Summary of Proposed Changes to Paralegal Studies Program 2011

Transcription

1 Summary of Proposed Changes to Paralegal Studies Program Program Revision to Associate in Applied Science degree program: eliminate Lab Science as a requirement and change Economics requirement to ECO 105, 201 or 202 (see proposed revised program descriptions). Rationale for change: The Paralegal Studies AAS degree program currently requires 67 credits. The elimination of the Lab Science requirement will reduce the number of credits required for graduation to 63 credits. This obviously will make it easier for students to complete the A.A.S. program in 2 years. The lab science course was eliminated because although valuable for the goal of producing a well-rounded, well-informed student, it was less relevant than the other general education courses to the program goal of preparing students for careers as paralegals. The Economics requirement for this program was originally ECO 105, which has not been offered in many semesters. Allowing students to take ECO 201 or 202 increases the student s flexibility for scheduling. The program as revised will still satisfy the General Education requirements for the A.A.S. degree (see attached Program Review Grid). 2. Program Revision to Associate in Applied Science and Certificate of Achievement programs: change prerequisite requirements for several courses to co-requisites (see proposed revised program descriptions). Rationale for change: The primary reason for this change is to allow students to complete the program more quickly, and to ease scheduling difficulties for working students, who can take courses only if they are offered in the evening. The Certificate of Achievement program may be completed in one year only if LGL 101 may be taken as a co-requisite, rather than as a prerequisite, for all other LGL courses. The Associate in Applied Science degree is much easier to complete in two years if LGL 101 is taken as a corequisite, rather than as a prerequisite, for several LGL courses in the first semester. 3. Course Revision to LGL 215 (formerly Law Office Management, to be renamed Law Office Technology). Change in course description, with greater emphasis on technology applications. Rationale for change: this change reflects a growing trend in the paralegal field towards greater reliance on computer technology in all aspects of law practice. This change also reflects the way the course has actually been taught in the computer lab.

2 PROPOSED PROGRAM PARALEGAL STUDIES CURRICULUM ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE Proposed Sequence: FIRST YEAR Lec. Lab. Credits Pre-Requisites First Semester LGL 101 Intro to Paralegal Studies 3 3 ENG 089,099 LGL 110 Legal Research 3 3 LGL 101* ENG 101 English Composition I CIS 100 Intro to Computer Applications MAT Math Applications (or higher) credits Second Semester: GOV 201 or 202 American Government 3 3 LGL 120 Contract Law 3 3 LGL101* LGL 111 Legal Writing 3 3 LGL101* ENG 102 English Composition II LGL 140 Property Law LGL101* First Semester: SECOND YEAR 15 credits *May be taken as a co-requisite LGL 210 Tort Law 3 3 LGL101 ENG 128 The Dynamics of Communication 3 3 LGL 220 Litigation I 3 3 LGL101, 110* ECO 105, 201 or 202 Economics 3 3 Legal Elective 3 3 Social Sciences Elective 3 3 Second Semester: 18 credits *May be taken as a co-requisite Humanities Elective 3 3 LGL 240 Business Organizations 3 3 LGL 101 LGL 221 Litigation II 3 3 LGL 220 LGL 215 Law Office Technology LGL 101 Legal Elective 3 3 TOTAL 15 credits 63 credits 1 MAT119 may be required to transfer to certain four-year programs. Students interested in possible transfer should seek academic advising.

3 LEGAL ELECTIVES LGL 230 Family Law 3 cr. Pre-req: LGL101 LGL 231 Criminal Law 3 cr. Pre-req: LGL101 LGL 235 Wills, Trusts, and Estates 3 cr. Pre-req: LGL101 LGL 250 Bankruptcy Law 3 cr. Pre-req: LGL101 LGL 260 Employment Law 3 cr. Pre-req: LGL101 LGL 270 Immigration Law 3 cr. Pre-req: LGL101 LGL 290 Paralegal Internship 3 cr. Pre-req: LGL 110, 111, and approval of the Program Coordinator

