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What is the CLS phone number and email address? |
FAQ
Type
about |
A |
Call CLS Toll Free at 1-800-522-7737 M-F 8am-5pm US Mountain Time zone, or Email us at info@legalstudies.com 24/7. |
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What is the mailing address? |
FAQ
Type
about |
A |
The Center for Legal Studies, 523 Park Point Drive, Suite 320, Golden, CO 80401 USA. |
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What does CLS do? |
FAQ
Type
about |
A |
The Center for Legal Studies is a legal education company focused on providing students the most affordable and effective legal education possible. We deliver our curriculum to our students in live lecture, online, DVD, VHS, audio, and text-only formats through over 1000 colleges and universities nationwide to provide our students with the flexibility necessary to achieve their academic goals while continuing with their everyday lives. |
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Where is CLS headquarters? |
FAQ
Type
about |
A |
Beautiful Golden Colorado USA! CLS is a World Wide Common Law Training Institute and has educated hundreds of thousands of students since 1980 with the most affordable and flexible programs available!
Our mailing address is: The Center for Legal Studies, 523 Park Point Drive, Suite 320, Golden, CO 80401 USA. |
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Who teaches for CLS? |
FAQ
Type
about |
A |
CLS uses only highly qualified law and test preparation instructors. Our courses are taught by attorneys, paralegals, and other legal professionals with decades of legal experience. |
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Are books included in the tuition price for the Paralegal Certificate Course©? |
FAQ
Type
books |
A |
Books are not included in the tuition fee.
Students will be required to purchase their course books prior to the course start date. Please visit our online store for a list of titles and prices or call us M-F 8-5 MST at 1-800-522-7737 for more information. |
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How do I purchase course books and materials for the course?
How do I know what books and materials are required and optional for the course? |
FAQ
Type
books |
A |
The course description, and online store, will list the required and optional materials for each course and format. |
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Do you sell used course books? |
FAQ
Type
books |
A |
Yes. We do have a minimal selection of used books in good to fair condition. Contact us for a list of used books or see the "used books" category in the online store. |
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How soon after the course will I receive my certificate? |
FAQ
Type
course |
A |
Within six to eight weeks. |
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Do I have to be online at a specific time everyday to take the online course? |
FAQ
Type
course |
A |
No. Students can check in at their convenience, but are required to submit tests and assignments by a specified date and time. Tests and assignments can be submitted prior to the required date and time. |
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Are there any course prerequisites? |
FAQ
Type
course |
A |
For most of our courses the only requirement is that you have completed high school (diploma or GED) or equivalent in your country.
Any additional requirements will be listed below the course description for the course. |
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Do I have to take the Paralegal Certificate Course© from a school in my state? |
FAQ
Type
course |
A |
No. The paralegal profession is not regulated on a state by state basis, except in California. Students may take the course in any state, and use their certificate in any state. |
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Can I get college credit for this course? |
FAQ
Type
course |
A |
Students taking the course through the Colorado State University at Pueblo or at Adams State College can receive six undergraduate upper division elective credits. Adams State College even offers an A.A. or B.S.B.A. degree with an emphasis in Legal Studies. Credits earned at Colorado State University Pueblo or Adams State College may be transferred to another accredited university. The remaining colleges and universities offer the course through their continuing education or extended studies departments. As a continuing education course, the Paralegal Certificate Course© is not likely to transfer to another paralegal program, should the student wish to go to an alternative school. |
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Can I get financial aid for the Paralegal Certificate Course©? |
FAQ
Type
course |
A |
Traditional financial aid (Pell grants, Stafford Loans, etc.) usually do not apply to this course due to its continuing education status. Please view our Financial Aid information for other alternatives. |
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Can the Paralegal Certificate Course© adequately prepare students to be competent paralegals? |
FAQ
Type
course |
A |
Yes. Thousands of students have successfully completed our course since 1980. Please note that the total number of class hours is comparable to almost all other paralegal programs offered by the significantly more expensive proprietary paralegal “institutes”. The structure and presentation of materials is designed for maximum efficiency of instruction. Students are expected to perform an average of fifteen hours of homework outside of class between the sessions.
For example, manual and computerized legal research is scheduled to be taught over the final two sessions of the course. As early as Session Two, however, the foundations of legal research are already being established. Session Two includes training in the rules of civil procedure. Students are not only made familiar with the most important rules, they are taught how to access the rules. The skills learned at this level are a precursor to the more advanced techniques acquired later in the course.
Additionally, live lecture paralegal students who desire law office experience and who graduate with an “A” and in the top 25% of their class, and online/ DVD/VHS/audio/text-only students graduating with at least a 95% average are provided internship assistance within their communities. |
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What are the advantages of the Paralegal Certificate Course© to a prospective student? |
FAQ
Type
course |
A |
First, the course is of the highest quality. The colleges and universities sponsoring the program expect courses they offer to meet their high academic standards and the “academic rigor” of our curriculum has long been established justifying the awards of academic credit through select universities.
