Millard Fillmore College Offering Expanded Paralegal Studies Certification Program

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Millard Fillmore College, the continuing-education and summer- sessions division at the University at Buffalo, is offering an expanded certification program in paralegal studies to prepare students for one of the fastest-growing careers in the country.

The program is designed to improve the skills of currently employed paralegals and law-firm employees, as well as to provide those interested in becoming paralegals the opportunity to become proficient at legal terminology and analytical research and writing.

To earn certification, students must complete five courses, representing 16 UB credit hours, with a grade of "C" or better. Each course will be offered in the spring semester.

The Certificate in Paralegal Studies program is shorter and more intense than similar programs, and features course assignments applicable to real-life situations.

Required courses, taught by experienced attorneys, are "Introduction to Law and Legal Process," "Paralegal Principles and Procedures," "Legal Research and Writing," "Basic Bankruptcy Law" and "Basic Real Estate Law."

The deadline for registration is Jan. 20. To request a registration packet or for more information, call (716) 829-2202.

• Michael B. Dixon, a partner in the law firm Dixon & Hamilton, L.L.P., who received degrees from UB and Cooley Law School. Dixon practices primarily in the areas of defense litigation, personal injury, family and matrimonial law, estates and real estate.

• Olga A. Hazelwood, a staff attorney with the Buffalo Legal Aid Bureau. A graduate of Brooklyn Law School, New York University and Texas Woman's University in Houston, she is listed in the 1996-97 edition of "Who's Who in American Law" and served as a public defender in Buffalo City Court.

• Lisa Yaegar, a UB School of Law graduate and an assistant attorney in the Buffalo City Court Bureau of the Erie County District Attorney's Office.

• Robert Croyle, a senior attorney with the Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc., and an examining real-estate title counsel for Commonwealth Title Co. A graduate of the University of Akron School of Law, Croyle is a former national partner with Hyatt Legal Services.