ABA Approved Paralegal Studies Program Lone Star College

ABA Approved

Paralegal Studies Program

2014 - 2015

To the Prospective Paralegal Student:

We have compiled these materials to assist you in your decision to attend Lone Star College-North Harris ABA-Approved Paralegal Studies Program. We have tried to be as complete as humanly possible, but if we have missed something, please give us a call or send us an email!

 The first thing you want to do is apply to the college for admission. There is no special

application for the program itself. Just apply to the college and sign up for classes. Order your transcripts to be sent to Admissions. Get advising to see about testing.

 DECLARE YOUR PARALEGAL MAJOR! This is vitally important!

 Sign up for classes

 Be sure you take LGLA 1307 Intro to Law and LGLA 1303 Legal Research either FIRST or CONCURRENTLY with other first semester classes. You MUST have these two classes as prerequisites for the other classes in order to succeed. Never try to take LGLA 1345 Litigation Procedures without taking the other two classes first. It is certain to cause failure.

 Ask Prof Delesandri to sign you up on the Paralegal Listserv so you get all the program news

 We do not know anything about Tuition or Financial Aid in our department. Our college has separate departments for those things. See other materials in this packet for those phone numbers. However, we have compiled some rough tuition information here below that is accurate for 2014:

  In- District  Out of

District

 International or Out of State

 Certificate  $2056  $4506  $5818

 AAS  $3898  $8098  $9043

 The above numbers reflect tuition only. You will also have fees and books to consider. To see if you live in-district, please consult the Lone Star College website at www.lonestar.edu

 Yes, we have Internships. You must complete 15 LGLA hours before being able to sign up for one. An internship may be done in place of one of the LGLA electives. Internships are 20 hours a week for an entire long semester (16 weeks) and they are unpaid. Begin the process by filling out an Internship Questionnaire and giving it to Prof. Delesandri. We find you the internship unless you already have one.

 We do not GUARANTEE placement. However, our graduate placement rate is well over 90%. We will teach you how to look for a job in the Houston area and you will have to do the hard work. There is nothing magical about the paralegal profession as far as getting your first entry-level job is concerned. It takes the same amount of work and dedication as any other career. But once you have a job in this profession, you are usually set for life!

 While you are in the program, your paralegal advisor will be Professor Delesandri. I am the one to determine whether other classes may be substituted for a prescribed class, etc. However, if you want transferability advice to go on to a 4 year university, you may want to go to see a college advisor.



Students lacking the minimum of an Associates’ Degree shall enter the Associates

Degree Paralegal Studies Program



All students should declare appropriate paralegal major and begin with a minimum

LGLA 1307 Intro to Law and LGLA 1303 Legal Research



No student should be allowed into LGLA 1345 Litigation Procedures without the proper

pre-requisite (LGLA 1307 Intro to Law). Without Intro, they will fail.



Four classes MUST be taken on campus in a classroom. These classes are LGLA 1307,

LGLA 1303, LGLA 2370, and LGLA 2331. All the other LGLA classes are only available

online.



The Paralegal Studies Program at LSC-NH is approved by the American Bar Association

(ABA).



Criminal Justice classes are not the same as Paralegal courses and may not be used for

substitution.



There is no licensing or regulation of paralegals in the State of Texas. However, most

employers will not hire a paralegal who does not have either a degree or certificate in

Paralegal Studies.



POFL courses are not a part of the Paralegal Studies program and cannot substitute for

them.



Paralegals must work under the direct supervision of an attorney, and may not deliver

legal advice or legal services directly to the public. To do so is crime called

“Unauthorized Practice of Law.” That means they may not open “legal document

preparation services” that service the public.



The term “legal assistant” has evolved to mean an entry-level paralegal, or legal

secretary. After completion of either the Associates Degree or Certificate in Paralegal

Studies, you will be qualified to enter a job as a paralegal.



Only the Director of the Paralegal Studies Program may complete course substitutions

for a student. No waivers of any kind will be given for any course.