Second, the weekend, weeknight, and online formats are advantageous to many students. For instance, a single parent can usually arrange for child-care over this short period of time. However, the prospect of a significantly longer and more expensive course could very well present such a hardship as to discourage a potentially excellent paralegal from registering in a paralegal program. Taking our course through the independent study formats allows students to schedule course work around their own schedules.
Third, the course is affordable to virtually any potential student. It is our view that a student is not well served if he or she must go deeply in debt to obtain Paralegal training. |
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What are the advantages to law firms who place employees in the Paralegal Certificate Course©? |
FAQ
Type
course |
A |
Legal secretaries, file clerks, and paralegals without formal paralegal training comprise a large percentage of the enrollment in this course. Law firms which encourage employees to take this course receive in return employees who are: 1) competent to perform paralegal duties, 2) able to bill their hours to clients at paralegal rates, and 3) more likely to remain with the firm.
In addition to the increased efficiency gained by lawyers who employ paralegals, another major incentive exists for the use of paralegals. Federal and state caselaw is now holding that fees paid to paralegals may be assessed, and recovered at trial, under those circumstances where the recovery of attorneys’ fees is proper [see, e.g. Gill Savings v. International Supply, 759 S.W.2d 697, 703 Tex. App. - - Dallas 1988] Thus, properly trained paralegals provide major profit centers for lawyers. |
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How can the Paralegal Certificate Course© be designed for both students with law firm experience and those with no law firm experience? |
FAQ
Type
course |
A |
This course is designed with the knowledge that some students will have little or no law office experience, so we provide a strong foundation in areas such as legal terminology and ethics. A legal secretary may use a given word or perform a given task for years without an accurate understanding of its meaning or purpose. This course thoroughly and accurately prepares each student for paralegal employment, regardless of background. |
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Is the Paralegal Certificate Course© offered by The Center for Legal Studies approved by the American Bar Association? |
FAQ
Type
course |
A |
No. In our opinion, there is no need to seek the approval of the American Bar Association (“ABA”) for any paralegal course of study. Our opinion is apparently shared by the vast majority of paralegal programs since most paralegal programs are not ABA approved. The ABA is a voluntary association of lawyers, and recognizing this, only about half of all practicing lawyers are members of the ABA. If the ABA should be approving any course of studies, it should be for law schools, but not even all law schools have sought ABA approval.
In our twenty seven years of experience in training and educating paralegals, we have never had one of our graduates contact us and tell us that he or she was not interviewed, or employed by a lawyer or law firm because he or she graduated from our course as opposed to an ABA approved course. Our course is sponsored by well-known academic institutions which are held in high national esteem, so most students actually prefer a Paralegal Certificate from a University of South Carolina or a University of Texas rather than a private, proprietary “Paralegal Institute” which may have paid a large sum of money to receive ABA approval. So, we have found that our lack of ABA approval has not impacted the job opportunities of our graduates. We are members of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (“NFPA”) and many of our graduates choose to join as associate members of the ABA or their state bar associations, but, again, these are voluntary memberships. |
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In what formats are CLS courses available? |
FAQ
Type
course |
A |
Courses are offered via live lecture, online, DVD, VHS, audio, and text-only formats! The most flexible and affordable programs available! |
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Do I have to be a paralegal or law student to take CLS courses or buy course materials? |
FAQ
Type
course |
A |
No. Anyone can take CLS courses provided they have basic education. |
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Do I have to speak and read English? |
FAQ
Type
course |
A |
CLS comprehensively instructs students about the American system of justice which was inherited from the English and is used in common law legal systems worldwide including the U.S., England, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, West Indies and Jamaica. As such, our courses, books, and materials are offered and updated in English. |
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Do I need a High School Diploma or GED to take CLS courses? |
FAQ
Type
course |
A |
Yes, unless you have similar qualifications. |
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I need help and don't understand something in the web site or see errors. |
FAQ
Type
help |
A |
Please contact CLS at 1-800-522-7737, or use the web menu and reference "Help" topics. You can also email CLS now at info@legalstudies.com and let us know. |
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Does The Center for Legal Studies provide help with job placement? |
FAQ
Type
jobs |
A |
No; however, for Paralegal students, The Center for Legal Studies makes every effort to assist those live lecture students graduating with an “A” average and in the top 20% of their class, and online/DVD/audio/text-only students graduating with at least a 98% average in locating internship opportunities in major metropolitan communities. Please note internship opportunities are typically unpaid. Because Internships are highly competative, CLS cannot guarantee placement and offers this service only to recent graduates.
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What type of law careers do your courses and programs help lead me to CLS? |
FAQ
Type
jobs |
A |
Just take a look at our courses or the careers page!
Learn Law For Life with CLS! |
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Are CLS online courses offered 24/7, all the time? |
FAQ
Type
schedule |
A |
YES!. You can take CLS online courses any time in the comfort of your home or office 24/7 during the times you are registered for your CLS online course(s). |
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Can I purchase/register for a course and purchase course books/video/audio/text online? |
FAQ
Type
store |
A |
YES! |
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Does tax and shipping apply to online orders? |
FAQ
Type
store |
A |
Tax does not apply to materials in your online order, if you order via ONLINE and the shipping address for the order is OUTside of the state of Colorado, USA.
