Law   

This online Certificate in Mediation and Arbitration course will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to practice mediation and arbitration in your current career or private practice.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.
• A microphone is required to participate in the role play practices.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Microsoft Word (not included in enrollment).
• Skype.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment. The following textbooks will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment:

• In Justice, INACCORD
• Touchstone Skills for Authentic Communication
• INACCORD Arbitration, Basic Skills for the New Arbitrator (PDF)

Please note: You will receive a digital book if the physical book is on backorder.

This course will provide you with the comprehensive training needed to become a certified mediation or arbitration professional. It is structured around the Mediators Without Borders INACCORD conflict resolution model and offers you the chance to practice your skills through simulated role-playing exercises. Skills covered include facilitating hearings, weighing evidence and testimony, and rendering awards, as well as fundamentals of conflict analysis and resolution. Upon successful completion, Mediators Without Borders will award you four individual certificates in Mediation, Applied Mediation Practice, Arbitration, and Professional Mediator and Arbitrator. A final exam is optional upon completion of the course.

Please research your state's requirements before enrollment to ensure this course is the right fit for you. This course is not suitable for students in Arkansas and Georgia who desire to handle court-referred or court-ordered cases.

Disclaimer: This course does not have an externship program through ed2go. Please check with your instructor for more information regarding externship opportunities.

1. Mediation Certificate
   1. Justice and Alternative Dispute Resolution
   2. Overview of INACCORD Conflict Analysis Model
   3. Phases and Stages of the INACCORD Conflict Analysis Model
   4. The Touchstone Skills Part I
   5. The Touchstone Skills Part II
   6. Crafting the Memorandum of Agreement
   7. Special Issues in Mediation
   8. Legal Processes and Ethics
2. Applied Practice
   1. INACCORD Conflict Analysis in Practice
   2. Touchstone Skills in Practice
   3. INACCORD Demo Practice
   4. Facilitating INACCORD Phase Two, Stage 1 Interventions
   5. Facilitating the INACCORD Caucus
   6. INACCORD Phase Two, Stages 2 & 3 Interventions
   7. INACCORD Phase Two, Stage 4 Interventions
   8. Ethical Dilemmas and Mitigation
3. Arbitration
   1. Arbitration, Justice, and Ethics
   2. INACCORD Conflict Analysis model for Arbitration & Phase One
   3. The Preliminary Conference
   4. Directing the Hearing: Part I
   5. Directing the Hearing: Part II
   6. Closing the Hearing
   7. Rendering the Award
   8. International Arbitration

What you will learn

• Articulate the use of the INACCORD Conflict Analysis model for use in mediation and arbitration
• Examine the three phases and four stages of the INACCORD model used in mediation and arbitration
• Explore the pre-interview and post-interview phases of the INACCORD mediation and arbitration model
• Apply the Touchstone Skills of questioning, reflecting, and reframing to simulated mediation and arbitration cases
• Apply INACCORD surveys to simulated mediation and arbitration cases, and analyze the results
• Examine and apply the INACCORD model to the most common workplace disputes

How you will benefit

• Receive four individual certificates in Mediation, Applied Mediation Practice, Arbitration and Professional Mediator and Arbitrator
• Prepare yourself for a career as a mediator or arbitrator within the state or local government, finance, and insurance industries, or private practice
• Use your improved conflict resolution skills to solve disputes in the home or workplace
• Understand how to effectively help others negotiate and collaborate through disputes

Brian Luther

Brian Luther is a Colorado licensed attorney and certified mediator and arbitrator. He has more than 15 years of mediation and dispute resolution experience. He spent eight years supervising and mentoring attorneys at LexisNexis, a leading legal research corporation and over five years as Lead Trainer and Internship Supervisor for Mediators Without Borders. Luther presides as an impartial Hearing Officer for the City of Longmont, Colorado and was just appointed as an alternate board member for the City of Longmont Board of Adjustments & Appeals. He is a graduate of Rutgers University and has a law degree from the New England School of Law.

Naseem Ghaffari

Naseem Ghaffari, JD assists with investigations related to employee relations issues, while effectively and accurately maintaining confidential employee relations. She monitors precedents and manages consistency in EEO practices: Including critical incident management, investigations, contract negotiations, and resolution recommendations. Naseem has 7+ years' experience resolving disputes in the workplace and international environments and has extensive investigative experience. She is an expert in negotiations, bargaining, and mediation resulting in favorable agreements and contract terms. In order to do so, she fosters reconciliations to improve organizational effectiveness and employee performance. Most recently, she worked in the public sector as an Employee Relations, EEO and ADA consultant. In addition to this, she holds a Juris Doctorate, has a Masters Certification in International Conflict Resolution and Mediation, and is a Certified California Mediator.

Learn the INACCORD model of mediation and restorative justice in this comprehensive training.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Microsoft Word (not included in enrollment).
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment. The following textbooks will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment:

• In Justice, INACCORD
• Touchstone Skills
• Restoring Justice

Please note: You will receive a digital book if the physical book is on backorder.

This course provides you with the skills necessary to become a Mediation or Restorative Justice professional. This comprehensive course series provides training in the INACCORD conflict resolution model and offers you the chance to practice your skills through simulated role-playing exercises. Additionally, you will be trained in the INACCORD model of Restorative Justice, which will prepare you for work bringing perpetrators and victims of crimes together in order to seek resolutions that restore all parties. Upon successful completion, Mediators Without Borders will award you individual certificates in Mediation, Applied Mediation Practice, Restorative Justice, and a professional certificate as a Mediator and Restorative Justice Practitioner. A final exam is optional upon completion of the course.

Please research your state's requirements before enrollment to ensure this course is the right fit for you. This course is not suitable for students in Arkansas and Georgia who desire to handle court-referred or court-ordered cases.

