Paralegal/Legal Assistant (PLA)

This course introduces students to the paralegal field and the legal system. Students will examine the paralegal’s role in the legal field, attributes and common duties of paralegals, professional and ethical standards, law office dynamics, employment opportunities, effective job search strategies and skills marketing. This course provides an overview of the federal and Florida state legal systems as well as methods for analyzing laws and briefing judicial opinions.

This course provides student with knowledge of the resources used in conducting legal research and with instruction and practice regarding legal research methodology. The student will use the law library and computer access to databases in order to complete projects designed to teach the student how to use the vast array of legal resources available to the legal professional.

Students use and apply research skills developed in Legal Research and receive basic instruction and practice in effective legal writing skills.

A survey of bankruptcy practice and consumer debtor/creditor law. Reviews the Federal Bankruptcy code with emphasis on Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings.

This course is a study of fundamental principles of property law including the nature of property, the scope of real property ownership, types of estates and forms of concurrent ownership, transfers of interest in real property, and limitations upon real property rights. The duties and rights of buyers, sellers, brokers, easement owners, life tenants, and other persons with an interest in real property will be discussed.

This course is a study of the process of civil litigation including investigation, pleadings, discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation. Students will learn the fundamentals of the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, and will have the opportunity to learn practical skills including the preparation of basic pleadings, motions, and discovery documents.

This course focuses on the practical application of the rules of evidence. This course teaches principles and applications of the Federal Rules of Evidence and Florida Rules of Evidence within the criminal and civil contexts. The student will develop the knowledge and skill to utilize the mechanisms that affect the admissibility of evidence.

This course is a study of the liability that arises from causing harm to persons or property through intentional acts, negligence, and strict liability. The course addresses recognized defenses to tort claims, limitations on liability and damages. Students will learn general tort principles and will also focus upon Florida case law addressing major tort issues.

This course covers the major concepts found in substantive criminal law including the criminal act and criminal intent, principals and accessories, inchoate crimes, defenses, elements of major crimes, and the effect of constitutional guarantees upon the criminal statutes.

This course is concerned with the processes of prosecuting and defending criminal cases including search and seizure, arrest, identification, bail, discovery, preliminary proceedings, trials, sentencing, and post-trial proceedings.

This course provides students with an overview of contract law and business entities. Students will analyze the essential requirements of a contract, the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), performance and discharge of contractual obligations, third party rights, breach of contract, and remedies for breach. Students will examine entrepreneurship, the fundamental characteristics, principles and procedures of sole proprietorships, various forms of partnerships, limited liability companies, and various forms of corporations.

This course covers testamentary arrangements for the disposition of income and property; estate and gift tax consequences; Medicaid and long-term care planning; preparation of wills and trusts.

This course covers the administration of probate and trust estates and guardianships under the Florida Statutes and the Rules of Procedure.

This course prepares students for a wide variety of tasks associated with a successful law practice including legal document preparation in the areas of litigation, family law, real estate, probate, trusts, and contracts; and utilization of local rules, statutes, and websites associated with the various areas of law. The course covers the necessary skills for a successful paralegal career including judgment, analysis, communication, and ethics.

This course teaches students the organization, operation, marketing, management of law offices, and ethical considerations. Students will learn how law offices function, essential office management skills, including timekeeping and billing; calendaring, docket control and case management; and records and file management.

A study of the elements of a valid marriage. Covers such topics as divorce and annulments, separations, custody and child support, paternity suits, adoptions and guardianships.

This course provides students with work experience in a legal environment such as private law firms, government agencies, legal organizations, corporate legal departments, or courts. Students will complete a minimum of 100 hours at the internship site in addition to various required assignments.