Legal Assistant INDIVIDUAL PROGRAM INFORMATION 2015 2016 866.Macomb1 (866.622.6621) www.macomb.edu
Legal Assistant CREDENTIAL TITLE PROGRAM OPTIONS CREDIT HOURS REQUIRED Associate of Applied Science Legal Assistant 67 CONTACT INFORMATION NOTES Designed for transferring into a Bachelor of Business Administration program or entry into the field of Legal Assisting. CONTACT TITLE NAME Phone E MAIL LOCATION Professor Jennifer Gornicki 586.445.7176 gornickij@macomb.edu South Campus Program Description: Students admitted to the Legal Assistant program are encouraged to attend a scheduled orientation session within their first year. Students do not need to complete the orientation prior to registering for classes. Please call 586.445.7167 to make arrangements. Legal Assistant courses are geared to prepare a student to relieve an attorney from those portions of the legal practice that require routine legal processes. At the completion of this program, the student will be able to assist and work under the control and supervision of an attorney but must not practice law or give legal advice. The goals of the Legal Assistant program are that students will: Know their ethical and professional responsibilities as professional members of the legal services delivery team. Be able to conduct legal research, accurately prepare legal forms and documents. Know the purpose and function of legal pleadings, and conduct and summarize factual investigations. Know the purpose and function of discovery and use electronic evidence. Know substantive law in family law, wills and estates, real estate, administrative law, bankruptcy, court procedure, corporations and other business organizations. Demonstrate competence in related courses in general education, business law, accounting, communications, mathematics, office management, keyboarding, and computer information systems. Requirements & Specific Information: In order to receive a Macomb Community College Associate of Applied Science degree in Legal Assistant, a minimum of 15 semester hours must be taken at Macomb. At least 10 of those 15 semester hours must be taken in traditional classroom instruction in Legal Assistant specialty courses. No more than 6 semester hours of legal specialty courses may be obtained through Credit for Prior Learning. Accreditation: The Associate of Applied Science degree in Legal Assistant program is approved by the American Bar Association, 321 North Clark Street, Chicago Illinois 60610. Career Opportunities: Legal Assistant Associate of Applied Science Career Opportunities: Job titles such as Paralegal/Legal Assistants and Legal Secretary are attainable upon completion of this course of study. To learn more from a career specialist, visit the Office of Career Services at either campus or explore online at www.onetonline.org. Transfer Pathways: Students intending to transfer and complete a bachelor s degree need to make early decisions concerning an academic major and a transfer destination. Statistics show that students who make these decisions early are more likely to persist to graduation than their undecided counterparts. Students planning to transfer credits earned at Macomb are strongly urged to see a counselor or academic advisor as early as possible in their college careers. 8 Transfer Resource Guide 1
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE IN LEGAL ASSISTANT Career preparation and related courses (require successful completion of a minimum of 67 credit hours) SUGGESTED SEQUENCE BASED ON FULL-TIME ENROLLMENT. MAY ALSO BE COMPLETED BASED ON PART-TIME ENROLLMENT. CORE COURSES: COMMON DEGREE CORE REQUIREMENTS FOR ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE IN LEGAL ASSISTANT COURSE COURSE TITLE PREREQUISITE SEMESTER 1 BLAW 1080 Business Law 1 4.0 LEGA 2010 Michigan Legal System & Ethics 2.0 ITCS 1010 Computer & Information Processing Principles 4.0 BCOM 2050 Business Communication 4.0 Group I Course: ENGL 1180 ENGL 1210 SEMESTER 2 Communications 1 Composition 1 Placement, or ENGL 0050 or EAPP 1500 with grade C or better CREDIT HOURS BLAW 1090 Business Law 2 BLAW 1080 4.0 ACCT 1070 Accounting for Entrepreneurs 3.0 4.0 ACCT 1080 Principles of Accounting 1 LEGA 2100 Mechanics of Real Estate Law LEGA 2010 3.0 LEGA 2120 Administration of Estates LEGA 2010 2.0 LEGA 2090 Legal Procedure LEGA 2010 4.0 Group II Course Any ASTR, BIOL, CHEM, ENVS, GEOL, MATH, NATS, PHSA, PHYS 2.0 4.0 SEMESTER 3 LEGA 2030 Legal Research & Writing 1 BLAW 1090 & LEGA 2010 3.0 BCOM 2060 Advanced Business Communications BCOM 2050 4.0 LEGA 2210 Electronic Evidence & Discovery LEGA 