Available Paralegal Courses

Introduction to Law (PLST500)

Instructor(s): Staff

2 credit(s), Letter Graded

This course will familiarize students with the nature, meaning and source of law; the organization of the legal system and the legal profession; and professional ethics. Class discussions, assigned readings and briefing projects will provide students with analytical skills and exposure to the judicial reasoning process. Classroom hypothetical examples will enable the student to identify legal issues and resolutions through the application of analogous rules and reasoning obtained from case analysis.

Learner Outcomes

• Develop a basic knowledge of the sources of American law and the workings of the judicial system
• Use legal analysis to interpret law and place legal sources in context
• Recognize procedural issues, remedies, ethics, and how legal professionals function within the system

Note: This course is one of eight courses required to earn a Paralegal Certificate. Individual course enrollment is not available. Interested students must apply for admission to the Paralegal Program.

Additional Information: Paralegal Certificate - Day Program, Paralegal Certificate - Evening Program

Legal Research and Writing (PLST505)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded

This course is designed to familiarize students with the fundamentals of legal research through exposure to primary and secondary sources of law. Students will use judicial opinions, legal encyclopedias, treatises, digests, annotated law reports and statutes and loose-leaf services to complete writing assignments. Instruction is given in locating and analyzing cases, statutes and administrative regulations, legislative histories and administrative decisions, and in updating research using Shepard's Citations. Students will be required to complete a series of written assignments with a focus on legal reasoning and basic writing concepts such as style, punctuation, grammar and clarity of expression. Each student will have a Lexis password for the duration of the program.

Learner Outcomes

• Develop the ability to research the law and cite it appropriately in court documents
• Develop the ability to write in accord with the principles of good legal writing
• Develop the ability to synthesize and reconcile case authority and write cogently about the law
• Identify, organize and communicate effective legal argument in legal memoranda
• Develop competence and confidence in problem identification and in using analytical approaches to problem solving

Note: This course is one of eight courses required to earn a Paralegal Certificate. Individual course enrollment is not available. Interested students must apply for admission to the Paralegal Program.

Additional Information: Paralegal Certificate - Day Program, Paralegal Certificate - Evening Program

Computers in the Legal Field (PLST510)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded

This course is a study of computer systems as they apply to a law office. The computer component of the course familiarizes students with hardware and software used in the legal field. Students will learn how to use Lexis and the Internet to perform legal research assignments. Students will have their own Lexis passwords for the duration of the program. Students will also purchase a one-year membership to the National Society of Legal Technology (NSLT) and complete a Legal Technology Certificate. All students must have basic computer skills including knowledge of email, the Internet and a word processing program.

Learner Outcomes

• Recognize computer terminology and software used in legal organizations
• Acquire tools for legal and factual research
• Draft legal documents, develop short spreadsheets, and assemble databases used in the legal environment
• Explain the importance of time and billing, perform data entry of timekeeping
• Recognize the use and ethical issues of cloud computing and social media
• Use case management software, docket control programs, litigation support programs and specialized legal software
• Completion of NSLT Legal Technology Certificate

Note: This course is one of eight courses required to earn a Paralegal Certificate. Individual course enrollment is not available. Interested students must apply for admission to the Paralegal Program.

Additional Information: Paralegal Certificate - Day Program, Paralegal Certificate - Evening Program

Civil Litigation (PLST551)

Instructor(s): Staff

4 credit(s), Letter Graded

This course covers civil litigation from initial client interview through trial, post-trial motions and enforcement of judgments. The course commences with a review of both the state and federal court systems and discussion of the structure of a lawsuit.

Learner Outcomes

• Explain the court structure in California
• Determine, through subject matter and personal jurisdiction, where a case is normally heard
• Prepare pleadings and discovery, using the correct formatting
• Identify calendar pleadings, discovery, and motions
• Recognize civil law and motion, as well as evidence
• Assist in the alternative dispute resolution and trial process
• Define and appreciate the ethical issues involved in civil litigation

Note: This course is one of eight courses required to earn a Paralegal Certificate. Individual course enrollment is not available. Interested students must apply for admission to the Paralegal Program.

Additional Information: Paralegal Certificate - Day Program, Paralegal Certificate - Evening Program

Introduction to Business Entities (PLST521)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded

This course is designed to give students a basic understanding of several aspects of business law including the creation, characteristics, and legal ramifications of a variety of business entities.

Learner Outcomes

• Recognize and define the legal principals of agency law, partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies, joint ventures, business trusts, and sole proprietorships
• Apply analytical skills, communication skills, and writing abilities

Note: This course is one of eight courses required to earn a Paralegal Certificate. Individual course enrollment is not available. Interested students must apply for admission to the Paralegal Program.

Additional Information: Paralegal Certificate - Day Program, Paralegal Certificate - Evening Program

Administrative Law (PLST524)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded

This course will cover the role of administrative agencies as they pertain to businesses including coverage of statutory, common law and political limits on administrative agency powers.

Learner Outcomes

• Understand the roles of administrative law within the legal system
• Understand administrative law functions in society
• Research and present on at least one agency hearing and appeal process

Note:

This course is one of eight courses required to earn a Paralegal Certificate. Individual course enrollment is not available. Interested students must apply for admission to the Paralegal Program.

Additional Information: Paralegal Certificate - Evening Program

Contracts (PLST525)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded

This course studies the basic contract principles including formation, validity, defenses to formation, rights of third parties, performance, breach, remedies and damages. Students draft contract provisions and understand the basics of analyzing and negotiating contract terms and conditions.

Learner Outcomes

• Recognize basic contract theory
• Define the basic legal terms of contract law
• Identify contract defenses and remedies
• Analyze fact patterns to spot key issues

Note: This course is one of eight courses required to earn a Paralegal Certificate. Individual course enrollment is not available. Interested students must apply for admission to the Paralegal Program.