Students are welcomed and encouraged to seek advising from the Paralegal Studies

department. Please call Professor Marcy Delesandri at 281-618-5735 or email

marcy.delesandri@lonestar.edu

for an appointment. Or call Assistant Professor Jeff

Watts at 281-618-5587 or email

Jeffrey.A.Watts@lonestar.edu

.

 We have an articulation agreement with University of Houston Downtown, which also has classes at our Woodlands location. Ask about their Interdisciplinary Degree. They will transfer your paralegal classes. Not all 4 year colleges and universities will do this.

 I understand that many of you will want to go on to finish your bachelor’s and go on to law school. But please don’t overlook the paralegal profession as a career. You can make more money than most lawyers, and your career will be just as satisfying. Think about it.

Professor Marcy Delesandri Director of Paralegal Studies Lone Star College-North Harris 2700 W W Thorne, A-133 H Houston, TX 77073

281-618-5735 FAX: 281-765-7858

ABA Approved Paralegal Program

Paralegal Studies AAS Checklist

Total Credit Hours for Program: 61

Date Started Program __________________ Date Completed Program_____________________

Course #

Course Name

Credit

Hours

Date

Started

Date

Completed

Grade

FIRST YEAR

First Semester

BUSI 2301

Business Law

3

MATH 1332

Math for Liberal Arts

3

ENGL 1301

Composition & Rhetoric I

3

ITSC 1401

Introduction to Computers

3

LGLA 1307

Intro. To Law & Legal

Professions

3

Second

Semester

ACNT 1303

Introduction to Accounting

3

Elective

Humanities/Fine Arts

3

Elective

General Education

3

GOVT 2305

Federal Government

3

LGLA 1303

Legal Research

3

1

_{Humanities course requirement must be selected from this list: ENGL 2332, 2333; HUMA}

1301, 1302; PHIL 1304; FREN 2311, 2312; GERM 2311, 2312; SPAN 231, 2312. These

courses also meet the multicultural requirement.

(Paralegal Studies AAS Checklist, cont.)

Course #

Course Name

Credit

Hours

Date

Started

Date

Completed

Grade

SECOND

YEAR

First Semester

KINE

Physical activity

1

LGLA 1219

Legal Ethics & Prof.

Responsibility

2

LGLA 1345

Civil Litigation

3

LGLA 2370

Rules of Civil Procedure

3

LGLA 2303

Torts & Personal Injury Law

3

ITSW 1301

Intro. To Word Processing

3

Second

Semester

LGLA 1171

Preparing for Legal

Employment

1

LGLA 2305

Interviewing & Investigating

3

LGLA

2331

Adv. Legal Research &

Writing

3

LGLA

Elective

3

LGLA 2388

Internship Paralegal

OR

3

LGLA

_Elective

SPCH 1315

Public Speaking

3

_{Capstone course}

_{LGLA: 1323, 1341, 1343, 1349, 1353, 1355, 1359, 1371, 2301, 2309, 2311, 2313, 2315}

(LG: 1/25/13)

Paralegal Studies Advanced Technical

Certificate Checklist

Total Credit Hours for Program: 35-36

Date Started Program ____________________ Date Completed Program________________________

Course # Course Name Credit

Hours Date Started Date Completed Grade FIRST YEAR First Semester

ITSW 1301 Introduction to Word Processing

OR 3-4

ITSC 1401 Introduction to Computers

LGLA 1219 Legal Ethics & Prof. Responsibility 2

LGLA 1303 Legal Research 3

LGLA 1307 Intro. To Law & Legal Professions 3 LGLA 2303 Torts & Personal Injury Law 3 LGLA 2370 Rules of Civil Procedure 3 Second Semester

ACNT 1303 Introduction to Accounting 3

LGLA 1345 Civil Litigation 3

LGLA 2305 Interviewing & Investigating 3 LGLA 1 _{2331 Adv. Legal Research & Writing 3}

LGLA2 _{Elective 3}

LGLA 2388 Internship Paralegal

OR 3

LGLA2 _Elective

1 _{Capstone course}

2 _{LGLA: 1317, 1323, 1341, 1343, 1349, 1353, 1355, 1359, 1371, 2301, 2309, 2311, 2313, 2315}

COURSE DESCRIPTION: LGLA 1171 PREPARING FOR LEGAL EMPLOYEMENT 1 CREDIT (1 hr.lec)

