We provide free placement assistance to graduates as they enter the legal profession.

For Qualified Candidates, contact us today!

placement@paralegal.edu
1.800.446.6931

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Center For Advanced Legal Studies Help Files

Center For Advanced Legal Studies

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I configure my computer for the Certified Paralegal Review Seminar?
A: The Certified Paralegal Review...
The Certified Paralegal Review Seminar offered by Center for Advanced Legal Studies utilizes two leading course management platforms; Blackboard Learn 9.1 and Wimba Live Classroom.
 
These technologies require an initial configuration of your computer to work properly.  Since the Certified Paralegal Review Seminar is presented in a live interactive format, participants are required to have a webcam and microphone, with a headset being preferred.
 
Follow these steps to configure your computer.  (If using a company or corporate computer, it is recommended you seek the assistance of your local IT professional)
  • Launch Firefox (recommended), Internet Explorer version 8 or 9, or another compatible Internet browser.
  • Install the latest version of Java
  • Access Blackboard at http://distance.paralegal.edu
  • Log into Blackboard
    • If you are a current student or recent graduate of the Center, you can use your existing Blackboard account.
    • If you are new to the Center, or if you graduated prior to March of 2011, a new Blackboard account has been created for you.  In this case your username will be the first initial of your first name followed by your last name followed by .cp all in lower case.  For example, Steve Sample's username would be ssample.cp
    • New accounts will have an initial password of paralegal
  • Blackboard sometimes uses small browser windows to deliver requested content. Some pop-up blockers incorrectly interpret these small windows as pop-ups and block them. If you have installed a pop-up blocker, turn it off while using Blackboard, or allow pop-ups for this site when prompted.
  • After logging into Blackboard you will see your Certified Paralegal Review Seminar listed in the 'My Courses' area of your home page.  Click the title of the course to enter.
  • You should see a Wimba Classroom link listed in the course menu.  This link will take you to the Wimba Classroom content area.  Please run the Wimba Setup Wizard with your webcam and microphone (headset) connected.  Please run the wizard carefully, waiting for each step to complete before clicking 'next'.  This should complete your configuration. 
Please see the following help files for more configuration details and answers to frequently asked questions:
Q: What are the Center's laptop requirements?
A: All students entering the Center for...

All students entering the Center for Advanced Legal Studies are required to have their own laptop. Laptops should meet or exceed certain minimum requirements as listed below.

 

Configuration item
Minimum specifications
Computer Type
Windows 7 based laptop or notebook
(netbooks not recommended)
Mac users must have access to a Windows based PC to run certain proprietary applications
Screen Size
13.3"
Native Screen Resolution
1024 x 768
Processor Speed
1.6 GHz
Minimum RAM
2 GB
Minimum Hard Disk Size
120 GB
Minimum Battery Life
4 hours
Ethernet
10/100/1000 Integrated
Wireless
802.11 a/b/g/n (N preferred)
Optical Drive
DVD/CD-RW
Sound
Integrated, with speakers, earphone and mic jack
USB slots
Two (2) - powered
Video Graphic Card
Discrete graphics preferred but not required
Modem
Not Required
Webcam
Required (Integrated preferred)
  

 

Minimum software requirements  
Operating system:
   Windows 7, Mac OS (see note above)
Windows XP and Windows Vista are not recommended.
Microsoft Office:
   Provided to all incoming students
Security software:
   Internet firewall / antivirus / anti-malware with active subscription to updates

 

Internet Connection Requirements 
Broadband Internet at 768 kb/sec is the minimum recommended. Most subscribers to telecom DSL or cable company Internet service should meet or exceed this requirement. Cellular Internet (Verizon, Clear, etc.) and satellite service can suffice for limited use but aren’t recommended as a primary connections.

You can test your current Internet speed at http://speedtest.net
 
Note:  wired connections (RJ45) to the router are preferred to wireless connections.


Q: How do I connect to the Remote Desktop?
A: The Center utilizes Windows Terminal Servers...
The Center utilizes Windows Terminal Servers to allow access to applications which would normally be accessible only on campus.  All you need is an active Internet connection and a small free utility.
 
A username and password should have been created for you after you started your first class.  For students, usernames are typically your last name followed by the last 4 digits of your social security number.  For example, if your name is Steven Jones and your SSN is 123-45-6789 your username will be jones6789.  Your initial password will be the last 4 digits of your SSN.  The system will require you to create a new, more secure password when you first login.
 
To access the remote servers you will need to run a small application called Remote Desktop Connection.  If you are using a Windows machine this app will already be installed on your computer.  From the Start Menu, select Programs or All Programs.  Select Accessories, and then Remote Desktop Connection. 
 
If you are using a Mac, you will need to download and install the free application from Microsoft.  Remote Desktop Connection for Mac
 
When you run the application you should see the following logon screen:
 
 
Type remote.paralegal.edu in the computer field.  Do not connect yet.
 
By default, you will NOT be able to save documents created in the remote session onto your computer, but you can change this behavior.
 
Click on the Options>> button to reveal the following screen (or one very similar)
 
 
 
Next, select the Local Resources tab at the top of the dialog box.
 
 
Click the More button to access your local disk drives.
 
 
Place a check in the box next to each disk drive you wish be able to access.  If you plan to use a flash or USB drive, place a check in both the Drives that I connect to later and Supported Plug and Play devices.
 
Click the OK button and click the Connect button.
 
Once the connection to the Remote Servers is made, you will be presented with the following login screen.  Enter your username and password, and change the Log on to field to CALS using the drop-down menu.
 
 
You should be presented with a remote desktop after a brief configuration period.
Q: What are my prospects for employment after I graduate from the Center?
A: The Center’s graduates have had great success in...
The Center’s graduates have had great success in finding employment in the legal field. Our placement director works individually with each graduate to help ensure this success.
 
On the most recent annual report ending Aug. 31, 2008, the Texas Workforce Commission states  that 84% of our Certificate graduates and 89% of our AAS Degree graduates were employed in the legal profession.  Awesome!  Considering that some graduates attended the Center on a student VISA and were not eligible for employment in the United States and others elected to pursue higher education, these are incredible statistics.   
 
The future looks very promising as well. According the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the paralegal profession "is projected to grow much faster than average for all occupations through 2016" as law firms increasingly hire paralegals to lower the cost and increase the availability and efficiency of legal services.
 
Considering this and the Center’s commitment to providing dedicated placement services, our graduates should feel very confident concerning their future employment possibilities.
Q: I don’t see how I can afford to get my paralegal education. I don’t have the money right now. What..
A: No matter what your financial situation is right...
No matter what your financial situation is right now, we have a plan to help you get through school and begin a career you'll love. While many of our students pay for their education as they attend, the majority of our students rely on the financial assistance that is available for college students. The truth is, few people can afford to pay up front for their education. You are not alone. Rarely is a person denied the opportunity to continue their education due to a lack of funds.
Q: How do I know if the paralegal profession is right for me?
A: The paralegal profession is right for you if...
The paralegal profession is right for you if you have a passion for the law. You do not need to go to law school to begin a great legal career.
 
Like law school, paralegal students come from all walks of life. But it is your drive, dedication, and determination that will bring you success. 
 
Paralegal students should have good communication skills, be dependable, curious, decisive, and willing to dedicate themselves to the task at hand. Maturity is a definite plus.
 
We ask our students to look at attending their classes as they would their paralegal career; have a positive attitude, an open mind, a good work ethic, be on time, ask questions, be deliberate and organized, and do their best.
 
If you can do that, the paralegal profession can be a great career that brings you a satisfying future.
 
 
   

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