1. INACCORD Mediation Certificate
   1. Justice and Alternative Dispute Resolution
   2. Overview of INACCORD Conflict Analysis Model
   3. Phases and Stages of the INACCORD Conflict Analysis Model
   4. The Touchstone Skills Part I
   5. The Touchstone Skills Part II
   6. Crafting the Memorandum of Agreement
   7. Special Issues In Mediation
   8. Legal Processes and Ethics
2. INACCORD Applied Practice
   1. INACCORD Conflict Analysis in Practice
   2. Touchstone Skills in Practice
   3. INACCORD Demo Practice
   4. Facilitating INACCORD Phase Two, Stage 1 Interventions
   5. Facilitating the INACCORD Caucus
   6. INACCORD Phase Two, Stages 2 & 3 Interventions
   7. INACCORD Phase Two, Stage 4 Interventions
   8. Ethical Dilemmas and Mitigation
3. INACCORD Restorative Justice
   1. An Overview of Restorative Justice
   2. The INACCORD Model for Restorative Justice
   3. Models of Restorative Justice and Working with Offenders
   4. Working with Victims
   5. Working with the Affected Communities
   6. Practitioner Issues in Restorative Justice
   7. International Applications
   8. Starting a Restorative Justice Program

What you will learn

• Articulate the use of the INACCORD Conflict Analysis model for use in mediation and restorative justice
• Examine the Three Phases and Four Stages of the INACCORD model
• Explore the pre-interview and post interview phases of the INACCORD mediation and Restorative Justice model
• Apply the Touchstone Skills of questioning, reflecting, and reframing to simulated mediation cases
• Apply INACCORD surveys to simulated cases and analyze the results
• Apply your knowledge of INACCORD mediation to the field of restorative justice
• Understand the underlying theories that influence the field of restorative justice
• Analyze various models or application of restorative justice, such as sentencing circles
• Understand victim and offender issues in restorative justice process
• Explore the process of setting up a restorative justice program

How you will benefit

• Receive four individual certificates in Mediation, Applied Mediation Practice, Restorative Justice and Professional Mediator and Restorative Justice Practitioner
• Work toward earning your INACCORD Certified Mediator credential
• Develop the conflict resolution skills needed to resolve disputes both personally and professionally
• Make a positive impact on the lives of those looking for outside mediation
• Prepare to work in state or local government, human resources, or in private practice.

Brian Luther

Brian Luther is a Colorado licensed attorney and certified mediator and arbitrator. He has more than 15 years of mediation and dispute resolution experience. He spent eight years supervising and mentoring attorneys at LexisNexis, a leading legal research corporation and over five years as Lead Trainer and Internship Supervisor for Mediators Without Borders. Luther presides as an impartial Hearing Officer for the City of Longmont, Colorado and was just appointed as an alternate board member for the City of Longmont Board of Adjustments & Appeals. He is a graduate of Rutgers University and has a law degree from the New England School of Law.

In this online course, you will train for a career as a paralegal. You will learn how to fulfill the standard duties associated with this vital role. By course completion, you will be prepared to sit for and pass the Certified Paralegal (CP) exam.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Microsoft Office (not included in enrollment).
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Exam Requirements:

You must meet one of the following requirements outlined in Categories 1, 2, or 3 at the time of filing an application form to be eligible for the CP certification exam through NALA.

1. Graduation from or completion of a paralegal program:

• (a) approved by the American Bar Association; or
• (b) an associate degree program in paralegal studies; or
• (c) a post-baccalaureate certificate program in paralegal studies; or
• (In addition to the official school transcript, a candidate must submit an original course catalog or an original letter from the school registrar or program director attesting that the program is a post-baccalaureate certificate program requiring a bachelor's degree as a prerequisite.)
• (d) a bachelor's degree program in paralegal studies; or
• (e) a paralegal program which consists of a minimum of 60 semester hours (or equivalent quarter hours) of which at least 15 semester hours (or equivalent quarter hours) are substantive legal courses.

(Candidates applying under Category 1(e) may combine college hours from more than one institution. The candidate must have graduated from a paralegal program consisting of a minimum of 15 semester hours (or 225 clock hours or 22.5 quarter hours.) Evidence of the minimum hours required under Category 1(e) must be provided with the application form.)

*Note: (15 semester hours = 225 clock hours) - This course is 225 hours and can be combined with 45 semester hours to meet the 60 semester hours required in option 1(e). If you do not have 45 semester hours, you will need to meet eligibility with category 2 or 3)

2. A bachelor's degree in any field plus one year of experience as a paralegal or successful completion of at least 15 semester hours (or equivalent quarter hours) of substantive paralegal courses.

(Those applying under the provision allowing for additional course work in lieu of the one-year work experience must submit an official school transcript showing completed course work.)

3. A high school diploma or equivalent plus five (5) years' experience as a legal assistant/paralegal plus a minimum of twenty (20) hours of continuing legal education completed within a two-year period prior to application for the examination.

(Evidence of continuing legal education credit is documented by the attorney/employer attestation that must be signed as part of the application form or by submitting a certificate of completions of CLE taken.)

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment. The following textbooks will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment:

• Introduction to Paralegalism
• Paralegal Today: The Legal Team at Work
• Access to Westlaw: Legal Solutions
• After successful completion of the course and financial obligation you will receive access to the Certified Paralegal Exam review self-study courses, which includes:
  • Membership
  • Access to the self-study courses

Please note: You will receive a digital book if the physical book is on backorder.

Paralegals play a vital role in the legal profession. These qualified professionals take on a variety of tasks ranging from legal research to drafting legal documents in traditional law office settings and in the corporate, government, and public arenas. Formal training is a critical part of preparing for a career as a paralegal.

The Paralegal course will help you gain the skills you need to enter the paralegal workforce. You will learn how to conduct legal research and legal interviews, how to perform legal analyses, and more. As you prepare for your paralegal career, you will also receive soft skills training to increase workplace effectiveness. The course concludes with a capstone project. You will first create a complete litigation file that includes a legal analysis brief, an investigative report, a client interview checklist, an intake memo, a complaint, legal research, and an interoffice memorandum of law. Then, you will learn how to create a strong resume that encompasses your specialized skill set and showcases the impact you would make for your next employer.

Upon completion of the course, you will be prepared to sit for the Certified Paralegal exam through the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) upon eligibility. Please review the exam requirements prior to registering for this course.

