Legal Studies

This course provides an in-depth overview of family law and offers students the opportunity to develop practical skills applicable in family law practice. Topics include fundamental concepts such as jurisdiction, paternity, adoption, formal and informal marriages, divorce, annulment, marital property, and parent-child relationships, with a focus on the essential roles and responsibilities of legal support professionals within the field.

In this course, students will delve into the art of legal research, learning to navigate statutes, regulations, and case law. Through practical exercises, participants will hone their legal writing skills, mastering the drafting of legal documents including memoranda and appellate briefs. Students will learn how to use research resources (electronic and physical) and engage in legal analyses to draft relevant legal writings.  Emphasis will be placed on research efficiency using effective search strategies and writing in both objective and persuasive ways.

This course immerses paralegal students in the intricacies of commercial litigation and bankruptcy law. Through case studies and practical applications, students will learn the paralegal role in consumer and business bankruptcy proceedings as well as in commercial litigation. The curriculum covers bankruptcy law essentials, including Chapters 7, 11, and 13 of the Bankruptcy Code, emphasizing the roles of creditors, debtors, and trustees.

This course provides students with an understanding of constitutional frameworks for the creation of many of this country's civil rights. Students will explore the U.S. Constitution, landmark Supreme Court decisions, and key statutes, gaining insights into the protection and enforcement of individual liberties. The curriculum will focus on the practical application of constitutional principles in various legal contexts, including civil rights litigation. Through case studies and interactive exercises, participants will develop the skills needed to navigate complex constitutional issues and advocate for civil rights.

This course offers students a comprehensive introduction to real estate and property law, providing a solid foundation for paralegals. In this course, students will explore key topics in property law through engaging with real-world examples, forms, and exercises similar to those they would interact with in legal practice. With a focus on practical application, the curriculum will provide students with the foundational knowledge and skills needed in the paralegal work environment.

Explore the intricacies of immigration law tailored for paralegals. This comprehensive course covers family-based immigration, employment-based visas, asylum, and deportation defense. Gain practical skills in document preparation and case management, preparing you to excel in supporting clients within the dynamic landscape of immigration law.

This class provides a comprehensive introduction to employment and labor relations law, covering the major issues and rules of employment law for each step of the employment process. Students will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on experiences as if they were working as an employment and labor law consultant for a company. Topics covered include employee relations, dispute resolution, employee hiring and termination, employment discrimination, the Fair Labor Standards Act, immigrant employment, LGBTQ+ rights, employee benefits, and workplace safety (OSHA). Students will gain an understanding of the legal framework that governs employment relationships and learn different strategies for implementing human resource-related legal issues effectively.

Students will learn the fundamental principles of traditional project management and how to apply these principles to the management of an e-discovery project. Students will work within a process framework using methodology to effectively manage the scope, time, and cost of an electronic discovery project.

Explore essential management skills crucial for effective supervision and communication in the legal field. This course will assist students in developing leadership skills specifically tailored to the role of paralegals. Additionally, this course will cover key entrepreneurship concepts and general business strategies applicable to independent contractors or small business owners for those who may want to work as solo practitioners.

Students will explore the rules ​and principles of​ evidence in court cases. Topics include relevance, admissibility, hearsay, privileges, expert testimony, and constitutional considerations. Students will analyze how evidentiary rules shape trial preparation and courtroom proceedings. This course also emphasizes critical thinking and the application of evidentiary principles to real-world legal scenarios. 

Examine the legal aspects of social media and cybersecurity in this course designed for legal professionals. Explore the implications of cyber threats, data breaches, intellectual property infringements, defamation claims, and privacy concerns. Learn practical strategies for risk management, compliance, and safeguarding sensitive legal information. This course is designed to help paralegals navigate the intricate cybersecurity landscape, privacy laws, and social media presence in the legal world.

This course will introduce students to analytics technologies designed to make document review and analysis more efficient for legal investigations. Students will gain experience with data analytics tools and gain a general understanding of technology-assisted review or predictive coding, and the tools and processes associated with machine learning and the auto-categorization of documents. Additionally, this course will allow students to learn about artificial intelligence and the law, gaining exposure to some of the areas in which artificial intelligence impacts legal investigations.

Explore the foundational principles ​of wills, trusts, and estates in this​ comprehensive course. Students will develop ​practical skills in drafting​ estate documents, managing probate procedures, and understanding the legal framework that governs estate planning and administration. Guided by experienced legal professionals, ​this course provides the knowledge​ and practical expertise needed to succeed in the dynamic ​field of estate​ law. 

This course is designed to empower paralegal students with the knowledge, skills, and real-world experience needed to embark on diverse career paths after graduation. Through a customizable curriculum, students will have the unique opportunity to tailor their capstone experience based on individual interests and aspirations.

​​In this hands-on course, students will​ examine ​the intricacies of civil​ ​litigation, exploring​ both ​procedural and substantive aspects of the​ ​legal process​. Key topics include ​pleadings, discovery, motion practice,​ ​pretrial procedures, trial strategies, and post-trial motions. Throughout​ ​the course, students will create a comprehensive civil litigation guide​ designed to serve as a practical reference in legal practice. 

​​This capstone course allows students to apply the knowledge and skills​ ​acquired​ throughout the Legal Studies program while tailoring their experience to a chosen career track. Students may select one of four tracks: preparation for law school, NALA Certified Paralegal (CP) credentialing, becoming a mediator, or Relativity e-discovery certification. Through hands-on projects, research, and practical exercises, students gain real-world experience aligned with their selected track. This course emphasizes professional development, critical thinking, and the integration of legal concepts, launching students to success as they pursue diverse career opportunities in the legal field.