2010 & LEGA 2090 4.0 Any ARAB, ARTT, CHIN, ENGL 2### Group IV Course (CREATIVE WRITING OR LITERATURE ONLY), FREN, GRMN, 3.0 4.0 HUMN, ITAL, INTL 2000, INTL 2300, MUSC, PHIL, & SPAN Group V Course Any PHED Wellness course 2000 or above 2.0 3.0 SEMESTER 4 LEGA 2040 Legal Research & Writing 2 LEGA 2030 3.0 Group III Course Any ANTH, ECON, GEOG, HIST, INTL 2010, INTL 2500, INTL 2700, POLS, PSYC, SOCY, SOSC 3.0 4.0 And 5 6 credit hours from the following: HHSC 1700 Medical Terminology 3.0 LEGA 2110 Principles of Family Law LEGA 2010 2.0 LEGA 2180 Business Associations LEGA 2010 2.0 LEGA 2220 Computerized Litigation Support Concepts (CLSC) ITCS 1010 & LEGA 2010 3.0 CRER 2510 Internship Seminar 1.0 LEGA 2130 Proceedings Under the Federal Bankruptcy Code & Debt Collection LEGA 2010 2.0 LEGA 2160 Proceedings Under Administrative Agencies LEGA 2010 2.0 LEGA 2170 Criminal Law & Procedures LEGA 2010 2.0 BUSN 1010 Business Enterprise 3.0 3.0 4.0 NOTES: A minimum of 18 credit hours of Arts & Sciences courses (Groups I V) are needed as well as a minimum of 62 total credit hours for the associate degree. Arts & Sciences Group I V can be taken in any semester. It is strongly encouraged that you work with a counselor, advisor or faculty/department coordinator to plan your schedule. 2
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree The Associate of Applied Science Degree is intended to provide the preparation necessary for potential employment in an occupational specialty. Requirements Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 Minimum 15 semester hours of credit earned at Macomb Minimum 62 semester hours of credit courses numbered 1000 or above, which include: A minimum 18 semester hours of credit in Arts and Sciences courses numbered 1000 or above, as described in the Group Concentrations table; and A minimum of an additional 44 semester hours, including required career preparation and related courses as well as any electives required in the program. Arts and Sciences Courses Required for the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree A minimum of one course from each of the five Arts and Sciences groups must be selected. Electives and Arts and Sciences requirements must be satisfied by courses numbered 1000 or higher. Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree requirements are met by taking the required career courses and the Arts and Sciences courses. See Academic Placement Procedures for information on course placement in chemistry, English, English for Academic Purposes, mathematics, and reading. Courses numbered below 1000 will not count toward the Associate of Applied Science degree. Contact a counselor or academic advisor if you need help in choosing the appropriate course. GROUP Arts and Sciences Group Concentration for Associate of Applied Science Degree Requirements COURSES MINIMUM DEGREE REQUIREMENTS 18 SEMESTER HOURS I.A ENGL 1180 or ENGL 1210 1 Course I.B Other English Composition, Reading, or Speech See Note below II. III. IV. Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geology, Mathematics, Natural Science, Physical Science, Physics Anthropology, Economics, Geography, History, INTL 2010, INTL 2500, INTL 2700, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Social Science Art, Creative Writing, Foreign Language, Humanities, INTL 2000, INTL 2300, Literature, Music, Philosophy, Theater Arts 1 Course 1 Course 1 Course V. Any PHED Wellness course 2000 or above 1 Course Note: If students take one course from each of Groups I.A, II, III, IV, and V, and still have taken less than the minimum of 18 semester hours of Arts and Sciences courses required for the AAS degree, they may elect additional hours from Groups I.B, II, III, IV, or V to satisfy minimum degree requirements. 3
Course Descriptions ACCT 1070 Accounting for Entrepreneurs 3.00 credit hours (formerly ACC 107) This course will focus on reading and understanding financial statements. Students will learn how to analyze financial statements and how financial information can be effectively used to properly plan, control operations, and to make the right business decisions. (3 contact hrs) ACCT 1080 Principles of Accounting 1 4.00 credit hours (formerly ACC 108) Introduction to accounting techniques and theories as they relate to business organizations. Transaction analysis and information processing for a service and merchandising concern. Measurement and reporting of assets, liabilities, and equity. The emphasis is on financial accounting. (4 contact hrs) BCOM 2050 Business Communications 4.00 credit hours (formerly BCO 205) BCOM 2050 focuses on developing both written and verbal communication skills required in business and industry. Students conduct primary and secondary research, analyze the results, compile findings, and compose a formal business report. They also develop effective verbal and nonverbal communication skills, understand team dynamics, and enhance presentation skills. Students create an employment package using current strategies as well as formulate a variety of business messages using the latest social media technologies. (4 contact hrs) BCOM 2060 Advanced Business Communications 4.00 credit hours Prerequisite: BCOM 2050 Emphasis on the development of business communication skills needed to support a rapidly changing environment. Information, communication, teamwork, presentations, reports and proposals, and listening skills are just part of what is required to today s business professionals. Important aspects needed to be an effective Knowledge Worker will be presented, investigated, and discussed. (4 contact hrs) BLAW 1080 Business Law 1 4.00 credit hours (formerly BUSN 1080) This fundamentals course is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the legal and social environment of business, contracts, sales, and lease of goods. (4 contact hrs) BLAW 1090 Business Law 2 4.00 credit hours Prerequisite: BLAW 1080 (formerly BUSN 1090) This fundamentals course is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of liability of the parties under negotiable instruments, debtor creditor relationships, agency and employment, equal employment opportunity law, business organizations, and real property and estates. (4 contact hrs) BUSN 1010 Business Enterprise 3.00 credit hours (formerly BUS 101) A fundamentals course designed to provide a comprehensive overview of American business enterprise, an exposure to business operations (business ownership, management, finance, marketing, accounting, information management), a basis upon which to establish a realistic business related career objective, and a stepping stone to advanced business courses. (3 contact hrs) CRER 1510 Workplace Success Strategies 1.00 credit hours (formerly CRER 2510) A fundamentals course that provides an overview of how work experience complements academic education to prepare students for the workforce. All students are encouraged to take this class especially those participating in an approved internship. (1 contact hr) CRER 2100 Internship Experience Part Time 0.00 credit hours Prerequisite: Internship Coordinator s approval of existing part time internship (14 29 hours per week). CRER 2100 provides students with supervised work experience in their field of study. This course may be taken eight times for credit. This course is graded on a pass/fail basis. (14 29 contact hrs per week for 16 wks) 4
CRER 2200 Internship Experience Full Time 0.00 credit hours Prerequisite: Internship Coordinator s approval of existing full time internship (30 40 hours per week). CRER 2200 provides students with supervised work experience in their field of study. This course may be taken eight times for credit. (30 40 contact hrs per week for 16 wks) HHSC 1700 Medical Terminology 3.00 credit hours (formerly MAST 1700) This course is designed for those individuals who have a need for working knowledge of medical terminology in a variety of medical, paramedical, and medical office positions. Stress will be placed on medical terminology as it occurs in the body s many anatomical systems encompassing the structure of each anatomical system, common disease, anomalies, and surgeries. (3 contact hrs) LEGA 2010 Michigan Legal System & Ethics 2.00 credit hours (formerly LAT 201) A general orientation to the Michigan Legal Systems: its courts, processes and procedures. The Federal Court system is also reviewed. In depth study of the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct and their application to attorneys and legal assistants; review of the Code of Judicial Conduct and its application to all Michigan judges; ethical responsibilities of legal assistants arising from the Rules and Judicial Canons. (2 contact hrs) South Campus. LEGA 2030 Legal Research & Writing 1 3.00 credit hours Prerequisite: BLAW 1090 and LEGA 2010 (formerly LEGA 2080) LEGA 2030 provides students with the necessary skills in utilizing a law library and conducting legal research, including computer assisted research. Students will analyze facts to determine legal issues and apply the law to discuss these issues by preparing a legal memorandum. Using Plain English in drafting the legal written product and ethical