Through a partnership with National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), you will also receive membership and access to NALA's Certified Paralegal (CP) Exam Review courses should you choose to take the NALA CP exam at a future time.

1. The Paralegal in the Legal System
2. Paralegal Employment
3. On-the-Job Realities and Soft Skills
4. Regulations of Paralegals
5. Attorney and Paralegal Ethics
6. Introduction to the Legal System
7. Introduction to Legal Analysis
8. Capstone Project
9. Legal Interviewing
10. Investigation in a Law Office
11. Litigation Case Management
12. Legal Research 101 and Advanced Legal Research
13. Legal Writing
14. Introduction to the Use of Computers
15. Introduction to Law Office Administration
16. Tort Law, Product Liability, and Consumer Law
17. Contracts, Insurance, and Property Law
18. Estates and Family Law
19. Laws Affecting Business
20. Criminal Law
21. NALA Certified Paralegal Exam Preparation
22. Submit Capstone

What you will learn

• Learn the fundamentals of the U.S. legal system
• Master how to perform legal research and interviews
• Prepare yourself to take the Certified Paralegal certification exam through the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
• Understand the basics of litigation communication skills
• Soft skills for workplace effectiveness
• Learn necessary skills required to thrive within the legal industry
• Learn legal research skills with access to Westlaw

How you will benefit

• Jump-start your career as a paralegal
• Receive a membership to the National Association of Legal Assistants and access to NALA's Certified Paralegal Exam Review and Practice Exam
• Prepare a professional resume and portfolio that demonstrates your knowledge

Casey Thompson

Casey Thompson is a licensed attorney in Texas. Before he started teaching, his major areas of practice were business and corporate law, entertainment law, and intellectual property rights. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas Tech University and holds a law degree from the Texas A&M School of Law. Along with his online paralegal courses, Thompson also teaches at the college level in the areas of state and federal government.

Trina Brown

Trina Brown is an accomplished paralegal with over three decades of experience in the field. Since 2013, she has also been providing education to aspiring paralegals. In addition to her educational role, Trina serves as a court-appointed mediator for the Dallas and Tarrant County courthouses and is a mediation panelist for the Texas Department of Insurance.

Trina has made significant contributions to the legal community, including her work on the State Bar of Texas Paralegal Ethics Handbook and articles published in The Legal Educator magazine. Furthermore, she is a Certified Arbitrator for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Her extensive qualifications have been recognized in the Texas Bar Journal, showcasing current mediation credential holders in the state.

Trina holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in organizational dynamics from Immaculata University and a Master of Professional Studies in paralegal studies from The George Washington University. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in mediation. Her commitment to service is further demonstrated by her membership in the Paralegal Division of the Pro Bono College of the State Bar of Texas, an honor society chartered by the Supreme Court of Texas.

In this online course, you will train for a career as a paralegal. You will learn how to fulfill the standard duties associated with this vital role. After completing this course, you will be prepared to sit for and pass the Certified Paralegal (CP) exam.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Microsoft Office (not included in enrollment).
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment. The following textbooks will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment:

• Introduction to Paralegalism
• Paralegal Today: The Legal Team at Work
• Access to Westlaw: Legal Solutions
• After successful completion of the course and financial obligation you will receive access to the Certified Paralegal Exam review self-study courses, which includes:
  • Membership
  • Access to the self-study courses

Please note: You will receive a digital book if the physical book is on backorder.

Paralegals play a vital role in the legal profession. These qualified professionals take on a variety of tasks ranging from legal research to drafting legal documents in traditional law office settings and in the corporate, government, and public arenas. Formal training is a critical part of preparing for a career as a paralegal.

The Paralegal course will help you gain the skills you need to enter the paralegal workforce. You will learn how to conduct legal research and legal interviews, how to perform legal analyses, and more. As you prepare for your paralegal career, you will also receive soft skills training to increase workplace effectiveness. The course concludes with a capstone project. You will first create a complete litigation file that includes: a legal analysis brief, an investigative report, client interview checklist, intake memo, complaint, legal research, and interoffice memorandum of law. Then, you will learn how to create a strong resume that encompasses your specialized skill set and showcases the impact you would make for your next employer.

Upon completion of the course, you will be prepared to sit for the Certified Paralegal exam through the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) upon eligibility. Please review the exam requirements prior to registering for this course.

Through a partnership with the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), you will also receive membership and access to NALA's Certified Paralegal (CP) Exam Review courses should you choose to take the NALA CP exam.

This course offers enrollment with or without a voucher. The voucher covers the cost to sit for the Certified Paralegal exam upon eligibility. Proctor fees may apply, which are not included.

1. The Paralegal in the Legal System
2. Paralegal Employment
3. On-the-Job Realities and Soft Skills
4. Regulations of Paralegals
5. Attorney and Paralegal Ethics
6. Introduction to the Legal System
7. Introduction to Legal Analysis
8. Legal Interviewing
9. Investigation in a Law Office
10. Litigation Case Management
11. Legal Research 101 and Advanced Legal Research
12. Legal Writing
13. Introduction to the Use of Computers
14. Introduction to Law Office Administration
15. Tort Law, Product Liability, and Consumer Law
16. Contracts, Insurance, and Property Law
17. Estates and Family Law
18. Laws Affecting Business
19. Criminal Law
20. NALA Certified Paralegal Exam Preparation
21. Capstone

What you will learn

• Learn the fundamentals of the U.S. legal system
• Master how to perform legal research and interviews
• Prepare yourself to take the Certified Paralegal certification exam through the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
• Understand the basics of litigation communication skills
• Soft skills for workplace effectiveness
• Learn necessary skills required to thrive within the legal industry
• Learn legal research skills with access to Westlaw

How you will benefit

• Jump-start your career as a paralegal
• Receive a membership to the National Association of Legal Assistants and access to NALA's Certified Paralegal Exam Review and Practice Exam
• Prepare a professional resume and portfolio that demonstrates your knowledge

Casey Thompson

Casey Thompson is a licensed attorney in Texas. Before he started teaching, his major areas of practice were business and corporate law, entertainment law, and intellectual property rights. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas Tech University and holds a law degree from the Texas A&M School of Law. Along with his online paralegal courses, Thompson also teaches at the college level in the areas of state and federal government.

