Course Descriptions

PLGL 101: Introduction to Office Procedures for Paralegals
Introduces the professional responsibilities of the paralegal, including rules regarding ethical conduct and a basic overview of the legal system and research. Covers different law office management functions commonly performed by paralegals such as basic correspondence, billing and financial management, calendar and docket control management, file and record management, and library management.

PLGL 105: Civil/Litigation Procedures and Documents
Introduces the terminology and procedures used in general civil procedure and litigation, including pretrial procedures, discovery, trial, and post trial procedures. Covers specific areas such as landlord/tenant disputes and employment disputes and includes procedures used in alternative dispute resolution such as arbitration and mediation. Sample pleadings, forms, and documents will be processed in logical sequence and will be accompanied by definitions, background information and step by step instructions and statements of procedures.

PLGL 106: Business Organizations
ntroduces the terminology and procedures used in non-litigation matters and legal document preparation in a business law practice.

PLGL 107: Family Law Practice and Procedure
 Introduces the fundamental principles of California Family Law along with the terminology, procedures, and legal document and form preparation involved in family law matters. Topics include an overview of California law regarding marriage versus domestic partnerships, principles of community property law, marital and cohabitation agreements, legal separations, marital and domestic partnership dissolutions, annulments, spousal and domestic partner support, child custody and support, paternity, adoption, and domestic violence.

PLGL 108: Estate Planning and Administration
 Introduces the fundamental principles of estate planning and administration along with the terminology, procedures, and legal document and form preparation involved in estate planning and administration matters. Topics cover aspects of estate planning including the preparation of wills, trusts, and related documents along with aspects of estate administration including probate proceedings and estate disposition outside of probate.

PLGL 130: Interviewing and Investigation for Paralegals
Presents investigative techniques and strategies and interviewing methods for evidence gathering for all areas of litigation.

PLGL 131: Current Ethical Issues for Paralegals
Examines current ethical issues for paralegals using case law and examples of lawyer and paralegal misconduct.

PLGL 132: Legal Terminology for Paralegals
Introduces the paralegal student to legal terminology commonly use in the areas of family law, civil litigation and procedures, criminal law, corporate law, administrative law and estate planning.

PLGL 203: Paralegal Internship
Provides students an opportunity to experience the responsibilities of an employee in a legal setting related to their coursework in paralegal studies.

LGL 217: Introduction to Law
Introduces the student to the study of law and the interrelationship between law and society as a whole. Addresses the fundamental but seemingly contradictory functions the law serves as an instrument of both social control and social change. Also examines the critical role the law plays in conflict resolution, especially with regard to conflicts between majority and minority interests in society. Explores the evolution and social impact of different legal systems, competing sources of the law, and conflicting theories of the law. Integrates an examination of selected procedural and substantive areas of the law with a critical analysis of these areas as sources of social change and conflict mediation among various social groups.

LGL 220: Legal Research and Writing
An introduction to the fundamental aspects of legal research by an in-depth analysis of case law, statutory law, and administrative law on both a Federal and State level. Students will learn to locate authority relevant to selected legal issues. These skills are applied to writing clear and concise briefs, memoranda, and points and authorities employing the IRAC (issue, rule, analysis, conclusion) legal analytical formula.

LGL 222: Tort and Insurance Law
An introduction to the causes of action, defenses, and remedies in the major categories of tort law. Topics include various intentional torts, negligence, strict liability, insurance law, and workers’ compensation.

BUS 218: Business Law
Offers basic legal knowledge essential to business with emphasis on the laws of contract, sales, agency and employment, commercial paper, property, and secured transactions. Includes the study of the nature and background of American law, courts and court procedures.

CAOA 123: Business English
Provides an essential course in the writing of sentences and paragraphs necessary to prepare business communications including email messages, memos, letters, and short reports. Introduces principles and correct application of English grammar, style, word usage, language structure, punctuation and sentence construction.

CAOA 252: Computerized Accounting Using QuickBooks Pro
Provides students familiar with accounting concepts the knowledge, skills, and practice needed to use microcomputers for accounting applications. Includes inputting and electronically managing general journals, financial statement analysis, payroll, inventory, accounts receivable, accounts payable, depreciation, and other accounting applications. Provides training for entry-level computerized bookkeepers, small business owners, and students pursuing further accounting courses.

CIS 210: Introduction to Computer Applications
Introduces computer terminology, the relationships between hardware and software, computer operating systems and application software such as word processing, spreadsheet, database management programs, Web features, and linking between application programs.

CJ 202: Introduction to Criminal Justice
Presents the history, philosophy, and organization of the criminal justice system..

CJ 206: Concepts of Criminal Law
Presents elements of the penal code and general laws about crimes against persons, property, standards of morality, and the state.

RE 163: Legal Aspects of Real Estate
Introduces the legal aspects and current laws pertaining to real estate.