This course prepares the paralegal student in the specific job finding skills necessary for the legal environment. Prerequisites: ENGL 0305 or ENGL 0365 AND ENGL 0307 or ENGL 0375 OR higher level course (ENGL1301) OR placement by testing; Co-requisite: LGLA 2305 LGLA 1219

LEGAL ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY

2 CREDITS (2hrs.lec)

This course covers the moral and legal responsibilities and duties that a member of the legal profession owes to the public, the court, clients, and other professional

colleagues. Includes a review of canons, codes and rules of professional responsibility. Prerequisites: ENGL 0305 or ENGL 0365 AND ENGL 0307 or ENGL 0375 OR higher level course (ENGL 1301) OR placement by testing LGLA 1303

LEGAL RESEARCH 3 CREDITS (3hrs.lec)

Law library techniques and computer assisted legal research. Prerequisites: ENGL 0305 or ENGL 0365 AND ENGL 0307 or ENGL 0375 OR higher level course (ENGL 1301) OR placement by testing LGLA 1307 INTRODUCTION TO LAW AND LEGAL PROFESSIONS

3 CREDITS (3hrs.lec)

This course provides an overview of the law and the legal professions. Topics include legal concepts, systems, and terminology; ethical obligations and regulations; professional trends and issues with particular emphasis on the paralegal. Prerequisites: ENGL 0305 or ENGL 0365 AND ENGL 0307 or ENGL 0375 OR higher level course (ENGL 1301) OR placement by testing LGLA 1317 LAW OFFICE TECHNOLOGY 3 CREDITS (3hrs.lec)

Computer technology and soft-ware applications within the law office.

Prerequisites: ENGL 0305 or ENGL 0365 AND ENGL 0307 or ENGL 0375 OR higher level course (ENGL 1301) OR placement by testing LGLA 1323

EMPLOYMENT LAW 3 CREDITS (3hrs.lec)

This course presents fundamental concepts of, and the paralegal’s role in, employment and labor law. Topics include contracts of employment, governmental regulations, discrimination issues, and worker’s compensation Prerequisites: ENGL 0305 or ENGL 0365 AND ENGL 0307 or ENGL 0375 OR higher level course (ENGL 1301) OR placement by testing LGLA 1341 ADMINISTRATIVE LAW 3 CREDITS (3hrs.lec)

This course presents fundamental concepts of administrative law and

Prerequisites: ENGL 0305 or ENGL 0365 AND ENGL 0307 or ENGL

procedure in governmental agencies at all levels with emphasis on the paralegal’s role in the administrative process. Topics include creation of government agencies, operation,

rulemaking and adjudication.

0375 OR higher level course (ENGL 1301) OR placement by testing

LGLA 1343

BANKRUPTCY LAW 3 CREDITS (3hrs.lec)

This course presents fundamental concepts of bankruptcy law and

procedure with emphasis on the paralegal’s role. Topics include individual and business liquidation and reorganization. Prerequisites: ENGL 0305 or ENGL 0365 AND ENGL 0307 or ENGL 0375 OR higher level course (ENGL 1301) OR placement by testing LGLA 1345

CIVIL LITIGATION 3 CREDITS (3hrs.lec)

This course presents fundamental concepts and procedures of civil litigation with emphasis on the paralegal’s role. Topics include pretrial, trial and post-trial phases of litigation.

Prerequisites: ENGL 0305 or ENGL 0365 AND ENGL 0307 or ENGL 0375 OR higher level course (ENGL 1301) OR placement by testing LGLA 1349 CONSTITUTIONAL LAW 3 CREDITS (3hrs.lec)

This course provides an overview of the United States Constitution and its articles, amendments, and judicial interpretations. Topics include separation of powers, check and balances, governmental structures and process, and individual rights in relation to government. Prerequisites: ENGL 0305 or ENGL 0365 AND ENGL 0307 or ENGL 0375 OR higher level course (ENGL 1301) OR placement by testing LGLA 1353

