Paralegal Studies (220302)  Degree


Campus Locations: Thomasville

The Paralegal Studies associate of applied science degree program is a sequence of courses that prepares students for positions in the paralegal profession. Learning opportunities develop academic, technical and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. The knowledge and skills emphasized in this program include; research in state and federal law; legal correspondence preparation; family law matters; basic concepts of real property law, criminal law and procedure, civil litigation, tort law, and substantive contract law; and wills, trusts, and probate. The program of study emphasizes opportunities that provide students with specialized legal knowledge and skills required to aid lawyers. Program graduates receive a Paralegal Studies Associate of Applied Science degree.

Length of Program: Five (5) Semesters

Student Learning Outcomes:
• Students will conduct legal research and present written findings.
• Students will assess the legal and ethical obligations required for paralegals in the delivery of legal services.
• Students will describe how to open, maintain, and close client files.

Entrance Dates:
Beginning of each semester.

Entrance Requirements: Refer to Admissions criteria. Click for Entrance Score Requirements.

Age: N/A

Education: An applicant must be a high school graduate or the equivalent (GED). College transcripts will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Advisor: A Program Advisor should be consulted prior to enrolling in any course. An advisor will be assigned by admissions.

Additional Requirements: A Criminal background check and drug toxicology may be required for Internship/Externship.

Note: Those who have been arrested/convicted of a moral and/or legal violation of the law may not be allowed to complete the practicum requirements or granted permission to take the licensing examination.

Program Final Exit Point: Paralegal Studies, Associate of Applied Science.

Credits Required for Graduation: 72 minimum semester hour credits required for graduation. Program graduates receive a Paralegal Studies Associate of Applied Science degree and are eligible to sit for the National Association of Legal Assistants’ Examination; Graduates who pass the exam become Certified Legal Assistants and are awarded the credentials C.L.A. (Certified Legal Assistant).

Cost
Books: $798.20
Fees: $309.00
Tuition: $1,335.00
Total: $2,442.20
Books: $942.30
Fees: $284.00
Tuition: $1,335.00
Total: $2,561.30
Books: $647.80
Fees: $284.00
Tuition: $1,068.00
Total: $1,999.80
Books: $697.80
Fees: $284.00
Tuition: $1,335.00
Total: $2,316.80
Books: $450.00
Fees: $324.00
Tuition: $1,068.00
Total: $1,842.00
Curriculum Outline (84 hours)
1: General Education Courses (18 hours0 18
Area I: Language Arts/Communications (3 hours) 6
ENGL 1101

3.00 Credits Pre-requisite(s): ENGL 0090, READ 0090 and/or Entrance exam reading and writing scores in accordance with approved TCSG admission score levels. Explores the analysis of literature and articles about issues in the humanities and in society. Students practice various modes of writing, ranging from exposition to argumentation and persuasion. The course includes a review of standard grammatical and stylistic usage in proofreading and editing. An introduction to library resources lays the foundation for research. Topics include writing analysis and practice, revision, and research. Students write a research paper using library resources and using a formatting and documentation style appropriate to the purpose and audience.

3
SPCH 1101

3.00 Credits Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Introduces the student to the fundamentals of oral communication. Topics include selection and organization of materials, preparation and delivery of individual and group presentations, analysis of ideas presented by others, and professionalism.

3
Area II: Social/Behavioral Sciences (3 hours) 3
Area III: Natural Sciences/Mathematics (3 hours) 3
One Mathematics Course
Area IV: Humanities/Fine Arts (3 hours) 3
And one additional course from Area I, II, III, or IV (3 Hours)(as approved by program advisor) 3
2: Institutional Credit (3 hours) 3
COLL 1500

3.00 Credit Hours This course is designed to provide tools to assist students to acquire skills necessary to achieve academic and professional success in their chosen occupational/ technical program of study. Topics include: Getting off to a Good Start, Learning and Personality Styles, Time and Money Management, Study and Test Taking Skills, Stress Management and Wellness, Communications Skills, Career Exploration, Research Skills, College Campus Knowledge, Memory & Reading Skills, Presentation & Interview Skills, and Group Skills. Effective Fall 2016, students who already have an Associate Degree or higher will be given exemption credit for the COLL 1500 course.