Trina Brown

Trina Brown is an accomplished paralegal with over three decades of experience in the field. Since 2013, she has also been providing education to aspiring paralegals. In addition to her educational role, Trina serves as a court-appointed mediator for the Dallas and Tarrant County courthouses and is a mediation panelist for the Texas Department of Insurance.

Trina has made significant contributions to the legal community, including her work on the State Bar of Texas Paralegal Ethics Handbook and articles published in The Legal Educator magazine. Furthermore, she is a Certified Arbitrator for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Her extensive qualifications have been recognized in the Texas Bar Journal, showcasing current mediation credential holders in the state.

Trina holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in organizational dynamics from Immaculata University and a Master of Professional Studies in paralegal studies from The George Washington University. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in mediation. Her commitment to service is further demonstrated by her membership in the Paralegal Division of the Pro Bono College of the State Bar of Texas, an honor society chartered by the Supreme Court of Texas.

This online course will teach you the skills needed to sit for the Oral Component of any State Court Interpreting Certification exams.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

A State Spanish Court Interpreter certification examination is a rigorous exam that requires intensive training and access to practices. The Court Interpreter course includes the finest online interpreting laboratory in the market.

You will be able to practice numerous court cases as if they were in an actual court proceeding. The material presented in each lecture is immediately practiced in the online laboratory to make sure that you are able not only to memorize the transfer of a word or phrase, but also are able to interpret as it is required in a court of law. You will learn how to interpret in any civil deposition and any other legal proceeding in the criminal and in the civil jurisdictions.

1. Interpreting Criminal Proceedings I
   1. Arraignment
   2. Pre-trial Hearings
   3. Preliminary Hearings
   4. Criminal Terminology
   5. Trials
   6. Sentencing
   7. Progress Reports
   8. Probation Violation Hearings
   9. Colloquialisms
   10. Simultaneous Techniques
   11. Consecutive Techniques
   12. Criminal Offenses in the State Jurisdiction
   13. Interpreting Laboratory Practices
2. Interpreting Criminal Proceedings II
   1. Misdemeanors in State Court
   2. Felonies in State Court
   3. Waivers and Plea Forms
   4. DUI/DWI – Driving under the influence/Driving while intoxicating
   5. Domestic Violence
   6. Drug Terminology
   7. Drug Possession cases
   8. Firearms Terminology
   9. Fingerprint Terminology
   10. Gang Terminology
   11. Juvenile Court Terminology
   12. Children's Court Terminology
   13. Typical Court Proceedings – Misdemeanors
   14. Typical Court Proceedings – Felonies
   15. Interpreting Laboratory Practices
3. Sight Translation for Court Interpreters
   1. Principles of localization
   2. Re-structuring techniques
   3. Equivalent legal structures
   4. Interferences – Filtering syntactical and grammatical interferences
   5. Style in the delivery
   6. Exam taking techniques - Objective versus subjective grading
   7. Transferring of low, regular and high register documents into the opposite language
   8. Formal criminal and civil vocabulary and the equivalent transfer
   9. Interpreting Laboratory Practices

What you will learn

• Learn best interpreting techniques - simultaneous, consecutive and sight translation
• Understand criminal and civil terminology in both Spanish and English and the corresponding transfer into the opposite language
• Develop an understanding of drug, firearm, fingerprint and gang terminology, colloquialisms and slangs, juvenile court terminology, and children's court terminology
• Master the necessary material to sit in a State Spanish Court Interpreter examination
• Grasp courtroom protocol and ethics of the court interpreter

How you will benefit

• Become prepared to take the State Court Interpreter Certification Exam
• Jump-start your career as a certified state court interpreter
• Learn both the technical and ethical skills required to do the job
• Access intensive laboratory programs that will allow you to practice your skills and gain experience

Nestor Wagner

Nestor Wagner is a certified Court and Medical Interpreter who has been teaching interpreting courses since 1990. He has the highest pass rate of certified court interpreters in the nation. He has published several books in the interpreting community. Mr. Wagner is involved in the examination process for Immigration Interpreters and Analytical Linguists. He participates as speakers in national and international conferences on Criminal, Civil and Immigration Court terminology, advanced interpreting skills, and localization in the transfer of legal and non-legal terminology. Mr. Wagner holds a Master degree from the University of Washington.

This course is designed to give participants a thorough understanding of how to be a digital court reporter, as well as broad training for covering legal proceedings. Individuals taking this course will learn about the court system, laws, ethics, professionalism, legal procedure, and digital reporting software and equipment and be ready to take the AAERT Certified Electronic Reporters Exam.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course must be taken on a PC. Macs are not compatible.
• A microphone.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 10 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome is preferred. Mozilla Firefox and Safari are also compatible.
• Microsoft Word Online
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• A free trial of digital reporting software will be provided in the Software module of the course.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins, except for the digital reporting software.
• Reliable Internet

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Our Digital Court Reporter course prepares you to enter the high-demand field of court reporting. Currently, the industry is experiencing a severe shortage of court reporters, with a need for an additional 10,000 nationwide. This well-established shortage presents a substantial opportunity for those seeking a rewarding career with a secure future. Digital reporters can work in the freelance market for a court reporting agency or as full-time government employees at a courthouse.

This court reporter certification course thoroughly prepares you for the national certification exams offered by AAERT's (American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers). Upon completion, you will be well-prepared to succeed in both the Certified Electronic Reporter (CER) and Certified Deposition Reporter (CDR) exams. The AAERT certification is the leading certification for courts and businesses throughout the United States and is required by various court systems and agencies for employment. Start your new career as a successful digital court reporter by learning all about proceedings, hardware and software needed to perform your responsibilities, legal system fundamentals, and essential industry terminology.

Note: If you are taking our court reporter training course to prepare for the certification exam, please research the locations you are interested in working at to determine whether they use digital reporting methods and ask if they recognize AAERT certification.

