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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, paralegal and legal assistant jobs are expected to grow much faster than average at a rate of 10%-15% through the year 2030 with projected job openings of 43,000 in the United States.1
Furthermore, U.S. News ranked Paralegal as one of the best social service jobs of 2021.2 Trends also suggest that employers are becoming more selective and placing greater preference on paralegal candidates with a four-year degree.3
Earning your degree now means you’ll be prepared for the jobs of the future.
As a graduate of the Bryan University Bachelor’s Degree in Paralegal Studies and Litigation Technologies, career opportunities4 may include:
As a graduate, you’ll have the skills to perform many key roles in the legal industry:
Employment settings may include:
Historical trends indicate that law firms increasingly use technology and computer software for managing documents and preparing for trials. In today’s technology-driven environment, paralegals should be equipped with electronic database-management expertise and be current on the latest e-Discovery software. E-Discovery refers to all electronic materials that are searched, located and secured as resources for a trial. These include emails, text messages, phone records, accounting databases, websites and other electronic documents.
E-Discovery has quickly become a multibillion-dollar industry and a key component of the legal process, often comprising 50 percent or more of litigation costs. E-Discovery experts recognize a huge knowledge gap in the profession, leading to an ever-growing need for highly educated paralegals with the right e-Discovery training. That’s why Bryan University is committed to providing you with the most unique paralegal e-Discovery education possible, giving you the necessary training to prepare you for success as soon as you graduate.
Developed in collaboration with our distinguished Board of Advisors, the Bachelor of Science Degree in Paralegal Studies and Litigation Technologies focuses on connecting you to the industry by providing you with the skills that employers need. Your professors will be experts in paralegal science, litigation technology & e-Discovery, experienced attorneys, litigators and industry professionals.
In today’s electronic-driven legal environment, paralegals should be equipped with the right technology expertise and be current on the latest e-Discovery software, in addition to the following features:
Our ELSSA™ simulation lab (E-Discovery Lab for Software, Simulation & Applications) challenges you with real-world scenarios using cutting-edge industry software, so you can build the practical expertise and experience that employers demand. In this interactive, real-world environment, you’ll learn to handle a variety of cases using the latest technologies available and develop a skill set that is primed for career growth.
Our online learning model contains cutting-edge curriculum combined with computer-based learning tools, allowing you to learn interactively. You’ll receive a personalized learning experience, which includes:
Connect with faculty, peers, and student support conveniently from your smart phone, tablet, or computer with BryanConnect, our online user-friendly community. At Bryan, we don’t think online learning means learning alone. You’ll become part of a vibrant community of your fellow students, alumni, instructors, and others, who provide support and celebrate your success along the way. You’ll not only develop colleagues who will help coach and assist you during your college experience, but you’ll also build a professional network—for life.
You’ll receive a dedicated career services advisor that provides job search assistance, job networking best practices, interview preparation, and helps you create an eye-catching resume.
For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program and other important information, please visit our consumer information page.
1 See https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/23-2011.00. Also see Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2020/21 Edition, Paralegals and Legal Assistants, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm. Site visited on 1/7/2022. Also, job market conditions are dynamic and can change. This data is not intended to predict the market conditions that will be present when you graduate from your program and may differ based on your geographic location and other factors.
2 See U.S. News Best Social Service Jobs 2021.
3 Robert Half©2015 Salary Guide for the Legal Field
4 Example occupations shown herein do not imply a guarantee of employment. Students are responsible for conducting occupational research for their chosen program. Employers have unique hiring practices and job-specific requirements, which may include years of experience for manager positions. Graduates with little to no prior experience should expect an entry-level position.
5 Note that the NALA CP credential is not required for employment. Students must complete the associated degree program to qualify to take the CP exam.
The Bachelor’s Degree in Paralegal Studies and Litigation Technologies prepares students for the advancing role of technology in the legal field. The program provides an excellent combination of practical paralegal skills and applied e-Discovery and litigation support skills to give students the education and training for success in the field. As part of the bachelor’s degree program, students receive in-depth training on the E-Discovery Lab for Software Simulation & Applications (ELSSA). Following the completion of the program, a graduate should have the ability to:
LGL-110—Introduction to Paralegal Sciences—3.0 credits
This course presents the role of paralegals in the legal system, introduces paralegal skills and explores career opportunities. It highlights the ethical and professional guidelines that govern the paralegal field. It also introduces the sources of law, an overview of courts, and alternative dispute resolution systems.
LGL-150—Civil Procedure—3.0 credits
This course presents the role of paralegals in the civil litigation process including alternative dispute resolution. It gives students instruction on basic legal research and writing, drafting documents and pleadings, and electronic filing.
