40 courses with the subject PL, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
PL 100Introduction to Legal Assisting3.00
This course provides an overview of the paralegal profession and an introduction to the law and legal procedures. Topics include paralegal duties and responsibilities, ethical issues in legal assisting, sources of American law and legal concepts, the court system and government regulations, corporate law, civil litigation and trial procedures, criminal and administrative law and procedures, conducting interviews and investigations, and legal research and analysis. Semester
This course introduces students to the foundations of the American legal system and the essential role paralegals play within it. Students will explore the structure of the courts, the basics of substantive law, and develop an understanding of the foundations of legal research, writing, and analytical reasoning. Students will understand core legal concepts and the professional tools and methods used throughout the legal field. Semester
This course establishes the fundamental skills necessary for success in a legal environment: efficient research, critical analysis, and clear, professional legal communication. Students will demonstrate the core Issue Rule Application Conclusion (IRAC) processes of identifying the issue, researching and defining the rule, interpreting and applying the legal authorities to resolve client problems and construct persuasive well-researched legal arguments. Semester
This course introduces students to the foundational principles of legal ethics and professional responsibility. Students will learn how to recognize and apply ethical standards through the study of the Model Rules of Professional Conduct. The course emphasizes practical judgment, critical thinking, and the development of ethically sound workplace practices. Semester
This course provides an exploration of the business, financial, technological, and ethical principles essential for the effective management of a law practice. Students will review legal technology systems for case management, e-discovery and data privacy while utilizing financial and time management skills to maintain good client relationships. Students will understand the core operational skills required to launch, manage, and grow a successful legal organization while navigating ethical AI and data privacy concerns. Semester
This course provides an overview of the civil litigation process and the procedural rules that guide the resolution of non-criminal disputes in the United States. Students will examine the sources of procedural law, determine proper jurisdiction and venue, and explore each phase of litigation, including pleadings, discovery, pre-trial motions, trial preparation, and civil trials. The course also covers judgments, remedies, and post-trial motions. Through practical application, students will draft foundational procedural documents such as complaints, answers, and motions, and develop the skills to present clear, organized legal arguments. Semester
This course introduces students to the principles of tort law, including negligence, intentional torts, and strict liability. Students will analyze how tort concepts function within the civil justice system and apply them to commonly encountered in legal practice. Students will identify legal issues, interpret case law, and use structured methods of legal analysis. Semester
This course introduces students to the principles of contract law, including formation, enforceability, performance, and remedies. Students will explore how statutes, case law, and the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) define contract rights and obligations. Emphasis is placed on contract drafting, interpretation, and the ethical responsibilities of legal professionals supporting contract-related work. Semester
EN 104 English Composition I and PL 106 Legal Research .
Corequisite
None.