4 CURRENT PROGRAM PARALEGAL STUDIES CURRICULUM ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE Proposed Sequence: FIRST YEAR First Semester Lec. Lab. Credits Pre-Requisites LGL101 Intro to Paralegal Studies 3 3 ENG 089,099 LGL110 Legal Research 3 3 LGL 101 (coreq.) ENG101 English Composition I CIS100 Intro to Computer Applications MAT Math Applications (or higher) 3 3 Second Semester: 15 credits LGL120 Contract Law 3 3 LGL101 LGL111 Legal Writing 3 3 LGL101,110 ENG102 English Composition II LGL140 Property Law LGL101 Social Sciences Elective 3 3 Science Elective (per advising 2 ) credits First Semester: SECOND YEAR LGL 210 Tort Law 3 3 LGL101 ENG128 The Dynamics of Communication 3 3 LGL220 Litigation I 3 3 LGL101, 110 ECO 105 or 202 Economics 3 3 Legal Elective credits 1 MAT119 may be required to transfer to certain four-year programs. Students interested in possible transfer should seek academic advising. 2 This course must have a lab component per the General Ed. requirements. The ABA prohibits this science course to be from another occupational program like the health occupational courses or police science/criminal justice.

5 Second Semester: GOV 201 or 202 American Government 3 3 Humanities Elective 3 3 LGL240 Business Organizations 3 3 LGL 120 LGL221 Litigation II 3 3 LGL 220 LGL215 Law Office Management LGL101, CIS100 Legal Elective credits TOTAL 67 credits LEGAL ELECTIVES LGL 230 Family Law 3 cr. Pre-req: LGL101 LGL 231 Criminal Law 3 cr. Pre-req: LGL101 LGL 235 Wills, Trusts, and Estates 3 cr. Pre-req: LGL101 LGL 250 Bankruptcy Law 3 cr. Pre-req: LGL101, 110 LGL 260 Employment Law 3 cr. Pre-req: LGL120 LGL 270 Immigration Law 3 cr. Pre-req: LGL101 LGL 290 Paralegal Internship 3 cr. Pre-req: LGL 110, 111, completion of 30 credits, and approval of the Program Coordinator

6 PROPOSED PROGRAM CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT IN PARALEGAL STUDIES 1 Lec. Lab. Credits Pre-Requisites LGL101 Introduction to Paralegal Studies 3 3 ENG 089, 099 LGL110 Legal Research 3 3 LGL 101* LGL120 Contract Law 3 3 LGL 101* LGL111 Legal Writing 3 3 LGL 101* LGL140 Property Law LGL 101* LGL220 Litigation I 3 3 LGL 101*,110* LGL221 Litigation II 3 3 LGL 220 LGL215 Law Office Technology LGL 101 Legal Elective 3 3 LGL 101 *May be taken as a co-requisite Proposed Sequence: Completion in 2 semesters TOTAL 27 credits First semester: Second semester: LGL 101 Introduction to Paralegal Studies LGL 110 Legal Research LGL 111 Legal Writing LGL 120 Contract Law LGL 220 Litigation I LGL 140 Property Law LGL 215 Law Office Management LGL 221 Litigation II Legal Elective Legal Electives: LGL 210 Tort Law 3 cr. Pre-req: LGL101 LGL 230 Family Law 3 cr. Pre-req: LGL101 LGL 231 Criminal Law 3 cr. Pre-req: LGL101 LGL 235 Wills, Trusts, and Estates 3 cr. Pre-req: LGL101 LGL 240 Business Organizations 3 cr. Pre-req: LGL101 LGL 250 Bankruptcy Law 3 cr. Pre-req: LGL101 LGL 260 Employment Law 3 cr. Pre-req: LGL101 LGL 270 Immigration Law 3 cr. Pre-req: LGL101 LGL 290 Paralegal Internship 3 cr. Pre-req: LGL 110, 111, and approval of the Program Coordinator 1 This certificate program is only open to students who have completed an Associates or Bachelor degree (any major) that includes at least 18 credits of general education courses.

