Free Online Courses
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The free online classes offered at Alison.com are intended to provide those seeking a comprehensive understanding of business and legal systems with the knowledge they need to succeed in their career. Alison offers a free diploma in Business and Legal Studies, which covers:
- Corporate management
- Human resources
- Operation management
- Accounting
- The adversarial system
- Legal procedures
A diploma in Legal Studies gives students the opportunity to learn about the kinds of laws and how they originated. Other free offerings include courses on contracts, employment law, and copyright law, all of which could be great additions to a resume. https://alison.com/courses?query=law
Study.com
Study.com offers free online legal classes where students can learn law terminology and legal concepts—although not for college credit. One class, Business 103: Introductory Business includes 14 chapters on:
- Contract law basics, with information on the difference between unilateral, bilateral, expressed, implied, formal and informal contracts, and more.
- Property law, explaining trade secrets, patents, and other forms of intellectual property, along with real and personal property.
- Torts in business law, in which the elements of tort law are outlined, as well as personal injury terms, including battery, trespass, negligence, and libel.
If you’re looking to transition into a new area of law or need to improve your knowledge of your current one, there are several courses here that could be a good place to start. https://study.com/
Academic Earth
The website Academic Earth offers free online lectures and law courses to prospective law students so that they can learn more about the legal industry. Students are able to enroll in open courses taught by faculty members from colleges and universities throughout the world. These courses include:
- Environmental Law and Policy, which gives perspectives on the basics of environmental law as well as information about natural resources, toxics and waste, air pollution control, water pollution, and environmental federalism.
- International Environmental Law, which covers the scope of international environmental law along with dispute settlement, compliance, bilateral disputes, groundwater, climate change, biodiversity, human rights, hazardous materials, as well as trade and the environment.
- Introduction to Copyright Law, which includes a basic introduction to legal research and legal citations, the 1976 Copyright Act, peer-to-peer file sharing, and software licensing.
edX
With courses from high-caliber universities from across the country, edX courses are often the very same courses taken at Harvard, MIT, UC Berkeley, and more. You can pay a small fee to earn university credit for these or audit the courses for free.
edX Law courses include:
- Intellectual Property Law and Policy
- International Human Rights Law
- International Investment Law
Want to try something different? There are more than just legal topics on edX, so you can feel free to explore new areas of interest.
Coursera
Coursera offers a variety of free courses related to law and legal studies. While some courses offer free content, there are also many additional paid courses to access. By following the link provided here, you’ll see just how many free courses and resources there are available.
Coursera offers valuable free training opportunities for legal professionals through its diverse array of online courses. These courses cover a wide range of legal topics, from foundational concepts to specialized areas like international law or intellectual property.
For legal pros wanting to improve their skill set, access course materials, and engage with instructors and fellow learners at no cost, you really can’t go wrong with Coursera’s user-friendly platform.
Additionally, the organization collaborates with renowned universities, making it an accessible and reputable resource for legal education.
Whether seeking professional development, staying current with legal trends, or exploring new areas of expertise, Coursera is a great choice and starting point for any legal professional looking to upskill.
Harvard Online Courses
Harvard University offers free online courses on topics related to law and legal studies through its Harvard Online platform.
Harvard University offers a valuable resource for legal professionals with its free online courses.
These courses provide an opportunity to access world-class legal education without the need for traditional enrollment.
Covering a range of legal topics, from constitutional law to international human rights, these offerings cater to both beginners and experienced practitioners.
Because of Harvard’s prestigious reputation, high-quality content delivered by top faculty is naturally an extremely appealing aspect of using them for study.
The Online Courses program is part of Harvard’s commitment to accessible education and makes these resources an invaluable tool for career advancement and professional growth in the legal field.
MIT OpenCourseWare
Much like the above Harvard Online Courses program, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) provides free access to course materials from their law-related courses, which can be valuable for legal professionals.
MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW) offers a treasure trove of free resources for legal professionals seeking to broaden their knowledge base.