Tax and shipping does not apply to course tuition. |
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How do I order WESTLAW? |
FAQ
Type
store |
A |
You may order WESTLAW online in our bookstore or by phone at 1-800-522-7737. |
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State Rules of Court Books - Where are they? |
FAQ
Type
store |
A |
Purchase your state rules of court book online here in the CLS online store, or at your local book store or at amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com or similar. These books explain the exact court rules in your state of study. You can also get rules of court online through hundreds of legal websites. There is a rules of court online link listing in this web site. |
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Where is the CVV, CVC, or CID credit card security code located on my credit card? |
FAQ
Type
store |
A |
This is a separate 3 or 4 digit number on the card back or front depending on card type. For Visa, MasterCard, JCB, and Discover, the card security code (CVV, CVC, CID) is the last 3 digit number located on the back of your card on or above your signature line. For American Express and Diners Club, it is the 4 digits on the FRONT above the end of your card number. Your billing name and address must also match for the card. |
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I am not sure about ordering this course or books online yet, what if I change my mind? |
FAQ
Type
store |
A |
We'll adjust your order and billing amount accordingly if you order the wrong course or format or course materials. We will answer any questions you have by phone or email 24/7 and have operators ready to help you during business hours. If you have any questions, special ordering instructions or shipping locations, please let us know! CALL 1-800-522-7737 OR EMAIL info@legalstudies.com TODAY and LEARN LAW FOR LIFE! |
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SSN - I don't want to provide my Social Security Number online. |
FAQ
Type
store |
A |
Enter all Zeros for the SSN number including dashes (000-00-0000). Your student identification information is required if you are taking a course, and you can provide it by phone. In many cases, you also need a high school diploma or equivalent to take courses. If you have any questions about a CLS course or required materials for the course, please contact us! |
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Do I have to order my books from The Center for Legal Studies? |
FAQ
Type
store |
A |
No, you may order your books from any book seller. However, The Center for Legal Studies does provide all required and optional texts for all of our courses. |
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Do I have to buy the State Rules of Court? |
FAQ
Type
store |
A |
The state rules of court are used in the courses. However, due to the rising cost of the state rules book, students may choose to access their state rules of court online or through WESTLAW rather than purchasing the bound copy. |
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Can I purchase a different state for rules of court than what is required? |
FAQ
Type
store |
A |
Yes, we recommend that students purchase the rules of court for the state that they are planning on working in. |
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How far in advance should I order my books? |
FAQ
Type
store |
A |
Textbooks may be ordered any time prior to class. Books ordered during the week immediately prior to the first day of class may be subject to additional UPS shipping fees to ensure timely receipt. |
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Does someone have to be home to accept the delivery of my books? |
FAQ
Type
store |
A |
UPS does not require a signature You may also have your books shipped to your work address if you prefer. |
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What if I want to return a book or other item? |
FAQ
Type
store |
A |
Textbooks may be returned within 15 days of the date of purchase. Shipping fees are non-refundable unless the return is due to a live lecture course being cancelled. Textbooks must be in new, perfect condition with no writing or marks of any kind. Textbooks that are no longer in print or are an outdated edition may not be returned for a credit. Items in shrink wrap are non-refundable once they have been opened.
DVD's, VHS Tapes, CD-ROM's, and audio-tapes may be returned within 15 days of purchase. Shipping fees are non-refundable. No items will be accepted after 15 days. DVD's, VHS Tapes, CD-ROM's, and audio-tapes must be in new, perfect condition to be accepted. Items in shrink wrap are non-refundable once they have been opened.
All items must be returned to:
The Center for Legal Studies,
523 Park Point Drive, Suite 320,
Golden, CO 80401 USA. |
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If my class is canceled, will I be able to return my books for a refund? |
FAQ
Type
store |
A |
If we cancel a course due to low enrollment, we will arrange for the return of your textbooks. You will not incur a fee for the return of the books and you will receive a refund for all books that are in new, perfect condition with no writing or marks of any kind. Shipping costs are also refunded, if we cancel a class due to low enrollment. |
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If I return an item, will my shipping costs be refunded to me? |
FAQ
Type
store |
A |
If The Center for Legal Studies cancels a course due to low enrollment, you will be reimbursed for your shipping costs along with the cost of the item being returned.
If you choose to withdraw from a course, you may still return your items for a refund in compliance with our return policy, but shipping charges will not be refunded. |
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Can I place an order C.O.D.? If so, what form of payment do you accept? |
FAQ
Type
store |
A |
All C.O.D. orders must be placed by phone at 1-800-522-7737. There is an additional $25 for all C.O.D. orders. Payment must be in the form of a cashiers check or money order and made payable to The Center for Legal Studies. No personal checks will be accepted. You must be available to sign for the package on all C.O.D. orders. |
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Can I order the DVDs separately or do I have to register for a course? |
FAQ
Type
store |
A |
You may order the DVDs for any of courses as a supplement. |
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