7 CURRENT PROGRAM CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT IN PARALEGAL STUDIES 1 Lec. Lab. Credits Pre-Requisites LGL101 Introduction to Paralegal Studies 3 3 ENG 089, 099 LGL110 Legal Research 3 3 LGL 101 LGL120 Contract Law 3 3 LGL 101 LGL111 Legal Writing 3 3 LGL 101, 110 LGL140 Property Law LGL101 LGL220 Litigation I 3 3 LGL101,110 LGL221 Litigation II 3 3 LGL 220 LGL215 Law Office Management LGL101, CIS 100 Legal Elective 3 3 TOTAL 27 credits Proposed Sequence: Completion in 3 semesters First semester: Second semester: Third semester: LGL101 Introduction to Paralegal Studies LGL110 Legal Research LGL111 Legal Writing LGL120 Contract Law LGL140 Property Law LGL220 Litigation I LGL221 Litigation II LGL215 Law Office Management Legal Elective Legal Electives: Any LGL course other than the required courses set forth above. 1 This certificate program is only open to students who have completed an Associate or Bachelor degree (any major) that includes at least 18 credits of general education courses.

8 PROPOSED REVISION UNION COUNTY COLLEGE SYLLABUS COURSE NUMBER: LGL 215 COURSE NAME: LAW OFFICE TECHNOLOGY COURSE DESCRIPTION: Through this course, students will become familiar with the workings of a law office or legal department, with an emphasis on the technology used to manage the law practice. Stress will be placed on organizational skills relating to docket and case management and billing procedures. Students will learn, through a hands-on approach, the various software applications including database management systems, litigation support software, telecommunications software, and legal timekeeping and billing software programs. 2 lecture hours; 2 laboratory hours; 3 credit hours. Prerequisites: LGL 101 and CIS 100. COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this course, the students will be able to: Demonstrate understanding of the use of the computer to access and use information and resources to assist in law office functions. Demonstrate the ability to draft, edit, and print correspondence and legal documents using word processing software. Demonstrate the ability to develop and maintain spreadsheets used in the legal environment to organize information and maintain databases. Demonstrate the ability to complete timekeeping and billing records using the appropriate software. Demonstrate the ability to use docket control software to organize law office tasks and deadlines. Identify ethical considerations involved in managing a law office and in the use of computer information systems. STUDENT RESOURCES: Cornick, Matthew. Using Computers in the Law Office, 6 th Ed. Cengage Learning, Materials from the Internet, video sources and other readings will supplement the coursebook. COURSE REQUIREMENTS: The successful completion of semester exams and final exam. The completion of all in-class assignments and projects. The completion of all assigned readings and Attendance and class participation. Students are required to attend all classes. See the College Attendance Policy discussed in the UCC Catalog.

9 An essential element of this course includes information literacy. Information Literacy is the evaluation and assessment of integrated information. Students will be able to locate, discern, and effectively use information to solve issues and/or problems. EVALUATION METHODS: Three one and one-half hour exams consisting of both objective questions and essay questions; a two and one-half hour comprehensive final exam consisting of both objective questions and essay questions; in-class/online projects; participation in class discussions; homework assignments. COURSE OUTLINE: WEEK LECTURE TOPIC ASSIGNMENTS/READINGS/ACTIVITIES ONE Introduction to computer Lab Activity: Installation and use of software hardware and software TWO Word Processing software Lab Activity: Use Word to create law firm letterhead and to create and edit law office correspondence. THREE Spreadsheets: Excel Lab Activity: How to use Excel spreadsheet in the law office FOUR Use of Access in the law Exam 1. Lab Activity: Access. office FIVE Case Management and Docket Control Lab Activity: Use Abacus to schedule court dates. SIX Computer Assisted Legal Lab activity: Westlaw research. Research SEVEN Timekeeping and Billing. Increments of time, creating Lab Activity: Timekeeping with Tabs software. time sheets and database. EIGHT Presentation software: Student Presentations. PowerPoint NINE The electronic courthouse: Lab Activity: Using Smartdraw. Exam 2. automated courtroom and presentation graphics. TEN Financial Management: Lab Activity: Create trust account ledger. Managing client funds and trust accounts. ELEVEN Litigation support software. Lab Activity: Create a timeline to be used as a trial exhibit using Casemap. TWELVE Litigation support software. Lab Activity: Using Summation (iblaze) for litigation support. THIRTEEN E-discovery. Lab Activity: using software to manage e- discovery. Exam 3. FOURTEEN E-briefs, e-filing and e- recording. FIFTEEN Final Exam Lab Activity: E-briefing. Create an e-brief with links to all cited authority.

