Legal Studies

This course introduces students to electronic discovery (e-discovery) and the management of electronically stored information (ESI). Emphasizing the early phases of the Electronic Discovery Reference Model (EDRM), students build practical skills in discovery procedures, communication, and documentation. The course prepares students to support and manage E-Discovery projects within law firms and corporate legal environments. 

This class will introduce students to the early stages of the Electronic Discovery Reference Model (EDRM) framework. Students will have an opportunity to practice e-discovery tasks utilizing specialized software in the preservation and collection of ESI and an opportunity to develop and practice skills relating to the latter stages of the Electronic Discovery Reference Model (EDRM) framework.

​​This course introduces students to​ ​the Electronic Discovery Reference​ ​Model (EDRM​) and the principles of e-discovery project management. Students will practice managing tasks from preservation and collection through later EDRM stages. Emphasis is placed on applying project management skills, including scope, time, and cost control, to effectively oversee e-discovery projects in legal and corporate settings. 

This course explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming modern legal work. Students will examine applications of AI in legal research, document review, contract analysis, litigation support, and compliance. Emphasis is placed on understanding ethical, regulatory, and privacy issues; evaluating AI tools; and gaining hands-on experience using software that assists with predictive analytics, natural language processing, and automation. 

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. 

This course prepares students to support attorneys through every stage of trial preparation and courtroom practice. Students will gain experience drafting pleadings, pre-trial motions, and discovery requests, as well as assisting with deposition preparation. Emphasis is placed on the paralegal’s role in trial strategy, alternative dispute resolution, and the use of technology in the electronic courtroom. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the practical skills needed to provide effective trial support. 

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 essentials of wills, trusts, and estates in this specialized course for paralegals. Learn practical skills in drafting wills, administering estates, and navigating probate proceedings. Taught by seasoned professionals, this course equips paralegals with the knowledge to excel in the vital field of estate law. 

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. 

In this hands-on course students will investigate the intricacies of civil litigation, exploring the procedural and substantive aspects of the legal process. The course will cover key topics, including pleadings, discovery, motion practice, pretrial procedures, trial strategies, and post-trial motions. Throughout the course, students will create a comprehensive civil litigation guide that will be able to serve them in practice as a paralegal. 

A course covering the information, knowledge and skills needed to succeed specifically in paralegal studies, including study skills, setting academic goals, managing time, and technology skills such as word processing, presentations, and spreadsheets.