LGL-160—Introduction to Law Firm Technology—3.0 credits
This course provides the paralegal student with an introduction to the types and functions of technology in the legal field, providing them with knowledge of and access to commonly used software.
LGL-170—Legal Research and Writing I—3.0 credits
This course expands the skills of the paralegal student in performing legal research and writing, emphasizing case briefing and legal analysis. It provides students with experience using research tools and search engines available in the legal field.
LGL-180—Torts—3.0 credits
This course provides a basic understanding of personal injury, wrongful death, professional malpractice, and civil rights litigation. Students develop skills in applying law to fact patterns as well as utilizing rules of state and federal civil procedure.
EDS-200—Foundations of E-Discovery—3.0 credits
This course explores the procedures associated with e-discovery. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the Electronic Discovery Reference Model (EDRM) and the role of the paralegal in each phase. Topics include the pre-trial litigation process and the forms and phases of general discovery.
EDS-210—ESI and E-Discovery Skill Building—3.0 credits
This course provides an understanding of electronically stored information (ESI) fundamentals and the opportunity
to build practical e-discovery paralegal skills using current software applications housed within the Bryan University E-Discovery Lab for Software, Simulation, and Applications (ELSSA).
LGL-210—Business Organizations and Contract Law—3.0 credits
This course provides students with an understanding of the nature, formation, and regulation of business organizations. Students will also gain an understanding of contractual relationships, applicable laws and remedies.
LGL-220—Family and Criminal Law—3.0 credits
This course presents an overview of a family law practice and basic principles of criminal law. Along with developing an understanding of legal analysis and constitutional law, students complete practical paralegal projects related to both family law and criminal law practices.
LGL-230—Legal Research and Writing II—3.0 credits
This course provides additional practice and application in legal research and writing. Students will be expected to complete legal writing assignments utilizing more advanced legal analysis skills and based on state-specific laws.
EDS-240—E-Discovery Paralegal I—3.0 credits
This class will introduce students to the early stages of the Electronic Discovery Reference Model (EDRM) framework. Students will have an opportunity to practice e-discovery tasks utilizing specialized software in the preservation and collection of ESI.
EDS-250—E-Discovery Paralegal II—3.0 credits
This class provides students an opportunity to develop and practice skills relating to the latter stages of the Electronic Discovery Reference Model (EDRM) framework using the E-Discovery Lab for Software, Simulation, and Applications (ELSSA).
LGP-280—Paralegal Simulation Lab A—3.0 credits
A practical demonstration of ability to apply professional and ethical guidelines, ability to use Microsoft Office, ability to draft key legal documents as well as to perform a conflict of interest.
LGP-290—Paralegal Simulation Lab B—3.0 credits
A practical demonstration of ability to perform relevant e-discovery tasks in a simulated environment using relevant e-discovery software, including but not limited to rules of evidence as related to electronically stored data.
IND-300—Current Events in the Industry—3.0 credits
This course provides an opportunity for students to explore current events in the industry. Topics include issues, trends, legislation, and ethics within the student's chosen field.
MGT-300—Management and Communications—3.0 credits
This course provides an introduction to management skills needed to effectively supervise and communicate with others. Leadership skills relevant in the legal environment will be emphasized.
IND-310—Entrepreneurship—3.0 credits
This course is a survey of key entrepreneurship concepts and general business strategies for success as an independent contractor or small business owner. Students will be encouraged to research state-specific industry requirements for working independently within their field.
LGL-320—Legal Research and Writing III—3.0 credits
The course provides instruction and application on using research resources (electronic and physical) to draft legal writings including legal memoranda and appellate briefs. Emphasis will be placed on research efficiency using effective search strategies, and writing in both objective and persuasive ways.
LGL-330—Commercial and Bankruptcy Litigation—3.0 credits
This course covers the paralegal role in consumer and business bankruptcy proceedings as well as in commercial litigation.
LGL-350—Property Law—3.0 credits
This course provides students with an understanding of property law including real property, wills, estates, and probate. The course focuses students on the practical skills needed to prepare and file related court documents. The handling of probate litigation and will contests from the perspective of the paralegal is also emphasized.
EDS-380—Legal Office Productivity and Database Management—3.0 credits
This course focuses on essential productivity applications. Students will explore tools and methods essential to modern paralegal tasks and will learn the importance of databases to EDiscovery applications. Topics include data analysis, indexing, and database structures.
EDS-390—E-Discovery Utilities and Applications Lab—3.0 credits
This course is designed to develop advanced skills in utilities and applications used in the litigation support and legal industry. Students in this class will use software applications in Bryan University's E-Discovery Lab for Software, Simulation, and Applications (ELSSA).
