Blackstone’s Interviewing and Investigation Course for the Incarcerated
This course provides an overview of interviewing and investigating skills used by paralegals to gather relevant information in order to assist the legal team in case preparation. The concept of formal discovery as it relates to civil and criminal litigation is discussed. Ethical considerations that affect the interviewing and investigating process are addressed. Students will learn to identify and find witnesses, use public and private sources of information, and prepare and conduct interviews of clients and witnesses.
Objectives
a. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the purpose and role of factual investigation and interviewing as it relates to formal discovery and informal investigation in the law office.
b. Describe the American adversarial system.
c. Explain formal discovery in civil and criminal procedure
d. Describe the basic rules of evidence and how they are applied in interviewing and investigating by legal professionals.
e. Discuss relevant ethical and professional concerns including the unauthorized practice of law, client confidences, conflicts of interest, and improper communications.
f. Illustrate the communication and factual analysis skills needed to competently plan and carry out an effective investigation in a realistic case context including locating public and private records, identifying fact witnesses, locating qualified expert witnesses, and the scheduling and conducting of a client interview and a witness interview as well as the preparation of a witness statement.
Freedom Through Education
– Research shows that continuing education improves self-esteem and self-worth in adults.
– All materials needed to successfully complete Blackstone’s Advanced Paralegal courses is provided, including a soft-covered commercial textbook and an accompanying study guide.
– Students may qualify for earned time – consult with the education director for eligibility.
– Gaining knowledge and developing skills increases opportunities for gainful employment upon release.
– Students will have access to the instructor by using the “Request for Consultation” forms located in the back of each of their study guides. Sponsors can email us at info@blackstone.edu with any questions on behalf of the student.
-Nationally and Regionally accredited, Blackstone Career Institute strives to achieve the highest standards of school performance and student results along with compliance to all agency Standards and Code of Ethics. This is your assurance that we provide our students a quality education.
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Blackstone’s Interviewing and Investigation Course for the Incarcerated
This course provides an overview of interviewing and investigating skills used by paralegals to gather relevant information in order to assist the legal team in case preparation. The concept of formal discovery as it relates to civil and criminal litigation is discussed. Ethical considerations that affect the interviewing and investigating process are addressed. Students will learn to identify and find witnesses, use public and private sources of information, and prepare and conduct interviews of clients and witnesses.
Objectives
a. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the purpose and role of factual investigation and interviewing as it relates to formal discovery and informal investigation in the law office.
b. Describe the American adversarial system.
c. Explain formal discovery in civil and criminal procedure
d. Describe the basic rules of evidence and how they are applied in interviewing and investigating by legal professionals.
e. Discuss relevant ethical and professional concerns including the unauthorized practice of law, client confidences, conflicts of interest, and improper communications.
f. Illustrate the communication and factual analysis skills needed to competently plan and carry out an effective investigation in a realistic case context including locating public and private records, identifying fact witnesses, locating qualified expert witnesses, and the scheduling and conducting of a client interview and a witness interview as well as the preparation of a witness statement.
Freedom Through Education
– Research shows that continuing education improves self-esteem and self-worth in adults.
– All materials needed to successfully complete Blackstone’s Advanced Paralegal courses is provided, including a soft-covered commercial textbook and an accompanying study guide.
– Students may qualify for earned time – consult with the education director for eligibility.
– Gaining knowledge and developing skills increases opportunities for gainful employment upon release.
– Students will have access to the instructor by using the “Request for Consultation” forms located in the back of each of their study guides. Sponsors can email us at info@blackstone.edu with any questions on behalf of the student.
-Nationally and Regionally accredited, Blackstone Career Institute strives to achieve the highest standards of school performance and student results along with compliance to all agency Standards and Code of Ethics. This is your assurance that we provide our students a quality education.
Available Payment Plans
1. You can choose to pay the $455 tuition in full or; 2. We offer a payment plan with a 100% approval rate for our advanced paralegal courses—you will pay a $160.00 down payment & 5 monthly payments of $59.00.
Pay using your credit or debit card!
- Visa
- Discover
- Master Card
- American Express
Financial Assistance
Blackstone has a long history of providing high quality, affordable and accessible education to incarcerated individuals. We believe in freedom through education evidenced by thousands of our incarcerated students and graduates who have changed their lives by choosing to take a course with Blackstone Career Institute.
● BCI Payment Plans Our all-inclusive online certificate programs offer payment plans with no interest.
● Sponsorship You can support an incarcerated individual's educational goals by enrolling them in any of our Advanced Paralegal Courses. Student's can take more than one course at a time. As their sponsor, you will have access to the student's account information once they are enrolled. If you have questions about becoming a sponsor, please email us at info@blackstone.edu
Each Advanced course is shipped via U.S.P.S. and is self-paced. Students have 6 months to complete their course. Blackstone requires students provide a copy of their High School Diploma or GED.
Is your school accredited?
Yes. Blackstone Career Institute is nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), and regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools. Accreditation assures the public that our curriculum, faculty, administrative procedures and polices meet the accrediting agencies’ exceptionally high standards. To better understand the value of accreditation, read this document published by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Can these courses be used for continuing education?
Yes, these certificate courses have been designed for the purpose of professional growth, personal enrichment and continuing education. They are approved by our national and regional accreditors, however they are separate from our Pennsylvania licensure. If you are a Certified Paralegal (CP) through NALA, the National Association of Legal Assistants, each advanced course is worth 20 hours toward the 50 hours of Continuing Legal Education needed for paralegal recertification.
How much is tuition?
You can choose to pay the $455 tuition in full or; We offer a payment plan with a 100% approval rate for our advanced paralegal courses—you will pay a $160.00 down payment & 5 monthly payments of $59.00.
Are there physical textbooks included in the program?
Yes! Students will receive one commercial textbook and one Blackstone Study Guide to complete all of the exams. This material is shipped all-together the following business day after the student has registered.
How do I enroll?
Sponsors can enroll an incarcerated individual into the program by clicking here or calling our student service center Monday – Friday from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM EST at 800.826.9228. Blackstone has open-enrollment, so sponsors can enroll the student in the course anytime, 24/7/365.
How are course materials mailed?
Students who enroll in an Advanced Course can expect one shipment which will include everything they need for the program. This shipment is sent with tracking through the United States Postal Service. Typical Shipping Time is 7-10 business days. The materials include a commercial textbook valued at $160 and a Blackstone Study Guide.
Students choose to take our course for a variety of reasons. They realize the value of continuing their education, they want to become more knowledgeable in understanding their own case, or they want to show the parole board they are working for positive change.
- Lower rate of recidivism
- Higher self-esteem
- A means to transition into society.
- Increased Employment Prospects.
- More marketable job skills.
Our Advanced Paralegal Courses are designed for both professional development and to meet the continuing legal education (CLE) needs of practicing paralegals. Each advanced paralegal studies course has been reviewed by NALS - the association of legal professionals, and can be applied to the five-year PLS and PP recertification.
If you are a Certified Paralegal (CP) through NALA, the National Association of Legal Assistants, each advanced course is worth 20 hours toward the 50 hours of Continuing Legal Education needed for paralegal recertification.
