Paralegal Studies
Paralegal Studies
This program prepares individuals to perform research, drafting, investigatory activities, record-keeping and related Paralegal administrative functions under the supervision of an attorney in a law firm, public or private entity, and/or within a courtroom setting. This includes instruction in legal research, drafting legal documents, appraising, pleading, courthouse procedures, and legal specializations.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Produce written legal documents involved in litigation. Utilize electronic resources to research law and apply it to a given set of facts.
- Utilize appropriate judicial council pleading forms to produce documents required for pursuing and defending a lawsuit.
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of discovery tools and their functions as they relate to trial.
- Demonstrate ethical behavior of paralegals relevant to the attorney/ client relationship.
| Required Courses (37.5 units) | Units | |
| Level I Courses: | ||
| BUS-18A | Business Law I | 3 |
| PAL-10 | Introduction to Paralegal Studies | 3 |
| PAL-64 | Legal Research and Computer Applications | 3 |
| PAL-68 | Civil Litigation and Procedures I | 3 |
| CAT/CIS-80 or CAT/CIS-84 |
Word Processing: Microsoft Word for Windows Word Processing: WordPerfect for Windows |
3 3 |
| Level II Courses: | ||
| BUS-18B | Business Law II | 3 |
| PAL-14 | Legal Ethics | 3 |
| PAL-70 | Law Office Policies, Procedures and Ethics | 1.5 |
| PAL-72 | Legal Analysis and Writing | 3 |
| PAL-78 | Civil Litigation and Procedures II | 3 |
| Specialty Courses (Select 9 units from the following) | 9 | |
| ACC-1A | Principles of Accounting I | 3 |
| PAL-80 | Internship Project | 1.5 |
| PAL-81 | Bankruptcy Law and Procedures | 3 |
| PAL-83 | Estate Planning and Probate Procedures | 3 |
| PAL-85 | Family Law and Procedures | 3 |
| PAL-87 | Trial Practice Preparation and Procedures | 3 |
| RLE-82 | Legal Aspects of Real Estate | 3 |
Associate of Science Degree
The Associate of Science Degree in Paralegal Studies will be awarded upon completion of the degree requirements, including general education and other graduation requirements as described in the college catalog.