In its latest new program aimed at fast-growing career fields, UMBC Training Centers announced today the launch of the University's first Paralegal training program, targeting both existing professionals in the legal arena, and those interested in exploring the field and learning more about the law.

"This is an area that we have been anxious to address for some time, with so many prestigious law firms, and so much governmental and legislative activity based in the region," says Doug Kendzierski, Associate Vice-Provost and President/CEO of UMBC Training Centers.

The Center for Legal Studies (CLS) manages a nationally acclaimed curriculum that boasts over 10,000 graduates in the last twenty-three years. Scott A. Hatch, J.D., President of CLS says, "The quality and effectiveness of any paralegal program should be measured not only by its reputation, but by the opportunity for on-the-job-experience, the satisfaction of the employers that hire these individuals, and the assurance of a solid delivery provider. We cover all of these bases in our offering through UMBC."

Law-related careers rank among the rapid-risers in the US economy, with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting an increase of 62 percent in paralegal employment by 2008, the sixth largest occupation growth rate resulting in 74,000 new paralegal hires. Paralegal salaries currently average in the mid to high 30's in the region, with projected averages near $45,000 by 2005.

Class sections are forming now and slated to begin in September, with more to be scheduled throughout the year. The six-weekend course is taught by local attorneys, and includes 84 hours of intensive training, all required texts and materials, and a voluntary internship opportunity for the top quarter of each graduating class.

Students will be trained to assist trial attorneys, interview witnesses, investigate complex fact patterns, research the law, and assist in preparing cases for courtroom litigation. The instruction is practice-oriented and focuses on those areas of the law in which paralegals are in highest demand.

For more information on these programs, contact UMBC Training Centers at (410) 594-2282, or visit their paralegal training website at www.continuinged.umbc.edu/paralegal.

About UMBC Training Centers, LLC
The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), a regional leader in workforce development, established UMBC Training Centers, LLC as its continuing education and industry training operation, addressing critical regional employment priorities through responsive programming in areas such as Professional Engineering, BioTechnology/Regulatory Affairs, Federal Regulation Compliance, Professional Human Resource Management, Certified Financial Planning, LSAT/GMAT/GRE Test Preparation, PMI Project Management Certification, Certified Professional Bookkeeping, Call Center Management and a full range of industry-standard computer certification programs.

In partnership with such renowned organizations as The College for Financial Planning, the Project Management Institute, the HIPAA Academy, the Society for Human Resources Management, Microsoft, Oracle and Sun Microsystems, the LLC offers the finest content available in the marketplace, while maintaining the University's reputation for affordable programming. Programs include instructor-led and web-based training, with part-time, full-time, evening, weekend and weekday class schedules, and customized contract training available.

About The Center for Legal Studies
The Center for Legal Studies, in partnership with over 600 colleges and universities around the world, has been dedicated to the instruction and preparation of students to work as full-time, part-time, or freelance paralegals, legal secretaries, legal investigations, mediators, legal nurse consultants, and victim advocates since 1980. For more information, call 1-800-522-7737 or visit www.legalstudies.com.