Electronic Discovery Proficiency Certificate
Program Overview
The Electronic Discovery Proficiency Certificate sharpens paralegals' skills in electronic discovery, a growing practice area. It integrates knowledge from paralegal studies and digital forensics, providing a comprehensive understanding of the electronic discovery lifecycle. Graduates can pursue careers as legal secretaries, administrative assistants, paralegals, or legal assistants.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Electronic Discovery Proficiency Certificate aims to sharpen the skills of paralegals in electronic discovery, a rapidly growing practice area. With the increasing reliance on digital devices, roughly 80% of legal documents now exist exclusively in electronic form. Electronic discovery encompasses the exchange of digitally stored information in legal proceedings, necessitating specialized knowledge for paralegals. This certificate program builds upon the existing Paralegal Studies and Digital Forensics offerings at the college, equipping students with a comprehensive understanding of the electronic discovery lifecycle by integrating knowledge from both fields. However, it's worth noting that this certificate does not meet the requirements for ABA approval, which includes a minimum of eighteen semester hours of legal specialty courses. For an ABA-approved program, individuals may consider the Paralegal Studies degree program or post-degree proficiency certificate.
Outline:
Course Sequence:
To ensure optimal success, the following course sequence is recommended:
PLS 101 - Intro to Paralegal Studies
(3 credits): Provides foundational knowledge in paralegal studies.
PLS 111 - Legal Research and Writing I
(3 credits): Develops legal research and writing skills, building upon PLS 101 or taken concurrently.
PLS 121 - Civil Litigation I
(3 credits): Covers essential aspects of civil litigation processes, which can be taken concurrently with PLS 101.
PLS 115 - Legal Technology
(3 credits): Introduces legal technology tools and their applications, which can also be taken along with PLS 101.
DF 101 - Introduction to Digital Forensics
(3 credits): Provides a comprehensive introduction to digital forensics, with JUS 101 or PLS 101 as prerequisites.
PLS 215 - Electronic Discovery
(3 credits): Focuses on the intricacies of electronic discovery processes, requiring PLS 121 as a prerequisite.
Careers:
Career Options:
Upon completion of the Electronic Discovery Proficiency Certificate program, graduates may pursue various career paths, including:
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
with an estimated annual salary of $58,190
Paralegal and Legal Assistant
with an estimated annual salary of $60,540 These salary estimates are based on data from EMSI in 2022 for the greater Philadelphia region, and it's important to note that a percentage of individuals in these roles may possess a bachelor's degree or higher qualification.