Paralegal Studies (PARA)

PARA 1101. Introduction to Law & Ethics (3) 

This course provides an overview of the legal system and the role of attorneys and paralegals within the system. The course also focuses on critical thinking, communication skills, case analysis, criminal and civil laws, and ethical issues confronted by legal professionals.

PARA 2203. Civil Litigation (3) 

This course focuses on drafting skills and the procedural rules and statutes governing state and federal civil courts. It is designed to take the student through all facets of a case: the initial client interview, the initiation of a case (or alternative dispute remedies), preparation of pleadings and discovery, motion practice, drafting of settlement and trial documents and the appellate process.

Prerequisites: PARA 1101 (may be taken concurrently)

PARA 2205. Legal Research & Writing (3) 

This course focuses on federal and state legal research utilizing print and online resources. Students will also learn proper legal citation and grammar usage skills and how to perform legal analysis. This course requires extensive independent research and writing time.

Prerequisites: PARA 1101 (may be taken concurrently) or CRJU 1150 (may be taken concurrently) or POLS 1101 (may be taken concurrently)

PARA 2209. Business Organizations (3) 

This course focuses on the legal rules commonly applied in commercial settings, the basic concepts of contract law, and the formation, operation and dissolution of business entities, such as sole proprietorships, general partnerships, limited partnerships, and corporations.

Prerequisites: PARA 1101 (may be taken concurrently)

PARA 2211. Computers in the Law (3) 

This course introduces students to computer applications commonly used in a legal environment. Students gain hands-on experience working with software used for litigation and graphic support, case management and docket control, timekeeping and billing, advanced word processing and spreadsheets, trial preparation, eDiscovery, and web conferencing.

Prerequisites: PARA 1101 (may be taken concurrently)

PARA 2213. Real Estate Law (3) 

This course examines real property law concepts, with a focus on the buyer-seller relationship, title examinations and title insurance, and closing procedures. Students prepare a closing statement and draft other documents needed to prepare for a real estate closing.

Prerequisites: PARA 1101 (may be taken concurrently)

PARA 2223. Wills, Trusts and Probate Law (3) 

This course teaches students the terminology and laws applicable to wills and trusts, and how to prepare these documents. Students also learn the procedural rules of Probate Court.

Prerequisites: PARA 1101 (may be taken concurrently)

PARA 2225. Family Law (3) 

This course focuses on marriage, annulment, antenuptial agreements, divorce and adoption. Students prepare all of the documentation necessary to file a divorce.

Prerequisites: PARA 1101 (may be taken concurrently)

PARA 2235. Law Office Skills (3) 

This course involves the student in practical problem solving and hands-on scenarios that may occur in a law office, such as those regarding ethical issues, written communications, document management, and timekeeping/billing procedures.

Prerequisites: PARA 1101 (may be taken concurrently)

PARA 2500. Special Topics in Paralegal St (3) 

The study of selected topics or current issues in the law relevant to paralegal studies.

Prerequisites: (PARA 1101 or CRJU 1150 or POLS 2101 or SOCI 1101)

PARA 2501. Special Topics in Paralegal St (3) 

The study of selected topics or current issues in the law relevant to paralegal studies.

Prerequisites: PARA 1101 or CRJU 1150 or POLS 2101 or SOCI 1101

PARA 2502. Special Topics in Paralegal St (3) 

The study of selected topics or current issues in the law relevant to paralegal studies.

Prerequisites: (PARA 1101 or CRJU 1150 or POLS 2101 or SOCI 1101)

PARA 2503. Special Topics in Paralegal St (3) 

The study of selected topics or current issues in the law relevant to paralegal studies.

Prerequisites: PARA 1101 or CRJU 1150 or POLS 2101 or SOCI 1101

PARA 2504. Special Topics in Paralegal St (3) 

The study of selected topics or current issues in the law relevant to paralegal studies.

Prerequisites: PARA 1101 or CRJU 1150 or POLS 2101 or SOCI 1101