WILLS, TRUSTS AND PROBATE

ADMINISTRATION

3 CREDITS (3hrs.lec)

This course presents

fundamental concepts of the law of wills, trust, and probate administration with emphasis on the paralegal’s role. Prerequisites: ENGL 0305 or ENGL 0365 AND ENGL 0307 or ENGL 0375 OR higher level course (ENGL 1301) OR placement by testing LGLA 1355

FAMILY LAW 3 CREDITS (3hrs.lec)

This course presents fundamental concepts of family law with emphasis on the paralegal’s role. Topics include formal and informal marriages, divorce,

annulment, marital property, and the parent-child

relationship. Prerequisites: ENGL 0305 or ENGL 0365 AND ENGL 0307 or ENGL 0375 OR higher level course (ENGL 1301) OR placement by testing

LGLA 1359

IMMIGRATION LAW 3 CREDITS (3hrs.lec)

This course presents fundamental concepts of immigration law with emphasis on the paralegal’s role. Topics include

substantive and procedural law related to visa

applications, deportation, naturalization, and citizenship. Prerequisites: ENGL 0305 or ENGL 0365 AND ENGL 0307 or ENGL 0375 OR higher level course (ENGL 1301) OR placement by testing LGLA 1371 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY 3 CREDITS (3hrs.lec)

Intellectual property is the study of patents, copyrights and trademarks. This course will prepare the paralegal student to assist in the preparation of filing of trademarks, patents and copyrights, as well as the maintenance and research related to this field.

Prerequisites: ENGL 0305 or ENGL 0365 AND ENGL 0307 or ENGL 0375 OR higher level course (ENGL 1301) OR placement by testing LGLA 2301 ENVIRONMENTAL LAW 3 CREDITS (3hrs.lec)

This course presents fundamental concepts of environmental law with emphasis on the paralegal’s role. Topics include

terminology, creation of environmental law, and the application of statutes and government regulations to specific fact situations.

Prerequisites: ENGL 0305 or ENGL 0365 AND ENGL 0307 or ENGL 0375 OR higher level course (ENGL 1301) OR placement by testing LGLA 2303 TORTS AND PERSONAL INJURY LAW 3 CREDITS (3hrs.lec)

This course presents

fundamental concepts of tort law with emphasis on the paralegal’s role. Topics include intentional torts, negligence and strict liability.

Prerequisites: ENGL 0305 or ENGL 0365 AND ENGL 0307 or ENGL 0375 OR higher level course (ENGL 1301) OR placement by testing LGLA 2305 INTERVIEWING AND INVESTIGATING 3 CREDITS (3hrs.lec)

This course is a study of principles, methods, and investigative techniques used to locate, gather, document, and manage information. Emphasis on developing interviewing and investigative skills Prerequisites: ENGL 0305 or ENGL 0365 AND ENGL 0307 or ENGL 0375 OR higher level course (ENGL 1301) OR placement by testing LGLA 2309

REAL PROPERTY 3 CREDITS (3hrs.lec)

This course presents

fundamental concepts of real property law with emphasis on the paralegal’s role. Topics include the nature of real property, rights and duties of ownership, land use, voluntary and

Prerequisites: ENGL 0305 or ENGL 0365 AND ENGL 0307 or ENGL 0375 OR higher level course (ENGL 1301) OR placement by testing

involuntary conveyances, and the recording of and searching for real estate documents. LGLA 2311 BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS 3 CREDITS (3hrs.lec)

This course presents basic concepts of business

organizations with emphasis on the paralegal’s role. Topics include law of agency, sole proprietorships, forms of partnerships,

corporations, and other emerging business entities.