1. Course Introduction
2. The Legal System
   1. Court System
   2. Laws
   3. Life Cycle of a Case
   4. Proceedings
3. Terminology
   1. Historic Terminology
   2. Legal Terminology
   3. Medical Terminology
   4. Business Terminology
4. Hardware
   1. Sound
   2. Audio Equipment
   3. Additional Equipment
5. Your Software and Annotations
   1. Software
   2. Annotations
   3. Annotation Practice
6. On the Job and On the Record
   1. Before the Proceeding
   2. During the Proceeding
   3. After the Proceeding
   4. Working with a Legal Videographer
7. Court Work and Large Proceedings
   1. Intro to Courtroom Proceedings
   2. Types of Court Proceedings
   3. Court Annotations
   4. Large Proceedings
8. Professionalism in the Legal System
   1. Professionalism and Decorum
   2. Ethics
   3. Maintain Confidentiality
9. Course Wrap up
   1. The Transcript
   2. AAERT Certification Information
   3. Final Test

What you will learn

• Digital court reporting procedure for all types of proceedings, such as depositions, hearings, trials, and more
• Digital reporting hardware and software, including practice using digital recording software
• Fundamentals of the United States legal system
• Professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality best practices
• Essential legal, medical, and industry terminology

How you will benefit

• Develop the in-demand skills you need to become a successful digital reporter who can work in person in the field or at home
• Successfully prepare to sit for and pass the AAERT's (American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers) Certified Electronic Reporter (CER) exam
• The AAERT certification will help improve your marketability when applying for work at freelance agencies or court systems, some of which require the certification by law or because of government contracts

Merritt Gilbert

Merritt Gilbert is legal professional with over 10 years of industry experience. She is a Certified Electronic Reporter and holds a Certificate of Voice Writing. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Florida State University.

Natalie Hartsfield

Natalie Hartsfield is court reporter with more than 10 years of experience in the legal field. She has taught court reporting since 2007. Natalie holds an Occupational Associate Degree in Court Reporting from Stenotype Institute.

Train for a career in the court reporting industry as a digital court reporter and legal transcriptionist.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course must be taken on a PC. Macs are not compatible.
• A microphone.
• A reliable Internet connection.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 10 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome is preferred. Mozilla Firefox and Safari are also compatible.
• Microsoft Word: Preferably Microsoft Word 2016, 2019, or Office 365.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Free Express Scribe software. You will be provided with download instructions upon enrollment.
• A free trial of digital reporting software will be provided in the Software module of the course.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins, except for the Express Scribe and digital reporting software.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The supplies required for this course are included in enrollment. The following will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment:

• AltoEdge USB foot pedal
• Transcriber Headphones

The 100% online digital court reporting with legal transcription course will prepare you to enter the court reporting field as a digital court reporter and a legal transcriber. Court reporters are needed to create detailed, accurate records of legal proceedings. These professionals are critical for the successful review and editing of digitally produced documentation.

Your digital court reporter training will guide you through the intricacies of the legal system, court proceedings, and the essential skills needed for accurate transcription. You will explore various types of court reporters, familiarize yourself with legal, medical, and business terminology, and gain hands-on experience with audio equipment and transcription software. From understanding courtroom etiquette to mastering the processes of creating and formatting transcripts, each module is tailored to enhance your legal proficiency and professionalism.

You will be fully prepared to pass the Certified Electronic Reporter (CER) and Certified Electronic Transcriber (CET) exams offered by the American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers (AAERT). The AAERT's nationally recognized certifications are leading credentials required by various court systems and agencies.

Note: If you are taking this AAERT certification course to prepare for the exam, please research the locations where you are interested in working to determine whether they use digital reporting methods and recognize the AAERT certification.

1. Digital Court Reporter
   1. The Legal System
      1. Court System
      2. Laws
      3. Life Cycle of a Case
      4. Proceedings
      5. Types of Court Reporters
   2. Terminology
      1. Historic Terminology
      2. Legal Terminology
      3. Medical Terminology
      4. Business Terminology
   3. Hardware
      1. Sound
      2. Audio Equipment
      3. Additional Equipment
   4. Your Software and Annotations
      1. Software
      2. Annotations
      3. Annotation Practice
   5. On the Job and On the Record
      1. Before the Proceeding
      2. During the Proceeding
      3. After the Proceeding
      4. Working with a Legal Videographer
   6. Court Work and Large Proceedings
      1. Intro to Courtroom Proceedings
      2. Types of Court Proceedings
      3. Court Annotations
      4. Large Proceedings
   7. Professionalism in the Legal System
      1. Professionalism and Decorum
      2. Ethics
      3. Maintain Confidentiality
   8. Course Wrap up
      1. The Transcript
      2. AAERT Certification Information
      3. Final Test
2. Legal Transcription
   1. Course Introduction
   2. English Language
   1. Parts of Speech
   2. Confusing Words
   3. Spelling Rules
   4. English Language Test
   3. Grammar and Punctuation
   1. Capitalization
   2. Numbers
   3. Intro to Punctuation
   4. Sentence Punctuation
   5. More Punctuation and Formatting
   6. Grammar and Punctuation Test
   4. Word, Text Expansion, and Research
   1. MS Word for Transcription
   2. Text Expansion
   3. Researching
   5. Software and Annotations
   1. Express Scribe & Foot Pedal Setup
   2. DR Software Player
   3. Annotations
   6. Building the Transcript
   1. What Gets Transcribed
   2. Formatting
   3. Parentheticals
   4. Transcription Skills
   5. Proofreading
   6. Building the Transcript Test
   7. TAs and Working Environment
   1. Transcription Assignments
   2. Working Environment
   8. TAs and Professionalism
   1. Transcription Assignments
   2. Professional and Ethics
   3. Maintaining Confidentiality
   4. Module 9 Test
   9. Course Wrap-Up and Finals
   1. AAERT Certification
   2. Finals

What you will learn

• How to create an accurate legal transcript, including proper formatting, legal punctuation, and spelling
• Fundamentals of the U.S. legal system
• Professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality
• Legal, medical, and industry terminology
• Digital reporting hardware and software, including practice using digital recording software

How you will benefit

• Develop the skills you need to become a successful certified electronic transcriber who can work in the field and at home
• Prepare to sit for and pass the AAERT's (American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers) Certified Electronic Reporter (CER) and Certified Electronic Transcriber (CET) exams
• Obtain the AAERT certification and vastly improve your marketability when applying for work at freelance agencies or court systems, some of which require the certification by law or because of government contracts

Merritt Gilbert

Merritt Gilbert is a legal professional with over 10 years of industry experience. She is a Certified Electronic Reporter and holds a Certificate of Voice Writing. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Florida State University.