EDS-400—Analytics and Technology Assisted Review—3.0 credits
This course will introduce students to analytics technologies designed to make document review and analysis more efficient. Students will gain experience with data analytics tools and also gain a general understanding of technology assisted review or predictive coding, and the tools and processes associated with machine learning and the auto- categorization of documents.
LGL-400—Trial Practice—3.0 credits
This course is designed to provide students with practical experience in preparing detailed pleadings, pre-trial motions, and discovery requests in addition to deposition preparation. The role of the paralegal in alternative dispute resolution is also explored. This class will provide an opportunity for students to develop advanced skills relating to trial preparation and presentation in the electronic courtroom. Students in this class will use software applications in Bryan University's E-Discovery Lab for Software, Simulation, and Applications (ELSSA).
LGL-420—Certification Preparation—3.0 credits
This course assists students with preparation for industry-standard certifications. The course includes drills that help prepare students for the format and content of the certification exams.
EDS-450—E-Discovery Project Management—3.0 credits
Students will learn the fundamental principles of traditional project management and how to apply these principles to the management of an e-discovery project. Students will work within a process framework using methodology to effectively manage the scope, time and cost of an electronic discovery project.
LGP-480—Paralegal Simulation Lab C—3.0 credits
A practical demonstration of proficiency in legal office management software as well as ability to perform witness, exhibit and attorney preparations for trail.
UNV-101S—Student Success and Technology Foundations—3.0 credits
A course covering the information and skills needed to succeed in academic studies, including study skills, setting academic goals, managing time, and technology skills such as word processing, presentations, and spreadsheets.
Note that courses are subject to change based upon employer needs and marketplace requirements. The most up-to-date course descriptions and textbook information can be found in the Bryan University Course Catalog.
Locations:
Program offered 100% online.
Program credits:
To complete the program, students must earn a minimum of 120 semester credits. Generally, students take two courses at a time over an eight week time period. Two eight week time periods constitute a semester.
Transfer credits:
If you apply to Bryan University with prior college credits and/or a degree, we’ll accept as many credits as possible to validate the hard work you’ve already completed. If you complete a Bryan U associate degree or undergraduate certificate, these credits are transferable to a higher degree, such as a bachelor’s degree.
Washburn University School of Law
Nola has practiced law for over 30 years, primarily as a trial attorney, in both civil and criminal litigation. She has served as legal counsel for major corporations, small companies, law firms, and government agencies, and has been the supervising attorney for paralegals on staff. She received a B.A. in Liberal Arts in 1980 from the University of Kansas, and her Juris Doctorate from Washburn Law School in 1984. In addition to her trial practice, she has taught as an adjunct for business law classes and paralegal programs. A native Kansasan, Nola is an avid KU basketball fan (Rock Chalk Jayhawk!) and an advocate and supporter of the arts.
Instructor, Bryan University
JD, Brigham Young University Law School; BA, English, Brigham Young University
Instructor, Bryan University
Marty Chadwick is a political science graduate of Columbia College and has a J.D. from Western New England University. A resident of Gilbert, Arizona, he is an active member of the Arizona State Bar and prior member of the Massachusetts Bar and the Virginia Bar; where he practiced contract, criminal, elder, juvenile, and estate planning law. He is a professional mediator with his own Arizona firm, Mediation Path, where he mediates divorce, family law, employment, and elder conflicts. He has also mediated for the Pinal County Courts, the Office of the Arizona Attorney General, the Maricopa County Justice Courts, and the EEOC. Prior to this, Marty had a long career as a C-level executive in Healthcare.
Prior to teaching at Bryan, Marty was an adjunct instructor in the Lamson College paralegal program. His significant other, sons and several grandchildren in the area keep him busy, humble, perplexed, and delighted. He also enjoys volunteer work with the fire department, hiking, golfing, cooking, creative writing, and experimenting with water coloring
Instructor, Bryan University
MA in Interpersonal Communication, University of Central Florida; MA in Multicultural Communication, DePaul University; BA in Journalism, Integrated Communications: Public Relations and Advertising, Butler University
Instructor, Bryan University
DPA in Public Administration from West Chester University; MA in Communication Studies from West Chester University and BA in Communications from Immaculata University
Instructor, Bryan University
MA in English, Arkansas State University; BA in English, Faulkner University
Instructor, Bryan University
MA in Creative Writing, Arizona State University; BA, Psychology, Kent State University
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Bryan offers affordable tuition rates for all students, no matter where they reside. We don't differentiate between residents or non-residents. We also lock-in your tuition rate when you enroll, so you can rest assured that your tuition will never increase over the length of your program.
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We understand the importance of helping you stay in school and graduate successfully. To help motivate you, we provide tuition discounts the longer you're in school.
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For students who are veterans or active-duty members of the U.S. military, you may also use your military educational benefits, if qualified. Please see our military benefits page for more details.
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