10 SUGGESTED TEACHING METHODOLOGIES: Lecture, group discussion, Lab exercises, student presentations, independent research, video resources, websites. CORRELATION OF PROGRAM OUTCOMES TO INDIVIDUAL COURSE STUDENT OUTCOMES AND ASSESSMENT Paralegal Program Outcomes Examine the roles played by paralegals in the American legal system, particularly the ethical regulations concerning the practice of law Demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills Effectively communicate with others in a diverse society, maintaining a professional manner and client confidence Conduct legal research and other fact-gathering activities including client interviews and investigations using current and emerging technologies Discuss the basic tenets of the law and define the legal terms related to these areas. Demonstrate the ability to write clearly and accurately according to the standards of the legal profession. Student Learning - Course Outcomes Identify the ethical considerations involved in managing a law office and in the use of computer information systems. Demonstrate the ability to develop and maintain spreadsheets used in the legal environment to organize information and maintain databases. Demonstrate the ability to draft, edit, and print correspondence and legal documents using word processing software. Demonstrate understanding of the use of the computer to access and use information and resources to assist in law office functions. Demonstrate the ability to draft, edit, and print legal documents using word processing software. Demonstrate the ability to draft, edit, and print legal documents using word processing software. Assessment of Outcomes Written: Exams, in-class assignments and Verbal: Group discussions Written: In-class assignments, Verbal: Group discussions Written: In-class assignments and Verbal: Group discussions Written: In-class assignments, Verbal: Oral presentation of research, group discussions Written: In-class assignments, Verbal: Group discussions Written: In-class assignments, Analyze and evaluate the relevant legal issues presented in various fact patterns. Demonstrate understanding of the use of the computer to access and use information and resources to assist in law office functions. Written: Exams, In-class assignments, Prepare various documents in preparation for litigation and post-trial practice Demonstrate the ability to draft, edit, and print legal documents using word processing software; Demonstrate the ability to use docket control software to organize law office tasks and deadlines. Written: Exams, In-class assignments, Incorporate computer technology to law office Demonstrate the ability to use docket control software to organize Written: In-class assignments,

11 management and data compilation systems. law office tasks and deadlines.

12 CURRENT COURSE UNION COUNTY COLLEGE SYLLABUS COURSE NUMBER: LGL 215 COURSE NAME: LAW OFFICE MANAGEMENT COURSE DESCRIPTION: Through this course, students will become familiar with the workings of a law office and corporate legal department. Topics include staffing and structure, role of associates and partners and the ethical obligations of attorneys and office employees. Stress will be placed on organizational skills relating to docket and case management, library maintenance and billing procedures. Students will learn, through a hands-on approach, the various software applications including database management systems, litigation support software, telecommunications software, and legal timekeeping and billing software programs. 2 lecture hours; 2 laboratory hours; 3 credit hours. Prerequisites: LGL 101 and CIS 100. COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this course, the students will be able to: Use management terminology correctly. Differentiate between the typical professional structures used to organize different types of law firms and corporate legal departments. Define the roles and responsibilities of the various professional and support staff of a law office and understand the unauthorized practice of law. Appreciate what a paralegal is expected to accomplish administratively once he/she is on the job. Develop organizational skills to make most efficient use of their time. Evaluate the need for and use technology in order to manage timekeeping, billing procedures, and client fund accounting. Keep a master calendar for all professional staff in the office and maintain a docket control system. Maintain client files and accounts. Recognize their role in the success of a law office. STUDENT RESOURCES: Roper, Brent, Using Computers in the Law Office, 5 th Ed. West Legal Studies Materials from the Internet, video sources and other readings will supplement the coursebook. COURSE REQUIREMENTS: The successful completion of a midterm and final exam. The completion of all in-class assignments and projects. The completion of all assigned readings and Attendance and class participation. Students are required to attend all classes. See the College Attendance Policy discussed in the UCC Catalog.

