Summary of Proposed Changes to Paralegal Studies Program 2011

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Summary of Proposed Changes to Paralegal Studies Program 2011

1. 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 co-requisite, rather than as a preco-requisite, 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.

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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 3 1 3

• CIS 100 Intro to Computer Applications 2 2 3

• MAT 1131 Math Applications (or higher) 3 3

15 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 3 1 3

• LGL 140 Property Law 2 2 3 LGL101*

15 credits

*May be taken as a co-requisite

SECOND YEAR First Semester:

• 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

18 credits

Second Semester: *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 2 2 3 LGL 101

15 credits TOTAL 63 credits

1_{MAT119 may be required to transfer to certain four-year programs. Students interested in possible transfer should}

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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,

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CURRENT PROGRAM

PARALEGAL STUDIES CURRICULUM ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE

Proposed Sequence:

FIRST YEAR

Lec. Lab. Credits Pre-Requisites First Semester

• LGL101 Intro to Paralegal Studies 3 3 ENG 089,099

• LGL110 Legal Research 3 3 LGL 101 (coreq.)

• ENG101 English Composition I 3 1 3

• CIS100 Intro to Computer Applications 2 2 3

• MAT 1131 Math Applications (or higher) 3 3

15 credits Second Semester:

• LGL120 Contract Law 3 3 LGL101

• LGL111 Legal Writing 3 3 LGL101,110

• ENG102 English Composition II 3 1 3

• LGL140 Property Law 2 2 3 LGL101

• Social Sciences Elective 3 3

• Science Elective (per advising2) 4 4

19 credits

SECOND YEAR First Semester:

• 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

15 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}

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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 2 2 3 LGL101, CIS100

18 credits TOTAL 67 credits

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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

completion of 30 credits, and approval of the Program Coordinator

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PROPOSED PROGRAM

CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT IN PARALEGAL STUDIES1

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 2 2 3 LGL 101*

• LGL220 Litigation I 3 3 LGL 101*,110*

• LGL215 Law Office Technology 2 2 3 LGL 101

• Legal Elective 3 3 LGL 101

*May be taken as a co-requisite

TOTAL 27 credits Proposed Sequence: Completion in 2 semesters

First semester: LGL 101 Introduction to Paralegal Studies LGL 110 Legal Research

LGL 111 Legal Writing LGL 120 Contract Law LGL 220 Litigation I Second semester: 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

and approval of the Program Coordinator

1_{This certificate program is only open to students who have completed an Associates or Bachelor degree (any}

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CURRENT PROGRAM

CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT IN PARALEGAL STUDIES1

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 2 2 3 LGL101

• LGL220 Litigation I 3 3 LGL101,110

• LGL215 Law Office Management 2 2 3 LGL101, CIS 100

TOTAL 27 credits

Proposed Sequence: Completion in 3 semesters

First semester: LGL101 Introduction to Paralegal Studies LGL110 Legal Research

LGL111 Legal Writing Second semester: LGL120 Contract Law

LGL140 Property Law LGL220 Litigation I Third semester: 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)}

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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, 6th Ed. Cengage Learning, 2011. 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 homework.

• Attendance and class participation. Students are required to attend all classes. See the College Attendance Policy discussed in the UCC Catalog.

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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}

hardware and software

Lab Activity: Installation and use of 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}

office

Exam 1. Lab Activity: Access.

FIVE _{Case Management and}

Docket Control

Lab Activity: Use Abacus to schedule court dates.

SIX _{Computer Assisted Legal}

Research

Lab activity: Westlaw research.

SEVEN _{Timekeeping and Billing.}

Increments of time, creating time sheets and database.

Lab Activity: Timekeeping with Tabs software.

EIGHT _{Presentation software:}

PowerPoint

Student Presentations.

NINE _{The electronic courthouse:}

automated courtroom and presentation graphics.

Lab Activity: Using Smartdraw. Exam 2.

TEN _{Financial Management:}

Managing client funds and trust accounts.

Lab Activity: Create trust account ledger.

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, filing and}

e-recording.

Lab Activity: E-briefing. Create an e-brief with links to all cited authority.

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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

Student Learning - Course Outcomes

Assessment of Outcomes Examine the roles played by

paralegals in the American legal system, particularly the ethical regulations

concerning the practice of law

Identify the ethical considerations involved in managing a law office and in the use of computer information systems.