Prerequisites: ENGL 0305 or ENGL 0365 AND ENGL 0307 or ENGL 0375 OR higher level course (ENGL 1301) OR placement by testing LGLA 2313

CRIMINAL LAW AND PROCEDURE

3 CREDITS (3hrs.lec)

This course introduces the criminal justice system including procedures from arrest to final disposition, principles of federal and state law, and the

preparation of pleadings and motions. Prerequisites: ENGL 0305 or ENGL 0365 AND ENGL 0307 or ENGL 0375 OR higher level course (ENGL 1301) OR placement by testing LGLA 2315

OIL AND GAS LAW 3 CREDITS (3hrs.lec)

This course presents the fundamental concepts of oil and gas law, including relationships between landowners and oil and gas operators, government regulation, and documents used in the industry with an emphasis on the paralegal’s role. Prerequisites: ENGL 0305 or ENGL 0365 AND ENGL 0307 or ENGL 0375 OR higher level course (ENGL 1301) OR placement by testing LGLA 2331 ADVANCED LEGAL RESEARCH AND WRITING 3 CREDITS (3hrs.lec)

This course builds upon skills acquired in prior legal research and writing courses including computerized research techniques and preparation of complex legal documents such as briefs, legal office memoranda, and citation forms.

Prerequisites: LGLA 1303 and completion of 12 LGLA credits; ENGL 0305 or ENGL 0365 AND ENGL 0307 or ENGL 0375 OR higher level course (ENGL 1301) OR placement by testing LGLA 2370 RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE 3 CREDITS (3hrs.lec)

An in-depth study of both state and federal rules of civil procedure. Designed to make the paralegal student

extremely knowledgeable in locating the proper rules in either jurisdiction. Prerequisites: ENGL 0305 or ENGL 0365 AND ENGL 0307 or ENGL 0375 OR higher level course (ENGL 1301) OR placement by testing LGLA 2388 INTERNSHIP – PARALEGAL/LEGAL ASSISTANT 3 CREDITS (18 hrs.ext)

The internship is a work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized

Prerequisites: 15 LGLA credits, Enrollment in paralegal AAS or certificate program,

occupational theory, skills and concepts. A learning plan is developed by the college, the student and the

employer.

approval of instructor; ENGL 0305 or ENGL 0365 AND ENGL 0307 or ENGL 0375 OR higher level course (ENGL 1301) OR placement by testing

LONES STAR COLLEGE-NORTH HARRIS

ABA APPROVRD PARALEGAL STUDIES PROGRAM

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the difference between a legal assistant and a paralegal?

Years ago, there was no difference. The terms were interchangeable and their usage

was generally determined by common custom or practice in a geographical area. Now,

however, a trend is beginning where the term legal assistant is being used more for

assistants to paralegals, or for legal secretaries. Therefore, all the major paralegal

associations and educational programs have changed their names to “Paralegal.”

What does a paralegal do?

The short answer to this is "anything an attorney does except give legal advice or argue

before the bar." Paralegals are trained to assist the attorney in all aspects of the law.

The paralegal drafts documents and pleadings, does legal and factual research and

investigation, acts as liaison between the firm and the client, analyzes and summarizes

documents and compiles reports, attends and assists at depositions, hearings, and trial,

organizes, develops, and maintains case management and file systems, and files

documents with the court. The role of the paralegal does vary with the individuality of

the lawyer who employs the paralegal. A paralegal who works in a small, generalist

practice can expect to have more varied duties, including some secretarial

responsibilities in many cases. Paralegals who work for larger firms generally specialize

in one area of the law and have more specific job descriptions.

How much money does a paralegal make annually?

This, of course, varies greatly according to geographic areas. In the Greater Houston

area, for example, the higher salaries are generally found in the downtown area, which

is highly competitive. A beginning paralegal can expect to start upwards of $30,000 a

year, but the attorneys in the suburbs generally pay a much lower salary. Once a

paralegal begins to gain experience, salaries rise steadily on an annual basis. At the

other end of the spectrum, very experienced paralegals in large metropolitan areas can

easily earn more than $90,000 annually. Working for a small law firm in a suburban area

brings far less in salary.

What is the difference between a paralegal and a legal secretary?

The biggest difference is in the priority of job responsibilities. Expectedly, a legal

secretary's first responsibility is answering the phone of the attorney. The second

priority is typing. Both of these jobs make it necessary for the legal secretary to keep

regular office hours and stay seated at a desk as much as possible during the day. A

paralegal, however, in most cases, has secretarial support, and does work much the

same way as an attorney, which often calls for the paralegal to be out of the office or

even traveling.