3
3: Occupational Courses (51 hours) 63
COMP 1000

3.00 Credits Introduces the fundamental concepts, terminology, and operations necessary to use computers. Emphasis is placed on basic functions and familiarity with computer use. Topics include an introduction to computer and digital terminology, and usage, operating systems, Internet and digital communication, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, database applications, and presentation applications.

3
PARA 1100

3.00 Credits Pre-requisite(s): Provisional Admission NOTE: Students enrolled in this course are required to complete the entry level occupational work ethics course during the same term. Emphasizes the American legal system, the role of the lawyer and legal assistant within that system, and the ethical obligations imposed upon attorneys and legal assistants. Topics include: survey of American jurisprudence, code of professional responsibility and ethics overview, and introduction to areas of law and legal vocabulary.

3
PARA 1105

3.00 Credits Pre-requisite(s): ENGL 1101, PARA 1100 Introduces the student to the process of locating statutory, judicial, administrative and secondary sources on both a state and federal level. The student will utilize both print and electronic research resources. Focuses on the application and reinforcement of basic writing skills, familiarizes the student with types of writing typically engaged in by lawyers and legal assistants, and prepares the student for legal writing tasks. The student learns to write business letters as well as advisory documents. Topics include: legal analysis and legal correspondence and composition.

3
PARA 1110

3.00 Credits Pre-requisite(s): ENGL 1101, PARA 1100, PARA 1105 Builds on competencies acquired in PARA 1105 and continues the process of locating statutory, judicial, administrative and secondary sources on both a state and federal level. The student will conduct a wider range of research in both print and electronic research resources. Emphasis will be placed on preparation of legal documents. Criminal case documents will be examined, but most of the emphasis will be on civil matters. The student will be presented factual scenarios, and utilizing these facts, research and develop a case from intake to trial.

3
PARA 1115

3.00 Credits Co-requisite(s): PARA 1100 Introduces the student to the issues which may arise in family law cases and to the role of the paralegal in assisting the attorney in the development and presentation of such cases. Topics include: issues associated with client and witness interviews, marriage validity and dissolution, litigation support in family law matters, issues concerning children, special matters in family law, and attorney and paralegal ethical obligations.

3
PARA 1120

3.00 Credits Co-requisite(s): PARA 1100 Introduces the student to the basic concepts of real property law as they pertain to common types of real estate transactions. Additionally, emphasis will be placed on practical skills such as document preparation and title examination. Topics include: real estate contracts, plat reading and legal descriptions, types and purposes of deeds, title searches, common real estate mortgages and documentation, real estate closing and closing statements, recordation statutes and requirements, and elements of the lease.

3
PARA 1125

3.00 Credits Co-requisite(s): PARA 1100 Introduces the student to the basic concepts of substantive criminal law and its procedural aspects with an emphasis on the constitutionally protected rights of the accused in the criminal justice system. Topics include: substantive criminal law and procedure and criminal litigation support.

3
PARA 1130

3.00 Credits Emphasizes competencies and concepts of civil litigation in both federal and state courts. Topics include: federal and state litigation; trial and pretrial proceedings; litigation ethics; and litigation documents, exhibits, investigations, and interviews.

3
PARA 1135

3.00 Credits Co-requisite(s): PARA 1100 Provides a general framework of the substantive theory of wills, trusts, and estates. Topics include: wills, trusts, and powers of attorney; probate of wills and administration of estates; document preparation for other probate proceedings; general jurisdiction of the probate court; terminology of wills and estate practice; client interviews; and document preparation.

3
PARA 1140

3.00 Credits Co-requisite(s): PARA 1100 Introduces the student to the basic concepts of substantive tort law. Topics include: concepts of intentional torts, negligence and product liability; causation and liability concepts; damages and defenses; and special tort actions and immunities.