Additional Information: Paralegal Certificate - Day Program, Paralegal Certificate - Evening Program

Intellectual Property (PLST526)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded

This course will provide an overview of the basics of trademarks, patents and copyrights, including basic legal theory and practical details about rights, limitations, applications, registration, ownership, transfer, licensing, and infringement.

Learner Outcomes

• Recognize and define trademark and patent prosecution; maintenance practice; and copyright registrations
• Recognize intellectual property procedure that a paralegal would face in an intellectual property law work environment

Note: This course is one of eight courses required to earn a Paralegal Certificate. Individual course enrollment is not available. Interested students must apply for admission to the Paralegal Program.

Additional Information: Paralegal Certificate - Day Program, Paralegal Certificate - Evening Program

Employment/Labor Law (PLST527)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded

This course will cover types of employment and employment contracts as well as various related agreements, federal and state wage issues, privacy and discrimination.

Learner Outcomes

• Understand the difference between an employee and an independent contractor
• Understand the difference between "at-will" and "for cause" employment
• Understand the various anti-discrimination and anti-harassment statutes
• Understand the various leave of absence and wage and hour laws
• Analyze and apply relevant legal principles and employment law precedent to hypothetical and real-world employment issues
• Know and recognize issues related to benefits
• Identify public sector and organized labor exceptions

Note: This course is one of eight courses required to earn a Paralegal Certificate. Individual course enrollment is not available. Interested students must apply for admission to the Paralegal Program.

Additional Information: Paralegal Certificate - Evening Program

Estates, Wills and Trusts (PLST553)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded

This course examines estate planning and the administration of an estate with emphasis on the living trust as a key estate planning tool. Students will learn about methods of ownership of assets, the advantages and disadvantages of wills and trusts, techniques for drafting wills, ethical issues regarding client representation and how to transfer assets without probate. There will be an explanation of steps in the formal probate process including preparing the petition for probate, filing the inventory and appraisement, handling creditors' claims and distributing the decedent's assets.

Learner Outcomes

• Understand the basic objectives and requirements of wills, trusts, and the probate process
• Prepare the forms ordinarily required in formal California probate proceedings

Note: This course is one of eight courses required to earn a Paralegal Certificate. Individual course enrollment is not available. Interested students must apply for admission to the Paralegal Program.

Additional Information: Paralegal Certificate - Evening Program

Criminal Law (PLST554)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded

This course covers the elements of various crimes against persons and property, criminal liability and punishment and defenses to crimes. Students study constitutional issues as they relate to criminal law; the role of the police, the prosecution and grand juries; instituting the criminal action; the court process; the role and function of sentencing; and victims' rights. The course concludes with a discussion of the appellate process, writs and other post-conviction relief.

Learner Outcomes

• Define the basic principles of substantive criminal law
• Recognize criminal procedure that a paralegal would face in a criminal law work environment
• Gain exposure to a variety of criminal law resources that are used in the practice of criminal law

Note: This course is one of eight courses required to earn a Paralegal Certificate. Individual course enrollment is not available. Interested students must apply for admission to the Paralegal Program.

Additional Information: Paralegal Certificate - Evening Program

Family Law (PLST555)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded

This course is a general overview of California family law and procedure. Many areas of family law will be discussed including marriage, dissolution, annulment, child and spousal support, RFOs, discovery, court orders, paternity, community property, palimony, same sex marriage, paralegal ethics, and professional responsibility.

Learner Outcomes

• Define the procedure of family law actions and family law concepts, with an emphasis on California law
• Recognize family law procedure that a paralegal would face in a family law work environment

Note: This course is one of eight courses required to earn a Paralegal Certificate. Individual course enrollment is not available. Interested students must apply for admission to the Paralegal Program.

Additional Information: Paralegal Certificate - Day Program, Paralegal Certificate - Evening Program

Real Estate (PLST556)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded

This course provides students with a broad overview of various aspects of real estate law. The course covers the theory, historical perspective, and modern-day practical application of property law.

Learner Outcomes

• Recognize and define tenancies and estates in real property, easements, licenses, liens and foreclosures, mortgages, sales agreements, real estate transfers, land use restriction, zoning, and boundary disputes
• Apply transactional work and litigation skills in a law firm or corporate setting

Note: This course is one of eight courses required to earn a Paralegal Certificate. Individual course enrollment is not available. Interested students must apply for admission to the Paralegal Program.

Additional Information: Paralegal Certificate - Day Program, Paralegal Certificate - Evening Program

Internship (PLST598)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded

This course provides practical experience and an opportunity for students to apply skills learned in the classroom to a working environment as they work as interns in law firms, corporations, legal clinics or government agencies. In addition to performing legal research, interns may interview clients; draft pleadings, interrogatories and motions; attend and summarize depositions; prepare corporate documents; assist with discovery; draft demand letters and point and authorities; and attend trials and arbitration hearings. Internships are non-paid and are assigned by the Program Office. The classroom component covers resume and cover letter drafting, interviewing techniques, professionalism, networking and job search strategies. This course is only open to students able to complete an on-site internship in San Diego County.

Learner Outcomes

• Gain insight into the paralegal working environment
• Identify paralegal regulation and certification
• Gain experience working with paralegals, attorneys and legal professionals
• Acquire and define the paralegal's role in a professional setting
• Describe law office procedures and policies
• Draft a professional resume and cover letter suitable for legal job searches
• Acquire and apply professional interviewing skills
• Utilize various sources to search for paralegal positions

Note: This course is one of eight courses required to earn a Paralegal Certificate. Individual course enrollment is not available. Interested students must apply for admission to the Paralegal Program.

Additional Information: Paralegal Certificate - Day Program, Paralegal Certificate - Evening Program