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PARALEGAL STUDIES

View Paralegal Studies A.A.S. (G, TP)
View Paralegal Studies Certificate (G, TP)
View Legal Analysis Letter of Recognition (G, TP)


Paralegal Studies A.A.S. (G, TP)

This curriculum is designed for those interested in a career in a law office as a paraprofessional. It is also designed for legal secretaries presently employed in attorneys' offices who wish to improve their skills for career advancement.

A legal assistant is a trained specialist who can manage a law office operation, relieving a practicing attorney of those routine sections of cases that require knowledge of the legal process, and assisting the attorney with handling of complicated legal problems. The legal assistant also assists the attorney in legal research and in the design and development of new procedures, techniques, services, and processes for the law office. The legal assistant can also prepare and interpret legal documents and analyze procedural problems through the selection, compilation, and use of technical information from various legal references.

Completion of all requirements for this curriculum will lead to the award of the A.A.S. in paralegal studies.

A suggested course sequence for full-time students follows; part-time students should consult an adviser.

First Semester
BA 101 Introduction to Business
3
CA 100 Keyboarding Fundamentals  
  or    
CA 131 Introduction to Word Processing Applications
1 (3)
EN 101 Techniques of Reading and Writing
3
HE 100 Principles of Healthier Living
1
LA 101 Introduction to the Legal System
3
  Speech foundation
3

Second Semester
CA 120 Introduction to Computer Applications
3
  English foundation
3
LA 102 Legal Research
3
  LA elective
3
PS 101 American Government
3
Behavioral and social sciences distribution
3

Third Semester
LA 103 Legal Writing
3
LA 118 Civil Litigation
3
  LA elective
3
  Mathematics foundation
3
  Natural sciences lab distribution
4

Fourth Semester
LA 104 Interpersonal Communications, Legal Interviewing, and Investigating Techniques
3
LA 116 Real Property
3
LA 120 Drafting Wills and Probating Estates in Maryland
3
  LA elective or CJ 221
3
  Arts or humanities distribution
3


Total credit hours  63 (65)


Paralegal Studies Certificate (G, TP)

Developed in cooperation with members of the Montgomery County Bar Association, this evening curriculum is designed primarily for persons wishing to enter the paralegal field. The curriculum provides the graduate with basic skills in legal research, legal writing, interpersonal communication skills, and legal interviewing and investigating techniques. Competency is developed in at least two areas of substantive law selected by the student. Instruction is offered in law office administration. The legal system, the role of the paralegal in the delivery of legal services, legal ethics, authorized practice, and the code of professional responsibility are studied.

Required Courses
EN 101 Techniques of Reading and Writing
3
LA 101 Introduction to the Legal System
3
LA 102 Legal Research
3
LA 103 Legal Writing*
3
LA 104 Interpersonal Communications, Legal Interviewing, and Investigating Techniques
3

Electives (Select three)
CJ 221 Criminal Law
3
LA 110 Maryland Contract Law
3
LA 114 Domestic Relations
3
LA 116 Real Property
3
LA 118 Civil Litigation
3
LA 120 Drafting Wills and Probating Estates in Maryland
3
LA 122 Law Office Administration
3
LA 125 Introduction to Corporate Law and Practice
3
LA 210 Torts
3


Total credit hours  24

* A keyboarding skill of 35 wam is required before enrolling in this course.

Students may elect CJ 221 or any paralegal course above LA 104.

Note: This is a curriculum designed for working people who may take only one or two courses per semester; thus, it may take several semesters to complete.


Legal Analysis Letter of Recognition (G, TP)

This sequence of three courses is designed for persons who wish to develop skills in legal analysis. To complete each course in this sequence, students must demonstrate skills in the following areas: identifying the kinds of law books and their components, using the various indexes and digests, evaluating the role of key facts in issue development, and organizing materials and writing them in a clear style. A grade of C or better is required in each course.

LA 101 Introduction to the Legal System
3
LA 102 Legal Research
3
LA 103 Legal Writing
3


Total credit hours  9

Refer to course description pages to identify courses with prerequisites.
Courses in italics meet General Education requirements
.