Natalie Hartsfield

Natalie Hartsfield is a court reporter with more than 10 years of experience in the legal field. She has taught court reporting since 2007. Natalie holds an Occupational Associate Degree in Court Reporting from Stenotype Institute.

The Event Law course covers the legal aspects of planning and executing events. The curriculum is designed to educate you on key legal concepts, such as contracts, insurance, and liability, to ensure compliance and protect both the event planner and the client.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac. Chromebooks are not compatible.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 10 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Microsoft Word Online
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of meeting, convention, and event planners is projected to grow 18% by 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations (5%). This growth is attributed to increased demand for events, including weddings, conferences, and other gatherings, as well as the need for organizations to comply with regulations and insurance requirements.

The Event Law course is a legal guide for wedding and event professionals with everything you need to know to maintain your career and business, including licensing, trademarks, contract negotiations, and more.

This Event Law course is ideal for individuals who want to learn about the legal requirements and obligations of planning and executing events. The course covers essential legal concepts such as contracts (how to draft and negotiate with vendors and clients) and insurance (policies and liability issues). It also provides practical guidance on navigating these issues, including laws and regulations that govern events, such as health and safety regulations, and how to ensure compliance with these requirements.

1. Starting Your Own Business
   1. Starting Your Own Business
   2. Sole Proprietorships, Partnerships, LLCs, & Corporations
   3. The Basics
   4. Liability Concerns
   5. Simple Tax
   6. Creative Hypothetical
   7. DIY or Lawyer Up?
   8. Insurance
2. Choosing a Brand Name
   1. Choosing a Brand
   2. Legal Names
   3. Trade Names
   4. Customer Confusion and Fictitious Business Names
   5. Trade Names- LLCs and Corporations
   6. Case Study
   7. Case Study- Choosing a Brand Name
3. Industry-Specific Licenses and Permits
   1. Federal Licenses and Permits
   2. Local Licenses and Permits
   3. Other Considerations
   4. Case Study- Licenses and Permits Case Study
4. Intellectual Property - Trademarks
   1. Trademarks
   2. What is a Trademark?
   3. Trademark Basics
   4. How to Select a Legally Strong Brand Name, Logo or Slogan
   5. Creative Rule 1: Not All Trademarks Are Created Equal
   6. Creative Rule 2: Distinctive Marks Are Legally Strong Marks
   7. Creative Rule 3: Weak Marks Receive Low-Level Protection
   8. Creative Rule 4: Legally Strong Marks Are Not Always Good For Business
   9. Trademark Search
   10. Federal Registration of Your Brand
   11. Case Study- Trademarks
5. Intellectual Property - Domain Names, Trade Secrets, & the Rights of Publicity
   1. Intellectual Property: Domain Names
   2. Exceptions to Exclusive Right to Use Your Domain Name
   3. Intellectual Property: Trade Secrets
   4. Trade Secrets Creative Hypo
   5. Intellectual Property: Right of Publicity
   6. Domain Names, Trade Secrets & The Right of Publicity -
6. Case Study: Intellectual Property - Copyrights
   1. Intellectual Copyrights
   2. Intellectual Property: Copyrights
   3. Copyright Creation and Duration
   4. Compilations and Derivative Works
   5. Things Not Protected by Copyright Law
   6. Copyright Creation and Ownership
   7. Copyright Details
   8. Transferring Ownership of a Copyright
   9. Federal Copyright Registration
   10. Registration Process
   11. Online Registration Steps
   12. Paper Application
   13. Copyright Infringement
   14. Legally Acceptable Defenses
   15. Infringement Remedies
   16. International Copyright Protection
   17. Case Study- Copyrights
7. Employment Issues
   1. Labor and Employment Issues
   2. Hiring and Classifying Employees
   3. Personnel Practices
   4. Paying Your Employees
   5. Employee Benefits
   6. Taxes
   7. Family and Medical Leave Act
   8. Avoiding Discrimination
   9. Health and Safety in the Workplace
   10. Workers with Disabilities
   11. Employee Privacy
   12. Terminating Employees
   13. Case Study- Labor and Employment. Case Study- Job Posting
8. Contracts
   1. Contracts
   2. Essential Elements Of A Valid Contract
   3. Rules Of Acceptance
   4. Consideration
   5. Contract Defenses
   6. Duty To Perform Your Contractual Promises
   7. Breach Of Contract Claims
   8. Draft And Review Your Own Contracts
   9. Contract Provisions
   10. Execution Checklist
   11. How To Modify An Existing Contract
   12. Case Study- Contracts
9. Torts & the Wedding and Event Industry
   1. Tortious Interference With Contractual Relations
   2. Defamation
   3. Product Liability
   4. Negligence
   5. Business Relationships And Tort Liability
   6. Tort Remedies And Claims
   7. Case Study- Torts
10. How to Effectively Negotiate in the Wedding and Event Industry
    1. How To Effectively Negotiate
    2. Setting Goals And Using Standards
    3. Recognizing Negotiation Styles
    4. Mentality
    5. Negotiating An Agreement
    6. Recognizing The Dirty Tricks
    7. Case Study- Negotiation
11. Final Exam

What you will learn

• Understand the basic legal concepts and requirements for planning and executing events
• Develop skills to draft and negotiate contracts with vendors and clients
• Gain knowledge of insurance policies and liability issues related to event planning
• Learn how to navigate the legal landscape of event planning, including health and safety regulations
• Obtain strategies to mitigate legal risks and protect both the event planner and the client

How you will benefit

• Ability to ensure legal compliance, which reduces the risk of lawsuits and other legal issues
• Improved negotiation skills that can result in better contracts and business relationships
• Understanding of insurance policies and liability issues that can prevent financial losses and reputational damage
• Confidence in navigating legal issues that may arise during the planning and execution of an event
• Competitive advantage in the job market as a result of specialized knowledge and skills in the legal aspects of event planning

Patrick M. Teague

Patrick M. Teague is an experienced attorney in event law, representing various wedding and event professionals, including planners, designers, and photographers. He has also successfully represented Lovegevity, a multi-media publishing house, in contract negotiations with wedding and event suppliers, television personalities, and, notably, world-renowned event designer Preston Bailey.

