Lawyer's Assistant Program

The Lawyer's Assistant Program is a 20-chapter course focusing on the knowledge that is expected of a lawyer's assistant. The program covers grammar, written communications, office procedures, legal knowledge, ethics, human relations and judgment. It culminates with administration of the ALS, the basic certification for legal professionals exam. This basic legal training course is prepared by NALS, the association for legal professionals and is an excellent tool in preparing for the ALS exam or for taking your skills as an administrative assistant to the next level. Note: Stetson University also offers J.D. and LL.M. programs at Stetson University College of Law, located in Gulfport and Tampa.

Stetson University follows the NALS texts and curriculum for its program and collaborated with the Central Florida Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators on various portions of the program content.

What is Covered

Skills needed to work in a law office to serve in the distinguishable group of persons who assist attorneys in the delivery of legal services as a legal secretary. (This is not a paralegal program although legal research is a topic discussed during the course.)
Vocabulary and procedures commonly used in a law office.
Training to be eligible to take the national NALS ALS certification exam.
Many topics often discussed in a pre-law undergraduate program.
Written communication - assignments meant to strengthen your written communication skills.

Who Should Apply

If you're interested in any of the following, then you should apply:

Professional development if currently working in a legal office, especially if you are a legal secretary in need of more training.
Entering the legal field as a legal secretary or lawyer's assistant. This is especially for those who already have experience working in another field as an administrative assistant.
Expanding one's legal knowledge.
Brushing up on the vocabulary learned while in a pre-law undergraduate program.
The possibility of attending law school. Some use this program as an intermediate step while making that decision. (Note: This is not an LSAT Prep course.)
Demonstrating your preparedness for a demanding career in the legal field.
Preparing for the NALS ALS Exam -- the basic certification for the legal profession. This course contains the legal topics covered on the ALS Exam. Passing this exam credentials you with the ALS (Accredited Legal Secretary) certification.

Entry Requirements and Prerequisites

High School Diploma
Work experience as an administrative assistant in any work environment
Familiarity with Microsoft Office (TM) (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)

You will be required to submit a resume for review.

Program Information

Where: Stetson Center at Celebration
When: Up to four times per year -- Contact us for specific dates.
Tuition: $3,995. Textbooks included. Stetson can assist candidates in applying for career development loans. (Your monthly payment could be under $40 - See our Financial Assistance page.)

Application/Registration Form (PDF)

For more information, contact Rosemary Cangelosi at rcangelo@stetson.edu .

Center at Celebration

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