Paralegal (PARL)

PARL 1000 - Intro to Paralegal Studies (3 Credit Hours)

This course introduces students to the United States legal system, the legal profession in general, and the paralegal profession in particular. Special focus is given to the skills necessary to obtain paralegal employment, the various duties performed by paralegals, and the ethical obligations of paralegals.

Prerequisite(s): None

(3/0/3)

PARL 1200 - Civil Procedure & Litigation (3 Credit Hours)

This course presents a general overview of civil procedure and litigation, with a special emphasis on the pretrial discovery component. This course offers students practical experience in fulfilling a paralegal’s role in the litigation context, with exercises in organizing and maintaining a client’s file, producing and managing litigation documents, and summarizing depositions and medical records.

Prerequisite(s): None

(3/0/3)

PARL 1300 - Tort Law for Paralegals (3 Credit Hours)

This course introduces students to tort liability, more commonly known as personal injury law. The course examines the topics of intentional torts, negligence, strict liability, and products liability through statutory law and selected case law.

Prerequisite(s): None

(3/0/3)

PARL 1400 - Family Law for Paralegals (3 Credit Hours)

This course focuses on the current law involving marriage, divorce, and community property regimes, as well as the ancillary topics of child support, alimony, custody, and visitation. This course will include a unit on the law of successions.

Prerequisite(s): None

(3/0/3)

PARL 1500 - Business Law for Paralegals (3 Credit Hours)

This is a survey course focusing on legal issues typically related to business. The course serves as an introduction to various business entities, including partnerships and corporations, and the laws that structure them. Additionally, this course examines the general principles of contract law and also includes a unit focusing on real estate transactions.

Prerequisite(s): None

(3/0/3)

PARL 2000 - Legal Research and Writing (3 Credit Hours)

This course introduces the fundamental skills necessary to conduct legal research. Students learn to use law library resources, as well as computerized research engines. This course also helps students develop effective legal writing skills. Students are required to do research projects, draft legal memoranda, and write opinion letters.

Prerequisite(s): PARL 1000 and PARL 1200

(3/0/3)