+1 (800) 371-5581

Student Login

Request Info
Enroll Now
Request Info
Enroll Now

About WTI

Affordable, career-focused education—built for real-world success.

Washington Technical Institute is a 100% online career college committed to providing practical, high-quality training without the burden of student loan debt. 

Accreditation & Licensing

Accredited for career-focused, real-world education.

WTI Mission Statement

Washington Tech 101

Partner with Us

About Excel Education Systems

Frequently Asked Questions [↗]

Visit our Knowledge Resource Center

Areas of Study

Information Technology

Business

Legal & Criminal Justice

Healthcare

General Education Courses

Course Catalog

Cyber Security

Undergraduate Certificate

Software Developer

Undergraduate Certificate

Microsoft Office

Undergraduate Certificate

Computer Networking

Undergraduate Certificate

Programming Languages

Undergraduate Certificate

Database Management

Undergraduate Certificate

Business Leadership & Management

Undergraduate Certificate

Business Law

Undergraduate Certificate

Business Administration

Undergraduate Certificate

Accounting

Undergraduate Certificate

Applied Economics

Undergraduate Certificate

Integrated Marketing

Undergraduate Certificate

Master Paralegal

Undergraduate Certificate

Senior Paralegal

Undergraduate Certificate

National Paralegal

Undergraduate Certificate

Legal Support Certificate: Immigration

Undergraduate Certificate

Paralegal Concentration Certificate

Undergraduate Certificate

Criminal Justice Certificate

Undergraduate Certificate

Medical Coding & Billing

Undergraduate Certificate

Medical Coding & Billing w/Foundations

Undergraduate Certificate

Healthcare Administration

Undergraduate Certificate

Health Services Management

Undergraduate Certificate

Pharmacy Technician

Undergraduate Certificate

Health Insurance & Reimbursement

Undergraduate Certificate

Business Communication

Gen Ed Course: BUS-100

American Government

Gen Ed Course: GEN-100

Biology

Gen Ed Course: GEN-101

College Algebra

Gen Ed Course: GEN-102

English Composition 1

Gen Ed Course: GEN-103

Psychology

Gen Ed Course: GEN-104

Sociology

Gen Ed Course: GEN-105

U.S. History

Gen Ed Course: GEN-106

Your Path to Enrollment

Start your journey at Washington Technical Institute with a simple, affordable admissions process. Learn how to enroll, explore tuition options, and discover flexible ways to fund your education—without the burden of student debt.

Admissions

Getting started made simple.

Tuition

Clear, affordable pricing.

Loans & Financing

No federal aid—no student debt.

Enrollment Requirements

Know what you need to apply.

Contact Admissions

Need help enrolling? We’re here.

Everything You Need to Succeed

Access academic tools, honors opportunities, and helpful documents—all designed to support your success at Washington Technical Institute. Whether you’re preparing for graduation or just getting started, you’ll find everything you need here.

Alpha Beta Kappa Honor Society

Recognizing academic excellence.

WTI Resource Library

Explore trusted learning tools.

Student Forms

Quick access to important documents.

PLAW-201: Legal Research & Writing

Build paralegal skills in research, analysis, and writing. Learn to evaluate legal sources, analyze issues, and draft professional legal documents with clarity and precision.

Course Description

PLAW-201: Legal Research & Writing introduces students to the fundamental skills that form the backbone of paralegal and legal professional practice. Using Legal Research, Analysis, and Writing by William H. Putman and Jennifer R. Albright, this course provides training in locating, evaluating, and applying primary and secondary legal authorities such as statutes, case law, administrative rules, and scholarly commentary.

Students will develop critical legal analysis skills—spotting issues, identifying key facts, and constructing logical arguments—while practicing the writing of professional documents including office memoranda, briefs, and correspondence. Emphasis is placed on precision, clarity, and organization, with assignments designed to mirror real-world tasks.

By incorporating technology and digital research methods, the course also ensures students are prepared to navigate today’s legal databases and online resources efficiently. This foundation in research, analysis, and professional writing is essential for success in paralegal roles, legal support positions, and future law studies.

Textbook: Legal Research, Analysis, and Writing by William H. Putman, JD, Jennifer R. Albright, JD, LLM | 5th Edition | Copyright 2024

Course Objectives

Identify and evaluate primary and secondary sources of law in legal research.

Apply effective legal research strategies using print, electronic, and commercial databases.

Analyze legal issues by identifying key facts, spotting issues, and applying case law.

Construct logical arguments and counteranalysis to support legal conclusions.

Produce professional legal documents, including office memoranda, briefs, and correspondence.

Demonstrate effective legal writing techniques that emphasize clarity, accuracy, and organization.

Starting is Easy

Want to learn more about earning your accredited high school diploma? Just enter your name and email below, and we’ll send you a series of helpful emails to guide you through the process.

Course Contents

Introduction to Legal Principles and Authorities

Introduction to Legal Research and Analysis Constitutions, Statutes, Administrative Law, and Court Rules—Research and Analysis

Case Law—Research and Briefing

Secondary Authority and Other Research Sources—Encyclopedias, Treatises, American Law Reports, Digests, Shepard’s

Secondary Authority—Periodicals, Restatements, Uniform Laws, Dictionaries, Legislative History, and Other Secondary Authorities

Computers and Internet Legal Research

Commercial Internet Research

Legal Analysis—Key Facts

Legal Analysis: Issue Identification—Spotting the Issue

Legal Analysis: Stating the Issue

Case Law Analysis—Is a Case on Point?

Counteranalysis

Fundamentals of Writing

The Writing Process for Effective Legal Writing

Office Legal Memorandum: Issues and Facts

Office Legal Memorandum: Analysis to Conclusion

External Memoranda: Court Briefs

Correspondence

Single Course or Program Option

This course may be purchased individually or as part of the certificate programs listed below.

Master Paralegal
View Program Details
Senior Paralegal
View Program Details
National Paralegal
View Program Details

Recommended Prerequisites

Accreditation You Can Trust

See Our Accreditations
Washington Technical Institute is fully accredited by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS)—a regional accrediting agency recognized for setting high standards in education. This accreditation affirms that our programs, operations, and outcomes meet rigorous academic and institutional benchmarks. MSA-CESS accreditation is a mark of quality that ensures our students receive an education that is both credible and respected. It also means WTI is committed to continuous improvement, student success, and accountability at every level.