PLGL-100: Essential Paralegal Skills

School
Business, Entrepreneurship, and Professional Development
Division
Business & Economics
Department
Legal Studies
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Paralegal
Course Number
100
Course Title
Essential Paralegal Skills
Credit Hours
2.00
Instructor Contact Hours Per Semester
32.00 (for 15-week classes)
Student Contact Hours Per Semester
32.00 (for 15-week classes)
Grading Method
A-E
Pre-requisites
ENG-131 eligible or Instructor permission
Catalog Course Description

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

Core Course Topics
  1. Structure of the Judicial and Legislative Systems
    1. Describe the structure of the judicial and legislative systems.
  2. Legal terminology.
    1. Use legal terminology appropriately.
  3. Role of the paralegal in the delivery of legal services.
    1. Explain the role of the paralegal in the delivery of legal services.
    2. Identify basic paralegal duties in a law office setting.
  4. Organization and time management.
    1. Demonstrate effective organizational skills appropriate to a legal setting.
    2. Demonstrate best practices for timekeeping, billing, time management, legal communications, and law office management.
  5. Verbal communication.
    1. Explain effective verbal communication skills appropriate to a legal setting.
  6. Written communication.
    1. Prepare appropriate and grammatically correct letters, releases, subpoenas, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, and interoffice memoranda.
  7. Investigating and interviewing.
    1. Analyze real or hypothetical scenarios, and use appropriate interview and investigative techniques to uncover facts necessary to support a legal position.

Assessment and Requirements

Assessment of Academic Achievement

Students will be assessed through quizzes, tests, in-class and out-of-class assignments, drafting assignments, and/or class participation.

Outcomes

Satisfies Wellness Requirement
No
Effective Term
Fall 2019