Skip to Content
Course

Foundations of Legal Communication & Research

LAW-40079

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the essential communication skills required in a law office environment. Students will develop both written and oral communication abilities, crucial for effective practice in the legal field. This course will also include an introduction to legal research concepts.


 

Course Format

This is a Live Online Synchronous course, with web-based class lectures scheduled to meet at published dates and times.  UCSD Extended Studies operates in Pacific Standard Time and therefore all class meetings and deadlines are held to Pacific Standard Time (PST).
Attendance is required for all meetings, regardless of the time zone in which you reside.  

Course Information

Live Online
3.00 units
$595.00
Notes: Please Note: This course should be completed PRIOR to taking Legal Research & Analysis (LAW-40003).

Get more information

Course sessions

Wait List

Section ID:

194755

Class type:

Synchronous web-based class meetings that are scheduled to meet online at published times (time/date).

Textbooks:

The Little Book on Legal Writing 2nd
by Dworsky
ISBN / ASIN: 0837705606

Legal Research and Writing for Paralegals 10th
by Deborah E. Bouchoux
ISBN / ASIN: 9781543847581

You may purchase textbooks via the UC San Diego Bookstore.

Policies:

  • No refunds after: 1/8/2026
  • 1st no meeting date: 1/19/2026
  • 2nd no meeting date: 2/16/2026

Note:

Synchronous web-based class meetings that are scheduled to meet online at published dates and times (PST). Attendance is required for all meetings.

Schedule:

Date Day Start End
1/5/2026 Mon 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
1/12/2026 Mon 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
1/26/2026 Mon 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
2/2/2026 Mon 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
2/9/2026 Mon 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
2/23/2026 Mon 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
3/2/2026 Mon 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
3/9/2026 Mon 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
3/16/2026 Mon 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
Wait List

Instructor: Julia Dunlap, J.D.

Julia Dunlap, J.D.

Director of Legal Education, UC San Diego

Julia M. Dunlap, Esq., is the Director of Business, Legal, and Safety Programs for UC San Diego Extended Studies Business certificates, ABA Approved Paralegal Certificate Program, the Patent Law Certificate Program, and the OSHA Training Institute Education Center. Ms. Dunlap received her Bachelor of Art's degree in English from the University of California at Berkeley. She earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of San Diego, School of Law, and became an active member of the California State Bar in 1993. She is licensed to practice before California and Federal courts. In addition to her duties at UC San Diego, she is a sole practitioner specializing in estate planning. A lawyer by training but an educator at heart, Ms. Dunlap currently teaches Introduction to the Legal System, Foundations of Legal Communication & Research, and Legal Research & Analysis at UC San Diego Extended Studies.  She has played an active role in legal education for over 20 years and is a staunch supporter of the important role paralegals play in the legal profession. As a past president of the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE), Julia is considered an expert in the field of training and education of non-lawyers.
 

Full Bio