Paralegal Session Three: Family Law | Criminal Law | Employment Law

Dates:November 11 - December 11, 2025
Meets:Tu and Th from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Location:UT Arlington TBA
Cost: $395.00

There are still openings remaining at this time.

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Family Law- This course provides a comprehensive examination of Texas family law, encompassing the statutes, legal principles, doctrines, and procedures governing familial relationships and domestic affairs. Students will explore a wide range of topics, including marriage, divorce, child custody, adoption, and domestic violence. Through a combination of theoretical study, case analyses, and practical exercises, students will develop a nuanced understanding of the legal framework governing family relationships.

Criminal Law- Through case analyses, statutory interpretation, and simulated exercises, students will gain a deep understanding of the principles of criminal law and their application in real-world scenarios. They will examine the constitutional protections afforded to defendants, explore the ethical dilemmas faced by criminal law practitioners, and analyze the role of criminal justice institutions in upholding the rule of law. Students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue careers in criminal law.

Employment Law- This course provides an extensive overview of federal and state employment laws, focusing on the legal rights and obligations of employers and employees in the workplace. Students will examine a variety of topics, including employment discrimination, wage and hour laws, workplace safety, and labor relations. Through case studies, statutory analysis, and interactive discussions, students will explore the complexities of employment law. They will learn to navigate the regulatory framework governing employment relationships, analyze the impact of emerging trends such as remote work and the gig economy, and develop strategies for addressing workplace disputes and compliance challenges.

Notes:


NO CLASS November 25th and 27th, 2025, due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

Fee: $395.00
Hours:32.00
CEUs:3.20

UT Arlington TBA

The University of Texas at Arlington
Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWF)

140 W. Mitchell Street, Arlington, Texas 76019
Phone: 866-906-9190

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Donna Patterson

Donna C. Patterson has been a professor for the Paralegal Program at the University of Texas at Arlington since 2002.

She is a Senior Litigation Paralegal who has worked in many areas of law, including bankruptcy, criminal, family, estate, real estate, employment, appellate, medical malpractice, insurance defense, commercial, and general litigation. She is employed by the law firm Lynn Law, PLLC, where she assists in Labor and Employment Law matters. She also serves as Accounts Manager for Lynn Law.

Mrs. Patterson has:

Written over 200 training presentations on varied topics such as electronic discovery, legal ethics, legal terminology, Texas criminal code, trial preparation, age and sex discrimination, sexual harassment, responsibilities of management, proper conduct in the workplace, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and the Family Medical Leave Act.

Prior to working in the legal field, she was an Arlington business owner and worked in computer systems, computer software, and sales and brokering of computer hardware.

Received her Paralegal Certificate from the University of Texas at Arlington. She is a member of the Texas Bar College, Paralegal Division of the State Bar of Texas.

She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Fort Worth Paralegal Association as Scholarship Chair. She has served as 2nd Vice President/Membership Chair, Ethics Chair, and Public Relations Chair for the Fort Worth Paralegal Association. She is currently working on a yearly series addressing paralegal ethical pitfalls and solutions entitled "Ethical Emma."

Mrs. Patterson supports local charities, including Arlington Charities, Arlington Life Shelter, The Veterans Hospital, and Legal Aid of Northwest Texas.

dpatterson@uta.edu
(817) 703-8727


Date Day Time Location
11/11/2025Tuesday6 PM to 10 PM UT Arlington TBA
11/13/2025Thursday6 PM to 10 PM UT Arlington TBA
11/18/2025Tuesday6 PM to 10 PM UT Arlington TBA
11/20/2025Thursday6 PM to 10 PM UT Arlington TBA
12/02/2025Tuesday6 PM to 10 PM UT Arlington TBA
12/04/2025Thursday6 PM to 10 PM UT Arlington TBA
12/09/2025Tuesday6 PM to 10 PM UT Arlington TBA
12/11/2025Thursday6 PM to 10 PM UT Arlington TBA




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