Explores on-the-job realities of the paralegal profession with emphasis on the daily operations of a law office and the role of the paralegal in the office. Covers time management, billing, writing appropriate legal communiqués, and communicating with clients.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
- Structure of the Judicial and Legislative Systems
Describe the structure of the judicial and legislative systems.
- Legal terminology.
Use legal terminology appropriately.
- Role of the paralegal in the delivery of legal services.
Explain the role of the paralegal in the delivery of legal services.
Identify basic paralegal duties in a law office setting. - Organization and time management.
Demonstrate effective organizational skills appropriate to a legal setting.
Demonstrate best practices for timekeeping, billing, time management, legal communications, and law office management. - Verbal communication.
Explain effective verbal communication skills appropriate to a legal setting.
- Written communication.
Prepare appropriate and grammatically correct letters, releases, subpoenas, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, and interoffice memoranda.
- Investigating and interviewing.
Analyze real or hypothetical scenarios, and use appropriate interview and investigative techniques to uncover facts necessary to support a legal position.
Assessment and Requirements
Students will be assessed through quizzes, tests, in-class and out-of-class assignments, drafting assignments, and/or class participation.