Paralegal/legal Assistant

This course introduces the paralegal profession and the legal system. Topics include regulations and concepts, ethics, case analysis, legal reasoning, career opportunities, certification, professional organizations, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to explain the role of the paralegal and identify the skills, knowledge, and ethics required of legal assistants.

This course introduces the techniques of legal research and writing. Emphasis is placed on locating, analyzing, applying, and updating sources of law; effective legal writing, including proper citation; and the use of electronic research methods. Upon completion, students should be able to perform legal research and writing assignments using techniques covered in the course.

This course covers advanced topics in legal research and writing. Topics include more complex legal issues and assignments involving preparation of legal memos, briefs, and other documents and the advanced use of electronic research methods. Upon completion, students should be able to perform legal research and writing assignments using techniques covered in the course.

This course covers legally enforceable agreements, forms of organization, and selected portions of the Uniform Commercial Code. Topics include drafting and enforcement of contracts, leases, and related documents and selection and implementation of business organization forms, sales, and commercial papers. Upon completion, students should be able to apply the elements of a contract, prepare various business documents, and understand the role of commercial paper.

This course introduces substantive criminal law and procedural rights of the accused. Topics include elements of state/ federal crimes, defenses, constitutional issues, pre-trial process, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to explain elements of specific crimes and assist an attorney in preparing a criminal case.

This course provides an opportunity to explore areas of current interest in specific program or discipline areas. Emphasis is placed on subject matter appropriate to the program or discipline. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the specific area of study.

This course introduces the study of real property law. Topics include the distinction between real and personal property, various estates, mechanics of conveyance and encumbrance, recordation, special proceedings, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify estates, forms of deeds, requirements for recording, and procedures to enforce rights to real property.

This course covers laws governing domestic relations. Topics include marriage, separation, divorce, child custody, support, property division, adoption, domestic violence, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to interview clients, gather information, and draft documents related to family law.

This course covers various types of wills, trusts, probate estate administration, and intestacy. Topics include types of wills and execution requirements, caveats and dissents, intestate succession, inventories and accountings, distribution and settlement, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to draft simple wills, prepare estate forms, understand administration of estates including taxation, and explain terms regarding trusts.

This course is designed to give the student a basic understanding of the federal rules of civil procedure and Alabama rules of court. The student will demonstrate the ability to prepare a trial notebook for litigation purposes.

This course focuses on the organization, function, practices and procedures of a law office. Emphasis is placed on basic law office management, including office layout, personnel, equipment and supplies, filing systems, scheduling and docket control; as well as the creation, preparation, organization and processing of pleadings, forms, briefs and other legal documents. Upon course completion, students will be able to demonstrate and apply appropriate law office management techniques and procedures.