge of the tools available in law libraries, including both state and federal primary and secondary materials. Learners will find, analyze, and solve problems in the legal world. In addition, participants will adapt the research material into legal memoranda, briefs and other useful work product while communicating the results in a competent and ethical manner.

Program Objectives

After completing this program, learners will be able to:

• Analyze case law
• Analyze enacted law
• Analyze ethical issues related to research
• Analyze the facts in a case
• Apply professional writing styles appropriate for legal communication
• Classify legal research sources
• Compare researched cases with client cases
• Describe the main products of legal research
• Differentiate mandatory authority from persuasive authority
• Prepare other legal documents
• Research case law
• Research enacted law
• Summarize research practices used by a paralegal
• Use secondary sources as part of legal research
• Validate case law using a citator
• Write a case brief
• Write an internal memorandum of law

Certification Opportunities

Legal Writing Specialist is not a licensed profession. While this course develops essential legal research and writing skills used by attorneys, paralegals, and legal professionals, it does not fulfill the education, testing, or licensure requirements needed to become a practicing attorney or licensed legal professional.

This course is intended to provide a solid foundation of legal analysis, writing, and research through real-world examples and cases. These skills are valuable for paralegal work, legal support roles, or preparation for future law studies, but it does not authorize or qualify individuals to engage in the practice of law.

After completing this program, learners will have the opportunity to take a national/industry-recognized certification exam to assist with entry-level employment.

National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) Legal Writing (L-WRIT)