While MIT is renowned for its STEM programs, OCW also features a selection of courses and materials relevant to legal studies, including subjects like ethics, intellectual property, and technology law.
Legal professionals can access lecture notes, assignments, and even video lectures from MIT’s esteemed faculty.
This vast repository of knowledge can be instrumental in improving your understanding of an array of legal concepts, staying updated on emerging issues, and honing your analytical skills.
MIT OCW empowers legal professionals to engage with high-caliber educational content at their own pace, enriching their careers in the process.
The Pro Bono Training Institute
The Pro Bono Training Institute (PBTI) offers indispensable training courses for legal professionals committed to pro bono work and social justice.
These courses equip lawyers, paralegals, and law students with the specialized skills and knowledge required to effectively serve underserved communities.
Covering a spectrum of topics, from immigration law to family law and housing rights, these courses are designed to address real-world challenges faced by vulnerable populations.
With expert instructors and practical insights, the Pro Bono Training Institute enables legal professionals to make a meaningful impact, promoting equal access to justice.
By fostering a spirit of volunteerism and empowerment, these courses empower legal professionals to advocate for those in need and champion a more equitable society.
For California lawyers, self-study CLE credit is available upon the completion of PBTI training modules.
American Bar Association (ABA)
We’re a little bit hesitant to include this one because you will need an ABA membership to access their resources, but the amount of material available to lawyers from the ABA is so great that it’s worth mentioning.
The American Bar Association (ABA) is a prominent source of professional development for legal experts, offering a plethora of webinars and training programs.
These sessions cover diverse legal domains, from ethics and litigation strategies to cutting-edge legal tech trends.
The ABA’s webinars facilitate knowledge exchange among attorneys, providing insights into evolving regulations and best practices.
Whether it’s enhancing legal skills or staying updated on industry shifts, ABA webinars and training are indispensable resources.
They not only promote professional growth but also uphold ethical standards and foster a vibrant legal community.
Legal professionals can rely on the ABA for high-quality, accessible education and networking opportunities.
The ABA’s CLE Marketplace offers training in the following areas:
- Elimination of Bias/Diversity and Inclusion
- Ethics and Professional Responsibility
- General
- Law Practice Management
- Mental Illness Awareness
- Professionalism
- Skills
- Substance Abuse Awareness
- Technology
- Wellness
The Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction (CALI)
The Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction (CALI) is a vital resource for legal professionals and law students seeking specialized training. To access CALI Lessons, you must be affiliated with CALI member organizations or have an individual membership. You can find the member organizations here.
CALI’s extensive library offers a wide range of interactive online tutorials and lessons that cover various legal topics, from contracts and torts to constitutional law.
These self-paced modules empower learners to deepen their understanding of complex legal concepts, making them invaluable for both novice and experienced legal practitioners.
CALI’s commitment to accessible and innovative legal education contributes significantly to the professional development of legal professionals.
There are lessons available in a variety of disciplines, including:
- Accounting
- Administrative law
- Family law
- Entertainment law
- Cyberlaw
- Criminal procedure
- Patent law
- Securities
Your state bar association
Check your local or state bar association’s website for free training and resources specific to your jurisdiction. Many bar associations offer free webinars, publications, and practice resources.
Online legal writing courses
Legal writing courses are essential for legal professionals, honing their ability to communicate effectively within the legal realm.
These courses emphasize precision, clarity, and adherence to legal conventions in drafting documents, briefs, and contracts. Legal writing programs cover various formats, including persuasive writing, research memoranda, and appellate advocacy.
Clear and persuasive writing is crucial in the legal field, influencing the outcomes of cases and facilitating successful client representation.
There are several low-cost options for legal professionals looking to hone their skills through online legal writing courses, namely:
- Udemy: Legal Research & Legal Writing – A Paralegal Skills Course
- UCLA Law: Effective Writing in Legal and Business Settings
- Quimbee: Legal Writing—Editing for Readability
- Lorman: Writing to Win: The Fundamentals of Legal Writing
Bonus: One Legal
One Legal’s training team is staffed by experienced legal support professionals who want to give a helping hand to those trying to master a new technology.