3
PARA 1145

3.00 Credits Co-requisite(s): PARA 1100 Introduces the student to common forms of law practice. The student will be exposed to methods of billing and time-keeping, automation in the law office, the law office library, the appropriate role of support staff in the law office, and ethical concerns relevant to law office management. Topics include: forms of law practice and insurance needs, support systems, support staff, and ethical responsibilities.

3
PARA 1150

3.00 Credits Co-requisite(s): PARA 1100, ENGL 1101 Introduces the student to the basic concepts of legal rules commonly applicable in commercial settings, to the basic concepts of substantive contract law and to the formulation and operation of sole proprietorships, general partnerships, limited partnerships, and corporations. Additionally, the course explores the basic concepts of agency law. Topics include Constitutional law and its impact on business, the essential elements of a contract and related legal principles and the Uniform Commercial Code, sole proprietorships, partnerships, professional associations and other business organizations, corporations and tax implications of different organizations.

3
PARA 2210

6.00 Credits Pre-requisite(s): ENGL 1101, PARA 1100, PARA 1105, PARA 1110 NOTE: Students enrolled in this course are required to complete the capstone level occupational work ethics course during the same term. Focuses on the application and reinforcement of paralegal skills in an actual workplace environment, or at the discretion of the instructor, in a school practicum with simulated work experiences. Students are acquainted with occupational responsibilities through realistic work situations and are provided with insights into paralegal applications on the job. Topics include: problem solving, adaptability to the job setting, use of proper interpersonal skills, application of paralegal skills in a workplace setting, and professional development.

6
and nine (9) credit hours of the following: 21
PARA 1200

3.00 Credits Pre-requisite(s): PARA 1100 Introduces the student to the purpose and application of the Federal Bankruptcy Code and Rules, as well as applicable state law related to bankruptcy and debtor-creditor issues. Topics include: the Bankruptcy Code and Rules, Bankruptcy Court procedures, the preparation of bankruptcy forms and documents, state law workouts and collection, and the role of the paralegal in a bankruptcy practice.

3
PARA 1205

3.00 Credits Explains the major legal principles and concepts of the U.S. Constitution including governmental powers and structure, and civil liberties. Additionally, this course includes an exploration of the history of the Constitution and case law interpreting it.

3
PARA 1210

3.00 Credits Co-requisite(s): PARA 1100 Provide an overview of the legal issues involved in the delivery of healthcare and the issues relating to Elder Law. Students will recognize the fundamentals of the healthcare treatment relationship, liability issues, patient care decisions and the human condition of sickness. They will explore the complexities of heath care financing, health care access, governmental regulations and privacy issues. Topics will also include access to care, informed consent, patient care decisions, the doctor-patient relationship, end-of-life decision making, legal problems of the elderly, law and mental health, AIDS and the law and the privatization of health care facilities.

3
PARA 1215

3.00 Credits Co-requisite(s): PARA 1100 Introduces the student to the basic concepts of administrative law including the legislative process related to enabling the agency. The Administrative Procedure Act (federal and state) is covered. Topics also include agency discretion, due process, delegation, rule making, investigation, information collection, informal proceeding, hearings, and judicial review. Because paralegals are permitted to represent individuals in some agency proceedings (e.g., social security, unemployment, etc), the students are introduced to the various aspects of such representation.

3
PARA 2205

3.00 Credits Pre-requisite(s): ENGL 1101, PARA 1100, PARA 1105, PARA 1110 Continues to develop writing skills developed in PARA 1105 and 1110 focusing on legal memoranda preparation. Additionally, students enhance legal research skill. Course competencies include research methodology, legal memoranda preparation, and substantive law research.

3
PARA 2215

6.00 Credits Pre-requisite(s): Must be in last semester of program. With advisor approval, may take concurrently with last semester courses. This course continues the focus on the application and reinforcement of paralegal skills in an actual workplace environment, or at the discretion of the instructor, in a school practicum with simulated work experiences. Realistic work situations are used to provide students with insights into paralegal applications on the job. Topics include: problem solving, adaptability to the job setting, use of proper interpersonal skills, application of paralegal skills in a workplace setting, and professional development.

6
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