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Introduction to Law & Legal Practice

About This Course

The American legal system is extremely large and complex. In this course, we’ll give you a broad overview of this system — how it functions and the specific roles of judges, juries, paralegals and attorneys within it. You’ll explore how the rights of citizens are enforced through courts and legal procedures. And you’ll get a fundamental introduction to the wide variety of topics covered throughout the certificate program.

What You'll Learn

  • The modern and historical sources of American law

  • Procedural and substantive distinctions between the federal and state court systems

  • Key concepts of jurisdiction and venue

  • The basic structure of a lawsuit from complaint to resolution 

  • How to draft basic pleadings, identify available remedies and include appropriate defenses and responses

Get Hands-On Experience

  • Practice briefing cases

  • Prepare a memorandum to summarize the key components of a client's legal issue and apply the appropriate law to devise a course of action

  • Draft pleadings 

Course Sessions

Online Synchronous

September 2026
Dates Sep 23 - Dec 2
Location Online
Instructor Joseph Gehrke
Cost $785
Apply Starting Jun 17, 2026
Scheduled Meetings
Date
Day
Time
Location
Sep 23, 2026
Wed
6 – 9 p.m.
Online
Sep 30, 2026
Wed
6 – 9 p.m.
Online
Oct 7, 2026
Wed
6 – 9 p.m.
Online
Oct 14, 2026
Wed
6 – 9 p.m.
Online
Oct 21, 2026
Wed
6 – 9 p.m.
Online
Oct 28, 2026
Wed
6 – 9 p.m.
Online
Nov 4, 2026
Wed
6 – 9 p.m.
Online
Nov 18, 2026
Wed
6 – 9 p.m.
Online
Dec 2, 2026
Wed
6 – 9 p.m.
Online

All times are Pacific Time.

Noncredit Course

You'll earn 3.0 continuing education units (CEUs) for successfully completing this course.