One Legal offers a variety of webinars covering the information you need to file and serve court documents electronically.
We offer training and instruction on a variety of subjects, covering electronic and physical court filing, process serving, eService, best practices, and tips for working more efficiently.
We also regularly host training webinars that offer CLE credit. If you’d like to be kept updated with useful articles and announcements about these learning opportunities for our community, we recommend subscribing to our blog mailing list.
If you’re ready to learn, the cost can no longer be an excuse not to get started.
Law Courses and Certifications
Learn for Free: Law Courses & Lectures Online
Free Online Law Courses from Top Universities
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From international law and forensic science, to criminal justice and legal ethics: gain a better understanding of legal fields and process with our online law courses from the world's major universities.
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LAW1300: Legal Research and Writing
This class is an introduction to the court system and the many types of research tools and methods used in a law office. Students study the law library and its functions, learn to distinguish between primary and secondary authority, learn to locate cases and verify their authority, and learn to brief cases. (45/3/0/3)
LAW1301: Introduction to Law and Ethics
History and nature of law, with emphasis placed on the role of the paralegal. Introductory survey of substantive and procedural law. Relationships between the paralegal, attorney, co-workers, and the general public are stressed. Ethical issues, such as attorney advertising, unauthorized practice of law, confidentiality, conflicts of interest, and other practical aspects of ethics are covered. Students learn to demonstrate an understanding of the nature of law and the paralegal’s role within the profession. (45/3/0/3)
LAW1303: Criminal Law and Procedure
Students learn the principles of criminal accountability and the constitutional and procedural protections provided to an accused person. The course is focused primarily on constitutional rights and generic substantive criminal law and procedure. Students learn to use and understand the Texas Penal Code and the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Particular attention is devoted to the role of the paralegal in a criminal law practice. (45/3/0/3)
LAW1304: Personal Injury
This course covers various theories under which an injured party may seek redress for physical and economic injuries, including intentional torts, negligence, and strict liability. The course also covers bodily injury damage and property damage, as well as other types of compensation, such as worker’s compensation. Students learn the practical aspects of personal injury practice as covered from both the plaintiff’s and defense perspectives. (45/3/0/3)
LAW1305: Interviewing and Investigation
Civil jurisprudence and investigative techniques are studied in this class. Throughout the course, students learn to combine an understanding of basic legal principles with an ethical approach to investigations. Emphasis is placed on the use of public resources for the various types of investigations which students will encounter in actual practice after graduation. (45/3/0/3)
LAW1306: Wills, Trusts and Probate
Theory of this subject is understood by utilizing the code and textual material. The law of Wills is studied, and students learn to produce a written Will and probate documents. Each aspect of probate practice is reviewed, with emphasis on the paralegal’s role in such a practice. Students study and learn how to prepare probate documents, applying different methods of probating a Will and an intestate estate as practical assignments. Appropriate terminology and the requirements of law offices practicing in this area are examined. Basic tax and estate planning principles are also covered. (45/3/0/3)
LAW1307: Civil Procedure
This course covers the initiation, discovery, and management of civil cases in state and federal court, from the beginning of the suit through trial and appeal. Topics include the resolution of jurisdictional questions, preparation and management of pre-trial discovery, development and understanding of evidence issues, summarizing depositions, and preparation of witnesses for deposition and trial. Further, students learn to prepare pleadings and trial notebooks. Finally, students are familiarized with e-filing, e-discovery, and various case management systems such as ProDoc®. (45/3/0/3)
LAW2301: Corporate and Business Law
Students study various forms of business organizations and laws affecting business organizations. Subjects covered include sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies, and the law of agency. Students learn to prepare documents necessary
to create each form of business organization including the incorporation of business. Practical assignments are given to assist in understanding various concepts of law within a business environment. (45/3/0/3)
LAW2302: Family Law