How long does your program take?

That will depend on you. Our program is made up of college-credit courses. Full time

students generally take 15-16 credit hours per semester. The paralegal certificate

program is available to students who have already obtained the equivalency of a two or

four year college degree in any subject. The certificate program can be completed in

two-full time semesters, or 32 weeks. Students who do not already possess either a two

year or four year college degree will enter the two year AAS degree program which will

take four full time semesters to complete. Of course, if you are not able to attend

classes on a full time basis, the length of time it takes you to complete the program will

vary according to how many classes you are able to take each semester. A semester by

semester breakdown of the required classes for both the certificate and the AAS degree

plan are found on Lone Star College-North Harris’ website.

What time of day are your classes offered?

Lone Star College-North Harris offers classes in two formats: There are four classes

which MUST be taken in the classroom:

LGLA 1307 Intro to Law

LGLA 1303 Legal Research

LGLA 2370 Rules of Civil Procedure

LGLA 2331 Advanced Legal Research and Writing

The above classes are offered at night every semester and some day classes. Each class

meets one night a week for 3 hours. Day classes meet twice a week for 1.1/2 hours

each. The rest of our classes are online. Please bear in mind that while LGLA 2303 and

1307 are offered at night in the classroom, you may not take other LGLA classes without

taking these classes first, or concurrently with other courses that ask for these courses

as a prerequisite.

After I graduate from your program, will I be certified to be a paralegal? Is there a test I take to

become licensed?

After graduation, you will be either a degreed paralegal or a paralegal, depending on

your course of study. Employers, who advertise in the paper for a "certified" legal

assistant, are really looking for a "certificated" legal assistant, or one who has graduated

from a paralegal program and earned a certificate or degree. There is no licensing or

regulation of legal assistants by any government or bar authority in any state or on a

national basis at this time. There is considerable discussion among bar associations and

legal assistant associations about the inevitability of instituting such regulation. The

best way to be prepared for the implementation of licensing or regulation is to graduate

from a respected legal assistant program with a degree or certificate, which is certain to

be part of the criteria for licensing in the future.

I have heard about an exam called the CLA. Will I be qualified to take that exam when I

graduate, and what will it mean if I pass the exam?

There are several national paralegal associations, one of which is called NALA, which

stands for National Association of Legal Assistants. NALA offers a voluntary test called

the Certified Legal Assistant exam. Once a paralegal passes this exam, the initials CLA

are placed behind the legal assistant's name. As a graduate from our program, you will

be qualified to take this exam if you so choose. To do so is strictly voluntary, and the

student should be aware that becoming a CLA will not necessarily give that student an

edge in employment opportunities or garner a larger salary. Most employers are not

entirely familiar with the CLA exam, and many, many qualified and experienced legal

assistants have enjoyed extremely successful careers without choosing to take the

exam. The CLA exam is a two-day test and costs several hundred dollars.

Is your paralegal course ABA approved?

Yes, Lone Star College – North Harris’s Paralegal Studies Program is ABA Approved.

I started college classes many years ago, but changed my mind about my major and did not

graduate. Can I use any of those classes to fulfill the requirements for the paralegal program?

Certainly, as long as those classes were taken at an accredited college and the course

content is the same as that which is required under our program. For example, your

Psychology 101 class will be accepted here for the Psychology requirement. Many of

the classes you took may also be able to be used to fulfill elective requirements. We will

be happy to look at your transcripts and help you to develop a degree plan where these

courses are applied to your degree.

I see that none of the courses for your program are offered at the other campuses in your

college district. Why is that?

According to the ABA guidelines for paralegal programs, certain types of resources and

support must be available to properly teach the courses. The North Harris campus is the

only campus in the system which has full time legal professors on faculty and a full law

library which meets the ABA standards. We feel that the North Harris College campus

offers students their best opportunity for complete resources and support in the

paralegal program.

Who do I contact for more information on your program?

Please call Marcy Delesandri (281) 618-5735 or e-mail her at:

Marcy.delesandri@lonestar.edu

Or Jeff Watts (281) 618-5587 or e-mail him at: