Are there prerequisites for the program?
Ideally, applicants should have worked in an office previously and have the recommendation of former employers. However, since we require a résumé submission, we will also consider number of years worked and other types of work experience along with your education level. Serious students should send in the application materials since there is no fee to apply. We will call you in for an interview and discuss your specific qualifications.

When does the program begin?
The program is offered two times a year, in late January and late July. There are also opportunities to start the program at the mid-point with a group of students already in progress. Call us for further details on this option.

When do the classes meet?
So you won’t have to alter your life dramatically, classes are conveniently held on Thursday evenings at Stetson University Center at Celebration from 6 to 9 p.m. Other assigned work will be done online at your convenience before the next scheduled class.

How long is the program?
This is a 20-week program. This Web site provides the general course syllabus and program participants are provided a more detailed syllabus with meeting dates and specific assignments well in advance.

Who teaches your program?
Our course is taught by excellent licensed, experienced, practicing lawyers. Biographical information is listed here on this Website.

How does the process work for interacting with the course materials and the instructor?
We have a highly interactive program. Here is the outline of course actions:

Once you have been admitted to the course and paid your tuition, we get the course texts to you; and build an account for you in Stetson’s Blackboard™ learning management system.

Early in the course, one of your tasks will be to take a diagnostic exam in written communications because this area is extremely important in the legal profession. Actually, the written communications portion of our program is a "course within a course" as it provides a comprehensive set of English language studies that will serve participants throughout their careers, even outside the legal profession.

For each chapter, you will read the material from the Basic Manual for Lawyer's Assistants (BMLA), complete the Review Questions, and take the chapter quiz.

You will also strengthen your written communication skills by reading selections from the Gregg Reference Manual (GRM) and submitting the associated worksheet(s).

Each chapter may also have exercises, vignettes or anecdotal stories that reinforce the BMLA chapter material. You will be expected to be able to discuss these during class with your instructor.

After each class, course administrators will "open up" the instructor's PowerPoint presentation to help students further study the material. The presentations are also good for test reviews.

Students can review the staus of their quizzes and major tests by looking at their grade book within Blackboard.

Can I get college credit for completing this program?
This is a certificate program so we cannot award any college credits. There are, however, three types of certificates awarded based on your grades.

How much does the program cost?
The program costs $2,995 which includes all tuition fees, books and materials. This is an exceptional rate for the opportunity to move into a very rewarding career. Applications received less than ten days in advance of the program start date will incur a $125 late registration fee.

Is financial assistance available?
We do help students in applying for career training loans. See our page on Financial Assistance.   Just for general information: Our fall 2008 class had a student who financed tuition plus expenses over 15 year period. The student received a 7.627 annual percentage rate and her monthly payments were $32.05. This example is for illustrative purposes only; your rate will depend on your credit history.

If I don’t want to take out a loan, can I pay in installments?
A credit card payment plan is available. There will be three payments due. The first payment of $1,000 is due ten days prior to the first day of class. The second payment of $1,000 is due before the 5th week of class. The third (final) payment of $995 is due before the 9th week of class.

Is a Lawyer’s Assistant the same as a Paralegal?
No. A Lawyer’s assistant cannot conduct client interviews, locate and interview witnesses, or conduct investigations which are some of the tasks that a paralegal can do under the supervision of an attorney. Our program is not a paralegal program.

Is this an online program?
No, it is a classroom program with the benefits of the Internet and Stetson's Blackboard learning management system, which students like a great deal. Using Blackboard students need to come to class only once a week for three hours because supplemental materials, quizzes and other related items are accessed online. This enhances teaching and learning while engaging students in an interactive way.

What happens when I complete the program?
Successful graduates receive a Stetson University Lawyer’s Assistant Program Certificate. Those interested in taking the ALS exam administered by NALS will be provided information on the first day of class.

What if I have more questions?
Contact Rosemary Cangelosi at 321-939-7604 and she will be glad to assist you in any way possible.