This is a detailed study of legal aspects of family law. Subject matter includes marriage, divorce, marital property, child custody, support, termination, and adoption. Students learn to prepare the common documents directly related to the practice of family law. Equally important, students learn to understand the legal theories behind the documents they prepare. (45/3/0/3)
LAW2303: Intellectual Property
In this course, students gain a basic understanding of legal protection given to works of authorship, trade secrets, trademarks, and patents. Students learn the foundation of this area of law and the practical considerations encountered in the practice of intellectual property law. (45/3/0/3)
LAW2304: Real Estate
This is a survey course in which students learn to review or draft earnest money contracts, deeds, mortgage instruments, foreclosure notices, liens, leases, and other real estate documents. Students learn legal concepts that relate directly to the documents such as estates in land, homestead, fixtures, and easements. Students learn to develop skills in recording documents, conducting a title search, and foreclosure sale. (45/3/0/3)
LAW2305: Computers and the Law
This course covers the specific computer applications and techniques utilized in today’s modern law office. Students learn the function and utility of PowerPoint software, learn to generate legal documents with document assembly software, and learn to conduct computer aided legal research with Westlaw® and the Internet. (36/36/0/3)
LAW2307: E-Discovery
This advanced civil discovery course is designed for students to learn and apply current e-Discovery concepts and procedures required in modern civil discovery and complex litigation. Legal disputes increasingly require the collection and analysis of electronically stored information (ESI) as part of the discovery phase of litigation, and corporations must meet certain electronic information requirements to mitigate risk and expense. In this course, students learn to apply the Electronic Data Reference Model (EDRM) to properly manage the various stages of e-Discovery including information management, identification, preservation and collection, review and analysis, production and presentation. Students will learn to use e-Discovery software and tools and apply this understanding to real world case scenarios through projects requiring the application of case management systems. Students also demonstrate knowledge of case law relating to e-Discovery issues in various projects and assignments. (45/3/0/3)
Prerequisites: LAW1307 Civil Procedure and LAW1300 Legal Research and Writing
LAW2208: Externship
Externships are designed to give each student practical, on-the-job experience by working with an attorney, judge, legal department of a corporation, or other law-related business. Students learn to apply the skills and knowledge obtained in the classroom to everyday situations, resulting in an equally beneficial relationship between a student extern and his or her supervisor. Externships are offered during a student’s final term.(0/0/96/2)
LAW2309: Immigration Law
This course introduces students to the practice of United States Immigration & Nationality Law. Topics include immigration courts and agencies, immigrant and non immigrant visas, admission to and removal from the United States, naturalization, refugees and asylum, appeal process, and preparation of various immigration forms. (45/3/0/3)
LAW2310: Advanced Civil Procedure
This demanding course is designed to prepare students for the rigors of civil litigation. Course topics include post discovery motions and pleas, alternate dispute resolution and mediation, challenges to expert witnesses, amendments and supplements to pleadings, and preparation for trial. Students are presented with examples and scenarios illustrative of real world practices and procedures relating to the final stages of litigation with special emphasis placed on accuracy and timeliness of document production and filing. Students participate in a final course project in which teams of students compete against one another simulating the full range of civil procedure paper practice from the original complaint to pretrial motions. (45/3/0/3)
Prerequisite: LAW1307 Civil Procedure
LAW2311: Advanced Research and Writing
This course further develops the research and writing skills learned in LAW 1300 Legal Research and Writing. Students conduct more detailed legal research and learn to write briefs for pre-trial and post-trial motions. Students also learn the form and practice specific to appellate briefs. (45/3/0/3)
LAW2312: Oil and Gas Law
This course will examine the process by which oil, gas, and other minerals are produced and the legal issues relative to the various stages of production. It will also explore the property rights that allow for production. Students will learn to prepare deeds, leases, utilization contracts, releases and other legal documents by which those rights are created and extinguished. Examples of topics covered by the course will include, among others, environmental remediation of oilfield sites, federal and state regulation of the oil and gas industry, mineral royalty disputes, oil and gas exploration and production. (45/3/0/3)
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