Legal Studies

Classes

LGL 281 : Law Office Procedures

This course emphasizes the administrative duties of the legal administrative assistant. Topics cover professional certification, ethics, oral and written communication, using the Internet for research, working with office equipment and basic office functions of answering the telephone, handling mail, filing, calendaring, and keeping financial records. Microsoft Outlook and Excel are used to develop core-level competencies and prepare the student to take the Microsoft Office Outlook and Excel Specialist certificate exams. Prerequisites: OFC 113 and OFC 117 with a grade of C or better or permission of the instructor. Three lecture hours per week. Instructional Support Fee applies.

Credits

3
Students will be able to:
  1. Talk in general about professional associations to which they might belong and to be specifically aware of the advantages of membership in NALS—the association for legal professionals
  2. Understand the process for seeking ALS, PLS, and/or PP certification – professional certifications offered through NALS for basic certification [ALS], advanced certification [PLS], or professional paralegal certification [PP].
  3. Perform legal office functions, i.e., receptionist duties, mail, telephone, scheduling appointments, calendaring, copying, faxing, e-mailing, preparing letters and memos, etc.
  4. Understand the ethical standards required by the legal profession and be able to apply them within the work setting
  5. Use Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Excel in performing legal office functions

LGL 282 : Legal Document Processing

This course presents the fundamentals of legal document preparation. Students develop the formatting and editing skills needed for processing a variety of both court and non-court legal documents commonly used in law offices. The course develops further keyboarding speed and accuracy. The course requires a minimum keyboarding speed of 40 wpm to pass the course. Prerequisites: OFC 113 and OFC 117 with a grade of C or better or permission of the instructor. Three lecture hours per week.

Credits

3
  1. Talk in general about professional associations to which they might belong and to be specifically aware of the advantages of membership in NALS—the association for legal professionals.
  2. Understand the process for seeking ALS, PLS, and/or PP certification – professional certifications offered through NALS for basic certification [ALS], advanced certification [PLS], or professional paralegal certification [PP].
  3. Perform legal office functions, i.e., receptionist duties, mail, telephone, scheduling appointments, calendaring, copying, faxing, e-mailing, preparing letters and memos, etc.
  4. Understand the ethical standards required by the legal profession and be able to apply them within the work setting.
  5. Use Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Excel in performing legal office functions.

LGL 284 : Legal Transcription

This course develops skills in legal transcription, where documents are converted from the spoken word to printed form. Students apply communication skills, problem-solving skills, and technical skills as they learn to transcribe legal documents, correspondence, and instruments using correct formatting, punctuation, and spelling. Prerequisite: LGL 282 and OFC 120 with a grade of C or better or permission of the instructor. Three lecture hours per week. Instructional Support Fee applies.

Credits

3
Students will be able to:
  1. Use a transcriber to produce legal documents from voice recordings to typewritten hard copy
  2. Apply proofreading, editing, vocabulary, grammar, spelling, and punctuation skills to the production of “mailable” work

LGL 290 : Legal Studies Seminar

This capstone course prepares students for employment within the legal profession as a paralegal or legal administrative assistant. Skills in oral and written communication, using technology to find a job, problem solving, and working collaboratively will be enhanced. Each student will prepare an employment portfolio highlighting the achievement of program outcomes. Prerequisite: Completion of 12 credits of program courses or permission of the instructor. Three lecture hours per week.

Credits

3
  1. Compose and produce a professional resume for a legal career.
  2. Compose and produce cover letters and follow-up letters.
  3. Conduct research on legal careers using printed materials and electronic resources.
  4. Conduct research on prospective employers using electronic resources.
  5. Dress for success.
  6. Present oneself professionally in an interview.
  7. Take typical employment tests with confidence.
  8. Develop self-confidence in seeking employment and in working with others as part of a team.