Outside the event industry, Mr. Teague is in-house counsel for a multibillion-dollar hospitality company that operates in over 35 countries. He also has expertise in small business and contract law, along with experience as a sports agent, sports reporter, and professional soccer player.

Mr. Teague attended law school in New Orleans, where he holds a law degree from Tulane University and remains deeply interested and involved in the city.

This online course will teach you the skills needed to sit for the Oral Component of any State and Federal Court Interpreting Certification exams.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

State and Federal Spanish Court Interpreter certification examinations are rigorous exams that require intensive training and access to practice courses. The Federal Court Interpreter course includes the finest online interpreting laboratory in the market. You will be able to practice numerous court cases as if they were in an actual court proceeding, both at the state and the federal levels.

The material presented in each lecture is immediately practiced in the online laboratory to make sure that you are able not only to memorize the transfer of a word or phrase, but also are able to interpret as it is required in a court of law. This course also prepares you to interpret in any civil deposition and any other legal proceeding in the criminal and in the civil jurisdictions.

1. Interpreting Criminal Proceedings I
   1. Arraignment
   2. Pre-trial Hearings
   3. Preliminary Hearings
   4. Criminal Terminology
   5. Trials
   6. Sentencing
   7. Progress Reports
   8. Probation Violation Hearings
   9. Colloquialisms
   10. Simultaneous Techniques
   11. Consecutive Techniques
   12. Criminal Offenses in the State Jurisdiction
   13. Interpreting Laboratory Practices
2. Interpreting Criminal Proceedings II
   1. Misdemeanors in State Court
   2. Felonies in State Court
   3. Waivers and Plea Forms
   4. DUI/DWI – Driving under the influence/Driving while intoxicating
   5. Domestic Violence
   6. Drug Terminology
   7. Drug Possession cases
   8. Firearms Terminology
   9. Fingerprint Terminology
   10. Gang Terminology
   11. Juvenile Court Terminology
   12. Children's Court Terminology
   13. Typical Court Proceedings – Misdemeanors
   14. Typical Court Proceedings – Felonies
   15. Interpreting Laboratory Practices
3. Advanced Interpreting Techniques in Criminal and Civil Matters
   1. Parties involved in Federal Courts
   2. Federal Crimes
   3. Family Law Court
   4. Probate Court
   5. Contracts Law
   6. Advanced Sight Translations – Federal Level
   7. Advanced Consecutive Techniques
   8. Expert Witness Testimony – DNA
   9. Expert Witness Testimony – Computer Forensics
   10. Differences in the transfer of Criminal and Civil Legal Terminology
   11. Drug Trafficking
   12. Exam-Taking Techniques
4. Interpreting Laboratory Practices

What you will learn

• Understand interpreting techniques - simultaneous, consecutive, and sight translation
• Learn criminal and civil terminology in both Spanish and English and the corresponding transfer into the opposite language
• Master drug, firearm, fingerprint, gang terminology
• Study juvenile court and children's court terminology
• Explore the necessary material to sit in either a State or Federal Spanish Court Interpreter examination
• Understand courtroom protocol and the ethics of the court interpreter

How you will benefit

• Develop the skills needed to work as an English to Spanish or Spanish to English translator
• Gain confidence in your abilities by practicing numerous court cases as if they were in an actual court proceeding, both at the state and the federal levels
• Understand the legal regulations required to work as a federal court interpreter
• Become prepared to interpret in any civil deposition and any other legal proceeding in the criminal and in the civil jurisdictions

Nestor Wagner

Nestor Wagner is a certified Court and Medical Interpreter who has been teaching interpreting courses since 1990. He has the highest pass rate of certified court interpreters in the nation. He has published several books in the interpreting community. Mr. Wagner is involved in the examination process for Immigration Interpreters and Analytical Linguists. He participates as speakers in national and international conferences on Criminal, Civil and Immigration Court terminology, advanced interpreting skills, and localization in the transfer of legal and non-legal terminology. Mr. Wagner holds a Master degree from the University of Washington.

This course prepares you to work as an immigration court interpreter (English/Spanish).

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Microsoft Word Online
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Immigration court interpreters are an essential element in the application of immigration laws. The immigration courts are flooded with respondents waiting their turn to be heard before the court.

Currently, there is no certification exam for immigration court interpreters. According to SOS International LLC (SOSi), candidates must have one year of experience in the legal field, pass a screening test, complete a training program, pass a final completion examination, and finally pass a performance evaluation to be considered an immigration court interpreter. The online Immigration Court Interpreter course addresses all the elements required except the one-year experience in the legal field.

1. Interpreting Criminal Proceedings I
   1. Criminal Terminology
   2. Sample Arraignments
   3. Simultaneous Techniques
   4. Consecutive Techniques
   5. Criminal Offenses
   6. Pre-Trial Hearing
   7. Initial Appearance
   8. Statement of Rights
   9. Preliminary Hearings
   10. Slang Terminology
2. Interpreting Criminal Proceedings II
   1. Misdemeanor Plea – Form and Court Proceedings
   2. Misdemeanor Plea – Memorandum
   3. Court Proceeding
   4. Misdemeanor Sentencing – Memorandum – Vehicle Code
   5. Misdemeanor Sentencing – Memorandum
   6. Disorderly Conduct and Indecent Exposure
   7. Felony Plea – Form and Court Proceeding Form
   8. Probation Violation Hearing – Time Waiver & Progress Report
   9. Sample Day in Court as a Court Interpreter
3. Interpreting in Immigration Court
   1. Structure of Immigration Court
   2. Immigration Holds
   3. Immigration Terminology
   4. Immigration Abbreviations
   5. Immigration Forms
   6. Immigration Proceedings
   7. Advisement of Respondent's Rights
   8. Advisement to Respondent: Failure to Appear
   9. Analytical Linguist
   10. Transcription Format

