Presents an overview of the legal profession. Provides detailed introduction to the structure and function of the American Legal System, law office management, standard operating procedures and systems. Offers overview of fundamental areas of substantive and procedural law, interviewing and investigation, and research and writing. Infuses ethics and professionalism. Discusses legal aspects of current topics to aid students in acquiring an appreciation of the dynamic role of law in our changing society. Promotes understanding needed to participate effectively in our diverse global, national, and local communities.
Concentrates on the ethical responsibilities that have been established by statutes, courts decisions, court rules, and professional associations affecting legal assistants/paralegals and lawyers. Includes conflict of interest, confidentiality, competence, solicitation, fees and billing, obligations of attorneys to clients, and protection of client funds. Covers the nature of supervision in order to avoid unauthorized practice of law.
Covers the fundamental principles of contract law; the manner in which contracts are formed; the elements of a valid contract; the rights and obligations of various parties to a contract, as well as the rights of third parties; and available remedies when a contract is breached.
Covers the fundamental principles of tort law: intentional torts, negligence, and strict liability. Examines causes of action, defenses, and remedies, Develops skills to investigate and evaluate tort claims. Introduces tort litigation procedures and documents.
Prepares students for the increasing levels of computer literacy demanded by the legal profession. Covers the basic features of at least one commonly used word processing program, database program, spreadsheet program and legal specific programs for calendaring, timekeeping and billing. Offers basic features of computer-assisted legal research and other electronic resources. Incorporates current technological trends used by the legal profession.
Offers specialized training to paralegal students that incorporates practical opportunities working beside pro bono, self-help center, and limited scope attorneys to promote access to justice to low- and moderate-income people in crisis. Includes field placement preparing students to work respectfully, professionally, and ethically with attorneys providing legal services/information using available resources.
Offers working knowledge of techniques of legal research. Examines various sources of law and types of research tools. Emphasis on using a law library. Develops book-based and computer-assisted research skills. Outlines development of a research strategy plan to locate and update applicable law. Analyze cases, statutes, and report findings. Stresses proper citation form.
Offers working knowledge of techniques of legal writing in the preparation of a variety of legal documents such as legal correspondence, briefs, memoranda, and pleadings. Incorporates analysis and synthesis of research to draft legal documents. Emphasizes the importance of proper format and citation.
Covers basic legal concepts and fundamental principles of law as applied to the more common forms of wills, trusts, and intestacy, as well as organization and jurisdiction of the probate court. Examines strategies and tools available for estate planning. Develops a working knowledge of resources that reflect the process and procedures required by law for estate administration. Includes drafting of a simple will and advanced directive. Explores course procedures and public records research. Presents computer applications in estate law.
Provides a comprehensive study of civil litigation, state, and federal court structure and procedure. Explores components of the litigation process. Includes drafting pleadings and other documents associated with litigation. Incorporates use of technology in the litigation process. Develops skills to effectively and ethically support the litigation process. Introduces administrative procedure.
Covers basic legal concepts and fundamental principles of real estate law. Topics include property rights; types of land ownership/estates; easements; title and use of real estate; agreements for sale; financing; conveyancing; title insurance; settlement procedures; recording and post-closing matters that deal with residential, commercial, condominiums, and planned communities; and landlord/tenant matters. Develops a working knowledge of resources that reflect the process and procedures required by law.
Explores the fundamentals and emerging issues in family law. Topics include marriage, separation, divorce, alimony, child custody and visitation, child support, disposition of property and legal rights of children, adoption, guardianship, and domestic relations. Explores court procedures, public records research, and the mediation process. Presents computer applications in domestic relations practice.