Paralegal/Legal Studies
Introduction to Paralegal Studies
LAWS100
This course provides students with basic coverage of the important role paralegals play in many employment contexts. Through completion of innovative exercises, which foster an entrepreneurial mindset, students learn how to identify legal issues; and understand various legal specialties, ethics, research and skills necessary to excel in this growing field.
3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
Divorce and Family Law
LAWS101
This course covers the principles of the Divorce Code of 1980 in Pennsylvania courts, and a comparison with other states. Emphasis is on divorce law, antenuptial agreements, separation agreements, child custody issues, child support, alimony, tax consequences of divorce, and adoptions.
3 credits
Prerequisite: LAWS100 or LAWS110
Corequisite: None
Civil Litigation and Practice
LAWS140
This course provides students with an overview of the theory, procedure and mechanics of a lawsuit from fact gathering through judgment enforcement, with an emphasis on the Pennsylvania Court System.
3 credits
Prerequisite: LAWS100 (C or better)
Corequisite: None
Elder Law
LAWS150
This course gives an overview of all areas of the law which concern the elderly client such as elder abuse, living facilities, insurance, estate planning and healthcare. Attention is focused on drafting documents such as advance directives, Power of Attorney, wills, trusts and guardianships.
3 credits
Prerequisite: LAWS100 (C or better)
Corequisite: None
Wills, Trusts, and Estates
LAWS160
In this course, students examine the legal principles and ethical considerations of probate, wills, trusts and the fiduciary code as applied by the Orphans Courts in Pennsylvania. Students also learn how to prepare and file probate and estate planning documents. Students also discuss ethical issues that affect the estate client.
3 credits
Prerequisite: LAWS100 (C or better)
Corequisite: None
Criminal Procedure for the Paralegal
LAWS165
This course offers an overview of criminal procedure for the paralegal by focusing on crimes against persons, crimes against property, summary offenses, misdemeanors and felonies, as well as state and federal crimes.
3 credits
Prerequisite: LAWS100 (C or better)
Corequisite: None
International Law
LAWS170
This course offers an overview of international trade, licensing, investment, collections, and letters of credit. Students analyze and contrast the risks of international versus domestic business. Students also examine procedures for buying and selling goods in foreign countries.
3 credits
Prerequisite: LAWS100 (C or better)
Corequisite: None
Business Organizations: Paralegal
LAWS180
This course provides an overview of corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietorships in businesses. Students also learn the court procedures and tax implications associated with sole proprietorships, corporations or partnerships.
3 credits
Prerequisite: LAWS100 (C or better)
Corequisite: None
Paralegal Trial Procedure and Practices
LAWS205
Using a realistic case file, the student works through the intense trial advocacy process from conceptualizing the trial, including strategy and tactics, preparing a trial notebook, filing pretrial motions, and performing exercises exploring procedural and evidentiary issues.
3 credits
Prerequisite: LAWS100 (C or better) and LAWS140 (C or better)
Real Estate Law and Conveyancing
LAWS210
This course addresses various topics in real estate law, including estates, titles, acquisition, agreements of sale, encumbrances, conveyancing, and bonds. Other topics include liens, deeds, and mortgages.
3 credits
Prerequisite: LAWS100 (C or better)
Corequisite: None
Advanced Real Estate Law
LAWS215
In this course, students examine advanced real estate law and the documents used in sophisticated residential and commercial transactions with concentration on financing, option contracts, title insurance, zoning, and the vocabulary of these advance transactions.
3 credits
Prerequisite: LAWS100 (C or better) and LAW210 (C or better)
Corequisite: None
Legal Research and Writing I
LAWS220
This course provides an introduction to the tools used in legal research including statutes, cases, treaties, encyclopedia and computer search techniques. Students research actual case problems and prepare written memorandum of law. Students also learn how to file research materials and use state and federal legal reporter services.
3 credits
Prerequisite: LAWS100 (C or better) AND EITHER COMP110 (C or better) OR MGMT135 (C or better)
Corequisite: None
Legal Research and Writing II
LAWS225
This course emphasizes the systematic study of electronic legal research and critical analysis of legal issues, location, and evaluation of appropriate legal authority and application of such authority to the resolution of hypothetical factual situations. Students learn how to prepare persuasive presentations in acceptable legal format.
3 credits
Prerequisite: LAWS100 (C or better) AND LAWS220 (C or better)
Corequisite: None
Bankruptcy
LAWS235
This course provides an overview of the federal bankruptcy law, its purposes and procedures, with special emphasis on asset liquidation, business reorganization, and individual income rehabilitation plans. Other topics include the relationship of debtor, creditor and trustee, ethics, litigation, and the collection process.
3 credits
Prerequisite: LAWS100 (C or better)
Corequisite: None
Tort Law for the Paralegal
LAWS240
This course provides an overview of tort law including intentional torts, personal injury, negligence law and strict liability. Students learn how to prepare legal pleadings and discovery materials. Other topics include ethics, and trial preparation.
3 credits
Prerequisite: LAWS100 (C or better) AND LAWS140 (C or better)
Corequisite: None
Ethics for the Paralegal
LAWS255
This course examines ethical requirements under the Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations. Specific topics include attorney regulation, and paralegals, the unauthorized practice of law, confidentiality, conflicts of interest, advertising, solicitation, fees, client funds, competency and professionalism.
3 credits
Prerequisite: LAWS100 (C or better) and LAWS140 (C or better)
Corequisite: None
Computers in the Law Office
LAWS260
This course provides a general introduction to the use of computers and legal specialty computer software programs in the modern law office. Students use hands on computer exercises using professional software programs frequently used by paralegals, including billing software, spreadsheets and litigation support software.
3 credits
Prerequisite: LAWS100 (C or better) AND CISC100 (C or better) OR CISC110 (C or better)
Corequisite: None
eDiscovery
LAWS270
This course explores the rapidly developing role of software in the area of legal data, eDiscovery, and information governance, as well as in the litigation lifecycle. It also explores technology used in the litigation support department and by litigation teams in the acquisition of data and eDiscovery processing.
3 credits
Prerequisite: LAWS100 (C or better)
Corequisite: None
Paralegal Internship/Capstone Course
LAWS285
In this course, students gain practical work experience either in a private or public sector under the supervision of an attorney or experienced paralegal in day-to-day, on-site office work. This course also includes internship seminar sessions.
3 credits
Prerequisite:
Corequisite: None
Administrative and Municipal Law
LAWS290
This course provides an introduction to the laws involving the administration of government by various departments, agencies, boards and commissions that implement and enforce law and policy. Students learn the laws and procedures that affect the administrative decision-making processes on a local, state and federal government level.
3 credits
Prerequisite: LAWS100 (C or better)
Corequisite: None
Special Topics in Law
LAWS295
This special topics course provides an introduction to various emerging legal issues. Topics vary by semester, and include developing areas of law and/or areas of law which are subject of frequent re-interpretation. This course is designed to enhance students' written communication skills through various writing exercises.
3 credits
Prerequisite: LAWS100 (C or better)