What you will learn

• Immigration court interpreting terminology
• A robust simultaneous and consecutive modes of interpretation
• Ethics, protocol, and professionalism expected in a formal Immigration Court matter
• The typical structures used in Master Calendar Hearings and Merits Hearings

How you will benefit

• This course prepares you for a growing market in interpreting
• You will become familiar with criminal court terminology
• Typically, Immigration Court Interpreters set their own schedule, thus providing you with flexibility

Nestor Wagner

Nestor Wagner is a certified Court and Medical Interpreter who has been teaching interpreting courses since 1990. He has the highest pass rate of certified court interpreters in the nation. He has published several books in the interpreting community.

Mr. Wagner is involved in the examination process for Immigration Interpreters and Analytical Linguists. He participates as a speaker in national and international conferences on Criminal, Civil, and Immigration Court terminology, advanced interpreting skills, and localization in legal and non-legal terminology transfer. Mr. Wagner holds a Master's degree from the University of Washington.

This course will prepare you for a career as a legal transcriptionist. The legal transcriptionist has the important job of correctly transcribing and punctuating the spoken word in order to create a verbatim record for legal proceedings. This course will also give you an understanding of the legal system including relevant ethics, professional standards, and procedures, and prepare you to sit for and pass the AAERT Certified Electronic Transcriber exam.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course must be taken on a PC. Macs are not compatible.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 7 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome is preferred. Mozilla Firefox and Safari are also compatible.
• Microsoft Word: Preferably Microsoft Word 2016, 2019, and Office 365.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Free Express Scribe software. You will be provided with download instructions upon enrollment.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins, except for the Express Scribe software.
• Reliable Internet

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The supplies required for this course are included in enrollment. The following will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment:

• AltoEdge USB foot pedal
• Transcriber Headphones

The Legal Transcriptionist training course prepares you to enter the in-demand field of legal transcription with the skills and knowledge needed to be successful. As litigation continues to rise nationwide and the technology used to capture testimony evolves, there is a tremendous need for legal transcribers. Most legal transcriptionists work from home on contract or staff for court reporting agencies or court systems, which presents a substantial opportunity for those looking to work remotely in a career with a secure future.

This legal transcription certification course thoroughly prepares you for AAERT's (American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers) national certification CET (Certified Electronic Transcriber) exam. The AAERT certification is the leading certification for courts and businesses throughout the United States and is required by various court systems and agencies for employment. From legal fundamentals to creating an accurate legal transcript and more, this course is your key to launching a flourishing career as a legal transcriptionist.

1. Course Introduction
2. The Legal System
1. Courts
2. Laws
3. Life Cycle of a Case
4. Types of Proceedings
5. Types of Court Reporters
6. Litigation Support Services
7. Module 1 Test
3. Terminology
1. Historic/Latin Terminology
2. Legal Terminology
3. Medical Terminology
4. Business Terminology
5. Pop Culture, Media, and Political
6. Terminology Test
4. English Language
1. Parts of Speech
2. Confusing Words
3. Spelling Rules
4. English Language Test
5. Grammar and Punctuation
1. Capitalization
2. Numbers
3. Intro to Punctuation
4. Sentence Punctuation
5. More Punctuation and Formatting
6. Grammar and Punctuation Test
6. Word, Text Expansion, and Research
1. MS Word for Transcription
2. Text Expansion
3. Researching
7. Software and Annotations
1. Express Scribe & Foot Pedal Setup
2. DR Software Player
3. Annotations
8. Building the Transcript
1. What Gets Transcribed
2. Formatting
3. Parentheticals
4. Transcription Skills
5. Proofreading
6. Building the Transcript Test
9. TAs and Working Environment
1. Transcription Assignments
2. Working Environment
10. TAs and Professionalism
1. Transcription Assignments
2. Professional and Ethics
3. Maintaining Confidentiality
4. Module 9 Test
11. Course Wrap-Up and Finals
1. AAERT Certification
2. Finals

What you will learn

• How to create an accurate legal transcript
• Master transcript formatting, focusing on federal court systems
• Discover parts of speech, proper legal punctuation, and spelling
• Increase knowledge of legal, medical, and industry terminology
• Understand professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality
• Gain fundamentals of the United States legal system

How you will benefit

• Develop the skills you need to become a successful legal transcriptionist who can work from home
• Successfully prepare to sit for and pass the AAERT's (American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers) Certified Electronic Transcriber (CET) exam
• The AAERT certification vastly improves your marketability when applying for work at freelance agencies or court systems, some of which require the certification by law or because of government contracts

Merritt Gilbert

Merritt Gilbert is a legal professional with over 10 years of industry experience. She is a Certified Electronic Reporter and holds a Certificate of Voice Writing. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Florida State University.

Natalie Hartsfield

Natalie Hartsfield is a court reporter with more than 10 years of experience in the legal field. She has taught court reporting since 2007. Natalie holds an Occupational Associate Degree in Court Reporting from Stenotype Institute.

This course introduces the student to the fundamentals of legal writing, including reasoning and analysis.

Learn to develop effective and accurate legal communications through the use of critical thinking and legal authorities to support conclusions.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

1. Importance of legal writing in the legal field
2. Goal of legal writing
3. Drafting documents in legal writing
4. Constructing effective sentences in legal writing
   1. Precision and simplicity
   2. Sound structure
   3. Using active voice
5. Using defined terms in legal writing
6. Word usage in legal writing
7. Redundancies
8. Commonly misused words in legal writing
9. Reviewing legal documents
10. Using FIRAC in legal analysis

What you will learn

• Drafting written documents for legal purposes
• Construction of effective sentences
• Use of defined legal terms
• Word usage in legal writing

How you will benefit

• Anyone entering law school will benefit from the knowledge and principles provided by this course.

Self-Study