13 An essential element of this course includes information literacy. Information Literacy is the evaluation and assessment of integrated information. Students will be able to locate, discern, and effectively use information to solve issues and/or problems. EVALUATION METHODS: Three one and one-half hour exams consisting of both objective questions and essay questions; a two and one-half hour comprehensive final exam consisting of both objective questions and essay questions; in-class/online projects; participation in class discussions; homework assignments. COURSE OUTLINE: WEEK TOPIC ASSIGNMENTS/READINGS/ACTIVITIES ONE Introduction to the course: What is law office Lab Activity: Use Word to create law firm letterhead and correspondence. management? TWO The Legal Team. Lab Activity: Use Excel to create a Leverage Ratio Worksheet based on hypothetical tiered law firm. THREE Personnel Relations and Human Resource management. Lab Activity: How to use Excel spreadsheet in the law office Examine and compute general salary increase for federal employees. FOUR Law office policies. Exam 1. Lab Activity: Use PowerPoint to FIVE SIX SEVEN The Attorney-Client Relationship. Communicating with clients. Paralegal Ethics and Client Relations. The unauthorized practice of law. Timekeeping. Increments of time, creating time sheets and database. create a presentation. Lab Activity: Use Word to create retainer agreement. Lab activity: Use of Word to create legal correspondence. Lab Activity: Timekeeping with an Access Database. EIGHT Billing. Legal Fees. Lab Activity: Learning Visio. NINE Financial Management. Marketing, planning, and basic accounting. TEN Financial Management: Managing client funds and trust accounts. Lab Activity: Learning Visio (continued). Exam 2. Lab Activity: Using Visio: Creating Organizational Charts suitable for use as a trial exhibit. ELEVEN TWELVE Technology in the Law Office. Litigation case management software. Technology in the Law Office. E-discovery. Lab Activity: Create a timeline to be used as a trial exhibit using Visio. Lab Activity: using software to manage e- discovery. Exam 3. THIRTEEN Technology in the Law Lab Activity: E-briefing. Create an e-brief

14 Office. E-briefs, e-filing with links to all cited authority. and e-recording. FOURTEEN Docket Control Systems. Lab Activity: Using Outlook as a docketing tool. FIFTEEN Final Exam SUGGESTED TEACHING METHODOLOGIES: Lecture, group discussion, student presentations, independent research, video resources, websites. CORRELATION OF PROGRAM OUTCOMES TO INDIVIDUAL COURSE STUDENT OUTCOMES AND ASSESSMENT Paralegal Program Outcomes Examine the roles played by paralegals in the American legal system, particularly the ethical regulations concerning the practice of law Demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills Effectively communicate with others in a diverse society, maintaining a professional manner and client confidence Conduct legal research and other factgathering activities including client interviews and investigations using current and emerging technologies Discuss the basic tenets of the law and define the legal terms related to these areas. Student Learning - Course Outcomes Examine the particular ethical considerations involved in managing a law office. Recognize their role in the success of a law office Define the roles and responsibilities of the various professional and support staff of a law office and understand the unauthorized practice of law. Communicate effectively with others in group projects, interviews, and presentations. Develop organizational skills to make most efficient use of their time. Appreciate what a paralegal is expected to accomplish administratively once he/she is on the job. Keep a master calendar for all professional staff in the office and create a docket control Assessment of Outcomes Written: Develop law practice policies and procedures into a staff manual, in-class assignments and homework, research. Verbal: group discussions Written: in-class assignments, case briefs, homework Verbal: Oral presentations, group discussions Written: Research, in-class assignments and homework Verbal: Oral presentations, interview, group discussions Observed behavior and responses Written: Organize a case file to meet all procedural deadlines. Independent research projects and readings in preparation for class discussion. Verbal: Oral presentation of research, group discussions Written: Research, in-class assignments and homework Verbal: Oral presentations, interview, group discussions

15 Demonstrate the ability to write clearly and accurately according to the standards of the legal profession. system. Maintain client files and accounts. Use management terminology correctly. Written: Homework, in-class assignments Verbal: Oral presentation of research, group discussions Analyze and evaluate the relevant legal issues presented in various fact patterns. Incorporate computer technology to law office management and data compilation systems, including client files and library maintenance. Differentiate between the typical professional structures used to organize different types of law firms and corporate legal departments Evaluate the need for and use technology in order to manage timekeeping, billing procedures, and client fund accounting. Effectively use litigation tracking software and electronic client file management. Written. Homework, in-class assignments Verbal: Oral presentation of research, group discussions Written: prepare E-documents. Prepare filing using all available Legal software. Verbal: group discussions