Written: Exams, in-class assignments and homework.

Verbal: Group discussions

Demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills

Demonstrate the ability to develop and maintain spreadsheets used in the legal environment to organize information and maintain databases.

Written: In-class assignments, homework.

Effectively communicate with others in a diverse society, maintaining a professional manner and client confidence

Demonstrate the ability to draft, edit, and print correspondence and legal documents using word processing software.

Written: In-class assignments and homework.

Conduct legal research and other fact-gathering activities including client interviews and

investigations using current and emerging technologies

Demonstrate understanding of the use of the computer to access and use information and resources to assist in law office functions.

Verbal: Oral presentation of research, group discussions

Discuss the basic tenets of the law and define the legal terms related to these areas.

Demonstrate the ability to draft, edit, and print legal documents using word processing software.

Verbal: Group discussions Demonstrate the ability to

write clearly and accurately according to the standards of the legal profession.

Demonstrate the ability to draft, edit, and print legal documents using word processing software.

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, homework.

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, homework.

Incorporate computer technology to law office

Demonstrate the ability to use docket control software to organize

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management and data compilation systems.

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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, 5th Ed. West Legal Studies 2008.

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 homework.

• Attendance and class participation. Students are required to attend all classes. See the College Attendance Policy discussed in the UCC Catalog.

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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

management?

Lab Activity: Use Word to create law firm letterhead and correspondence.

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}

create a presentation.

FIVE _{The Attorney-Client}

Relationship.

Communicating with clients.

Lab Activity: Use Word to create retainer agreement.

SIX _{Paralegal Ethics and Client} Relations. The unauthorized practice of law.

Lab activity: Use of Word to create legal correspondence.

SEVEN _{Timekeeping. Increments of}

time, creating time sheets and database.

Lab Activity: Timekeeping with an Access Database.

EIGHT _Billing._{Legal Fees.} _{Lab Activity: Learning Visio.}

NINE _{Financial Management.}

Marketing, planning, and basic accounting.

Lab Activity: Learning Visio (continued). Exam 2.

TEN _{Financial Management:}

Managing client funds and trust accounts.

Lab Activity: Using Visio: Creating Organizational Charts suitable for use as a trial exhibit.

ELEVEN _{Technology in the Law}

Office. Litigation case management software.

Lab Activity: Create a timeline to be used as a trial exhibit using Visio.

TWELVE _{Technology in the Law}

Office. E-discovery.

Lab Activity: using software to manage e-discovery. Exam 3.

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Office. E-briefs, e-filing and e-recording.

with links to all cited authority.

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 Student Learning - Course Outcomes Assessment of Outcomes Examine the roles

played by paralegals in the American legal system, particularly the ethical regulations concerning the practice of law

Examine the particular ethical considerations involved in managing a law office. Recognize their role in the success of a law office

Written: Develop law practice policies and procedures into a staff manual, in-class

assignments and homework, research.

Verbal: group discussions Demonstrate critical

thinking and problem solving skills

Define the roles and

responsibilities of the various professional and support staff of a law office and

understand the

“unauthorized practice of law”.

Written: in-class assignments, case briefs, homework

Verbal: Oral presentations, group discussions

Effectively

communicate with others in a diverse society, maintaining a professional manner and client confidence

Communicate effectively with others in group projects, interviews, and

presentations.

Written: Research, in-class assignments and homework Verbal: Oral presentations, interview, group discussions Observed behavior and responses Conduct legal research

and other fact-gathering activities including client interviews and investigations using current and emerging technologies

Develop organizational skills to make most efficient use of their time.

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 Discuss the basic

tenets of the law and define the legal terms related to these areas.

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

Written: Research, in-class assignments and homework Verbal: Oral presentations, interview, group discussions

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system.

Maintain client files and accounts.

Demonstrate the ability to write clearly and accurately according to the standards of the legal profession.

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.

Differentiate between the typical professional

structures used to organize different types of law firms and corporate legal

departments

Written. Homework, in-class assignments

Verbal: Oral presentation of research, group discussions Incorporate computer

technology to law office management and data compilation systems, including client files and library

maintenance.

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: prepare

“E-documents”. Prepare filing using all available Legal software. Verbal: group discussions