issues in good legal writing are emphasized. (3 contact hrs) LEGA 2040 Legal Research & Writing 2 3.00 credit hours Prerequisite: LEGA 2030 (formerly LEGA 2190) LEGA 2040 is a continuation of Legal Research & Writing 1. Students will further develop skills in utilizing a law library and conducting legal research, including computer assisted research. Students will also analyze facts to determine legal arguments and apply the law to discuss these arguments by preparing a legal brief. (3 contact hrs) LEGA 2090 Legal Procedure 4.00 credit hours (formerly LAT 209) Step by step process on how to assist the lawyer in a civil lawsuit. Introduce the student to investigating and planning the litigation; pre trial litigation; settlement, trial and post trial proceedings; utilizing federal and state court rules. (4 contact hrs) LEGA 2100 Mechanics of Real Estate Law 3.00 credit hours (formerly LAT 210) A study of the law of real property. Emphasis upon the preparation of various real estate documents such as deeds, leases, closing statements, etc. (3 contact hrs) LEGA 2110 Principles of Family Law 2.00 credit hours (formerly LAT 211) A study of the marriage relationship; legal problems with children; dissolution of marriage; custody; legitimacy; adoption; change of name; guardianship; support; court procedures; separation agreements. (2 contact hrs) LEGA 2120 Administration of Estates 2.00 credit hours (formerly LAT 212) A presentation of information and procedures with respect to wills, trusts, estates, probate proceedings, conservatorships, administration of testate and intestate estates, analysis of the Estates and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC), will execution, life insurance, and estate planning. (2 contact hrs) 5
LEGA 2130 Proceedings Under the Federal Bankruptcy Code & Debt Collection 2.00 credit hours (formerly LAT 213) The law of debt collection practice and procedure in Michigan and a study of the Federal Bankruptcy Code. Emphasis on the many forms and procedures used by attorneys in Michigan debt collection practice and Federal Bankruptcy practice. Students prepare a practice set of bankruptcy forms for a liquidation case. (2 contact hrs) LEGA 2160 Proceedings Under Administrative Agencies 2.00 credit hours (formerly LAT 216) Procedures for preparing cases for hearings before an administrative agency including researching appropriate regulations, preparing complaints and other phases of pleading, applying for execution of an order by the administrator, preparing claims for preliminary examination, providing data sought by administrative subpoena, taking depositions, and making discovery orders for preliminary examination. (2 contact hrs) LEGA 2170 Criminal Law & Procedures 2.00 credit hours (formerly LAT 217) A study of Michigan and Federal criminal law principles and procedures. An examination of the role and responsibilities of the Legal Assistant in aiding the attorney representing the criminally accused person in pre trial, trial, and appellate proceedings. (2 contact hrs) LEGA 2180 Business Associations 2.00 credit hours (formerly LAT 218) A detailed study of the four major forms of doing business: sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, and limited liability company, with an emphasis on the legal requirements to organize and operate each type, including a comparison of the liability involved. Various legal forms utilized in Michigan practice will be reviewed, together with the tax forms appropriate to each (state and federal). The Legal Assistant s role in assisting the attorney who represents clients in these various forms will be highlighted. (2 contact hrs) LEGA 2210 Electronic Evidence & Discovery 4.00 credit hours and LEGA 2090. (formerly LEGA 2911) A general orientation of the Laws of Evidence as it pertains to the Michigan Legal System. An examination of the role and responsibility of the Legal Assistant in the identification and preservation of electronic evidence in pre and post trial settings. (4 contact hrs) Online only. LEGA 2220 Computerized Litigation Support Concepts (CLSC) 3.00 credit hours Prerequisite: ITCS 1010 and LEGA 2010 LEGA 2220 prepares students to use computer applications in legal organizations and in enhancing the success of legal assistants. Topics include various changes/trends in Internet legal/factual research, legal timekeeping and billing, and software for litigation support, case management, and docket control. The course also familiarizes students with common law office uses of WordPerfect and Microsoft Office applications. (3 contact hrs) Online only. 6