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Paralegal Technology

Curriculum Description

The Paralegal Technology curriculum prepares individuals to work under the supervision of attorneys by performing routine legal tasks and assisting with substantive legal work. A paralegal/legal assistant may not practice law, give legal advice or represent clients in a court of law.

Course work includes substantive and procedural legal knowledge in the areas of civil litigation, legal research and writing, real estate, family law, wills, estates, trusts, and commercial law. Required courses also include subjects such as English, mathematics and computer utilization.

Graduates are trained to assist attorneys in probate work, investigations, public records searches, drafting and filing legal documents, research, and office management. Employment opportunities are available in private law firms, governmental agencies, banks, insurance agencies and other business organizations.

The following represents one way in which the program of study can be completed. Students who aren’t able to follow this plan should consult their academic advisor to be sure that they take courses in the best order for their success.

Associate in Applied Science

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POS Approved: Fall 2011

Fall Semester

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
LEX 110 Intro to Paralegal Study 2 0 0 2
LEX 130 Civil Injuries 3 0 0 3
LEX 240 Family Law 3 0 0 3
LEX 280 Ethics & Professionalism 2 0 0 2
OST 130 Comprehensive Keyboarding 2 2 0 3
Select one:
Introduction to Computers NEW PREREQ (2) (2) (0) (3)
  OR        
Basic PC Literacy NEW PREREQ 1 2 0 2
  Total: 13 4 0 15

Spring Semester

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
LEX 140 Civil Litigation I 3 0 0 3
LEX 150 Commercial Law I 2 2 0 3
LEX 250 Wills, Estates, & Trusts 2 2 0 3
ENG 111 Expository Writing 3 0 0 3
Select one:
Mathematical Models 2 2 0 3
  OR        
Survey of Mathematics (3) (0) (0) (3)
  OR        
College Algebra (3) (0) (0) (3)
  Total: 12 6 0 15

Summer Term

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
ACC 120 Prin of Financial Accounting 3 2 0 4
ENG 114 Prof Research & Reporting 3 0 0 3
___ ___ Paralegal Elective 1 ** ** ** 3
___ ___ Paralegal Elective 1 ** ** ** 3
  Total: 6 2 0 13

Fall Semester

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
LEX 120 Legal Research/Writing I 2 2 0 3
LEX 121 Legal Research/Writing II 2 2 0 3
LEX 210 Real Property I 3 0 0 3
OST 134 Text Entry & Formatting 2 2 0 3
___ ___ Humanities/Fine Arts Elective ** ** 0 3
  Total: 9 6 0 15

Spring Semester

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
COE 111 Co-op Work Experience I 0 0 10 1
___ ___ Paralegal Elective 2 ** ** ** 2
Select one:
Interpersonal Psychology 3 0 0 3
  OR        
General Psychology (3) (0) (0) (3)
  Total: 3 0 10 6

Total Credit Hours: 64

Additional Information

Keyboarding recommended at admission.

Paralegal Elective 1 – Select 6 credit hours: LEX 141, LEX 151, LEX 160, LEX 214, LEX 260

Paralegal Elective 2 – Select 2 credit hours: COE 115, COE 121, LEX 211, LEX 220, LEX 270, LEX 286

Humanities/Fine Arts Elective – Select one: ART 111, ENG 131, ENG 231, ENG 241, ENG 273, HUM 110, HUM 121, HUM 220, PHI 240 or REL 110. Consult an academic advisor concerning other possible electives.

**Hours will vary depending on course selection.

General Education Courses

Written Communication:

ENG 111, ENG 114

Oral Communication:

LEX 240

Behavioral and Social Science:

PSY 118 PSY 150

Humanities and Fine Arts:

ART 111, ENG 131, ENG 231, ENG 241, ENG 273, HUM 110, HUM 121, HUM 220, PHI 240, REL 110

Mathematics:

MAT 115, MAT 140, MAT 161

Technology:

CIS 110, CIS 111
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