Course Descriptions

This course will introduce the basic knowledge and skills required of paralegals. Students will learn the basics of the American legal system along with skills such as researching legal issues, interviewing clients and witnesses, and drafting motions and pleadings. By the end of this course, students will have a clear understanding of what a paralegal does, the skills needed to be a successful paralegal and what it will take to begin a career as a paralegal.

This course is a general introduction to recorded sources of law. It will examine where and how law can be found. The course will include discussion of the sources of law and practical writing exercises.

This course prepares the paralegal for working with civil litigation and its associated processes. Included in the study are rules for civil procedure, court and non-court processes, mediation, arbitration and the role of the paralegal as it relates to civil law.

This course prepares the paralegal for working with criminal defense or criminal prosecution through study of the organization of the criminal justice system, criminal procedure, constitutional issues, applicable appellate procedures and the role of the paralegal as it relates to criminal law.

This course includes a study of the procedures, documents and other techniques used in the planning for transfer of property after death and the administration of estates.

This course covers the attorney-client privilege as it relates to paralegals, unauthorized practice of law, regulation of paralegals, ethical codes and rules.

This course is a continuation of Research and Writing I. Students will develop skills in identifying, analyzing and researching legal issues. Writing exercises will be more complex, including preparation of legal memoranda.

This course includes the law dealing with interest in, ownership of and title to real estate. Emphasis will be placed on legal descriptions, recording systems, and procedures and documents for real property transfer.

This course provides in-depth study of law using statute and case research. Students will examine legal issues in different areas of law and participate in discussion of these topics. Topics will range from law office structure and finances to procedural law and interviewing techniques. Instructor may include legal topics that are hot at the time of course offering.

This course will explore and research family law concepts of marriage, divorce, annulment, child custody, property settlements and adoption.

The paralegal internship provides students with the opportunity to apply the concepts and principles they have learned in a practical professional work environment under the supervision of a lawyer. Students complete an internship in which they perform the duties of a paralegal.

This course is designed to help first-year M State students successfully transition into college life. Topics include, but are not limited to, accessing college resources, understanding college guidelines, expectations and demands of being a college student, and community awareness. The class also will cover money management, proper nutrition and stress management. Students will participate in on-campus activities and community tours, and be exposed to expert guest speakers from the college and community. Students will set goals, examine learning styles and put in place a strategy for collegiate success.

This course is designed to help M State students strengthen and develop critical and creative thinking skills associated with a college academic experience, make social adaptations to a new environment and make connections with faculty, staff and resource offices. Topics include an understanding of individual risks and barriers, time management and personal responsibility. This class is also designed to develop student awareness of how to live a healthy holistic lifestyle. Students will be able to deepen their understanding with regards to social, emotional, intellectual, vocational and physical elements of self-development. Students will also participate in physical activities that promote a healthy, drug-free on-campus environment. Additional topics to be discussed may include but are not limited to goal setting, stress management, and drug and alcohol use,

This course covers such contemporary career topics as employer expectations, job market trends and networking, and various aspects of the employment search process including legal and ethical issues. To apply their knowledge of the employment process, students develop resumes, letters and applications, as well as identify and use effective interviewing techniques. This course emphasizes a comprehensive knowledge of career processes that will serve students throughout their working lives.

This course is designed to develop the application, resume writing, interviewing and job maintenance skills needed to conduct an effective job search.