Paralegal Studies (PARA)
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.
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)
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.
This course focuses on the criminal justice system and related statutes and constitutional issues. Students learn substantive and procedural rules and become familiar with pleadings filed in criminal court by prosecutors and defense attorneys.
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)
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)
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)
This course teaches students to learn about the documents filed in bankruptcy court by attorneys representing debtors and creditors in Chapter 7, 11 and 13 cases. In addition, the course will discuss collection remedies on judgments obtained in civil court by secured and unsecured creditors.
A minimum of 150 hours of on-the-job paralegal or other substantive law-related training in an approved work situation. Students work an average of 10-15 hours each week. Prerequisite(s): Completion of at least 75% of all paralegal career courses and program approval.
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)
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)
This course teaches students the legal issues involved in the health care industry. Students review and analyze contracts prepared by paralegals and attorneys for hospitals, doctors and Health Maintenance Organizations.
This course takes a practice-oriented approach to the fields of patent, trademark, and copyright litigation and persecution.
This course explores the interaction between legal professionals and administrative agencies. Topics include the Administrative Procedures Act and related statutes and administrative rules, in areas such as environmental and social security law.
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)
The study of selected topics or current issues in the law relevant to paralegal studies.
The study of selected topics or current issues in the law relevant to paralegal studies.
The study of selected topics or current issues in the law relevant to paralegal studies.
The study of selected topics or current issues in the law relevant to paralegal studies.