Legal Education Department

The Hawaii Legal System

(LAW 101)

Familiarize yourself with the basics of our legal system. Understand what happens in court, discover the vast amount of government resources available online, and learn how to follow legislation. Find out about the legal profession and what it means to be a paralegal.

Legal Research

(LAW 102)

Before you can apply the law, you first have to find it. Learn the techniques for legal research, and apply them by drafting your first legal memo.

Civil Investigation

(LAW 104)

Is that floor too slippery? Did that car brake in time or not? Find out how a paralegal assists in civil litigation investigation. Learn basic investigation techniques and how to gather evidence.

Litigation

(LAW 111)

When most people think about the law, they think about trials. Learn about the litigation process, from filing a complaint through receiving a verdict. Prepare yourself to assist an attorney in civil litigation.

Law of Business Organizations

(LAW 121)

Partnerships and corporations are the dominant forces in the business world. Learn the differences between them and how to draft articles of incorporation and partnership agreements, as well as preparing contracts.

Real Property Law

(LAW 131)

Whether you own a home or rent one, real property law affects you. Learn about the landlord-tenant code, and deeds, agreements of sale, quieting title, and real estate closings.

Tort and Insurance Law

(LAW 136)

In a tort action, you sue someone for damage to yourself or your property. Learn about negligence and common legal defenses. Discover how insurance policies protect you, and learn how to read them.

Family Law

(LAW 140)

Curious about the law on divorce, property division, child custody, child support, and adoption? Learn how to prepare initial pleadings for divorce actions and compile a file of crucial Family Court forms and orders.

Computer Applications in the Law Office

(LAW 145)

Law firms employ increasing amounts of technology. Learn general computer skills as well as legal-specific programs for litigation support, timekeeping and billing, legal research, and document control.

Legal Document Preparation

Gain hands-on instruction in the preparation of legal documents for filing in local courts using word processing software. Learn and apply the principles of preparing documents for real estate, wills, bankruptcy, family law, torts, and more.

Estate Planning and Probate

If you die without a will, the State will determine who gets your assets. Estate planning helps you to get your assets to those you want to have them. Learn how to interview clients, draft a will, identify probatable assets, and gather an estate.

Employment Related Law

Many aspects of the working environment are set by law. Come learn about what those are and how they are set. Discover the function of unions and find out about the grievance process.

Consumer Law

Why did the woman who split hot coffee on herself at McDonald's recover? Can you sue Burger King if your Whopper doesn't look like the ad? Find out your rights as a consumer. Use special tools to research consumer disputes.

Criminal Law

What constitutes a crime? What are legitimate defenses? Find these out and in addition, learn about prosecutorial discretion, plea bargaining, and negotiation.

Rights of the Disadvantaged

Our society provides certain protections to the physically disabled, the mentally challenged, and the economically disadvantaged. Government programs are analyzed to determine what benefits are available to them and what are still lacking.

Cooperative Paralegal Education & Cooperative Legal Secretary Education

Work in a real law office, public or private, and apply the skills you've learned in the program. Includes career guidance.

Law Office Management

How are law offices organized? How are they run? Analyze the fundamental objectives of the law office and learn practical law practice management techniques and systems.

Legal Interviewing, Negotiating, and Advocacy

Computer-Assisted Legal Research