Introduction to Paralegal Studies

This course is designed to give the student a general overview of the basic skills and knowledge necessary for those interested in becoming a paralegal. Information covered in the course focuses on the knowledge base expected of paralegals at American and international law firms. Students will gain an understanding of the American legal system and the structure of the international law firm. Against this backdrop, students will be presented with the role of the paralegal in both corporate finance and litigation matters, including "hands-on" activities designed to enhance comprehension of the complex framework paralegals work in.

1. Understanding the role of a paralegal.
2. Understanding of the American legal system.
3. Understanding structure of the international law firm.

Primarily current paralegals and persons intending to become paralegals but also lawyers, legal secretaries, legal translators, and company legal department employees

No required textbook

Christopher Rathbone

Christopher Rathbone is a foreign associate at the full-service law firm, City-Yuwa Partners in Tokyo where he specializes in international transactions. He has taught classes and provided seminars on legal translation, legal writing and contracts for Japanese, Korean, Cambodian and US universities, as well as the Tokyo offices of many top US law firms. As a long term resident of Japan who is fluent in Japanese, Mr. Rathbone’s classes and seminars provide both practical information and cultural insights. In addition to legal writing and contracts, he frequently gives presentations on diverse topics including Plain English and the legal profession in Japan and the US. As a health advocate, he also writes articles and speaks on the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and the intersection of tobacco and human rights. Mr. Rathbone graduated with honors from the University of Saskatchewan and earned a J.D. from the College of Law of the University of Saskatchewan and an LL.M. from Hokkaido University as a Monbusho Scholar. He is admitted as an attorney in Massachusetts.