PL 255Criminal Law and Procedure3.00
This course examines the substantive and procedural aspects of criminal law, including major offenses, constitutional safeguards, and stages of the criminal justice process. Students will learn how laws define criminal behavior, how courts administer justice, and how legal assistants contribute to case preparation and documentation. Ethical standards and professional conduct in criminal practice will be emphasized. Semester
This course introduces the fundamental legal principles that shape family relationships, focusing on the formation and dissolution of legal bonds. Students will examine the requirements for a valid marriage and divorce, explore the purposes and determination of alimony, and analyze how courts assess the best interests of the child in matters involving custody and support. The course also covers the legal standards and procedures for adoption and guardianship. Students will draft essential family law documents while gaining a foundational understanding of how family law affects individuals and families. Semester
This is an elective course in the associate degree program that students take in their final semester. The career internship course is designed for students interested in pursuing a career in legal studies. The outcome of the internship is an informed student fully apprised of the opportunities his/her degree program offers for professional growth. During the internship phase of training, the student will experience various aspects of working in the actual field in which they have been educated. The internship is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to experience and participate in duties typical of a contemporary workplace setting. Student learning will center on observing experienced personnel as well as participating in actual hands-on procedures under close supervision of trained professionals. Semester
This course is designed to review the legal studies courses taken in the various programs and prepare the student to take the National Association of Legal Assistants’ (NALA) Certified Paralegal Examination. This examination is a two-day comprehensive examination administered at various locations across the United States. Semester
This course builds upon foundational legal research and analytical skills, focusing on the strategic, complex, and persuasive writing necessary for appellate and litigation practice. Students will engage with multi-layered legal problems and apply advanced writing structures using the IRAC and CIRAC methods. Additionally, students will explore emerging technologies in legal practice, including generative AI. Semester
This course focuses on the fundamental principles of real and personal property ownership and the legal concepts that shape land transactions. Students will explore the elements of real estate contracts, the various forms of property ownership, and the distinctions among different types of deeds. Additionally, this course examines the legal requirements and processes for transferring property, the major steps and documentation involved in real estate closings, and the impact of land use regulations and property taxation on ownership and development. Semester
This course surveys U.S. and international intellectual property law including copyright, trademark, patent, and trade-secret protection. Students explore ownership, infringement, and enforcement issues through case analysis and practical applications. Emphasis will be placed on evolving areas such as digital media, AI-generated works, and global IP frameworks. Semester
This course explores the processes, strategies, and techniques used to resolve legal conflicts outside of traditional courtroom litigation. Students will gain an understanding of the various forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and the skills to analyze, select, and participate effectively in non-adversarial conflict resolution methods such as negotiation, mediation, conciliation, and arbitration. Semester
PL 330Corporate and Business Organizational Law3.00
This course provides a legal and operational framework for understanding the entities that drive modern commerce. Students will explore the full life cycle of a business, from initial formation to dissolution, focusing on the legal, ethical, and strategic implications of organizational structure. Additionally, students will analyze the interplay between agency, governance, fiduciary duties, and global business practices to counsel clients on operational risks, tax implications, and sustainable business decisions. Semester
This course will explore complex civil litigation, guiding students through the processes, strategies, and legal standards that shape civil disputes. Students will examine examples of complex litigation cases and analyze discovery methods. Emphasis will be placed on drafting legal documents including motions, preparing pretrial strategies, and planning case management approaches. Semester
This course introduces the legal principles governing the distribution of property during life and after death. Students will explore the structure and purpose of Wills, trusts, and other estate planning instruments, gaining practical experience in drafting essential documents. The course also introduces the tax implications associated with various methods of property transfer, offering a foundational understanding of how tax considerations influence estate planning strategies. Semester
This course provides students with a foundational understanding of employment and labor law. Students will explore the legal framework that governs the employer–employee relationship, including at-will employment, wage and hour regulations, anti-discrimination statutes, workplace safety requirements, and labor relations. Students will also cover best practices in documentation to ensure proper legal protections for organizations. Emphasis will be placed on legal compliance and practical application of employment and labor laws. Semester
This course provides an overview of bankruptcy law, focusing on the structure and purpose of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and its major chapters. Emphasis will be placed on understanding debtor eligibility, repayment plans, and strategic considerations used by individuals and businesses facing financial distress. Students will also examine the scope and impact of the automatic stay along with creditor rights, protections, and remedies. Additionally, this course will cover essential bankruptcy procedures, documentation standards, and taxation considerations. Semester
This course examines the legal frameworks, regulatory challenges, and emerging issues that govern activity in cyberspace. Students will analyze jurisdictional conflicts in prosecuting cybercrime, cyberterrorism, and state-sponsored threats. Additionally, this course explores organizational liability and compliance obligations under GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA. Students will evaluate DMCA takedown procedures, fair use defenses, and digital copyright and trademark disputes. Emphasis will be placed on drafting enforceable cross-border e-commerce contracts aligned with UETA and the E-SIGN Act.
This course serves as the culminating experience for students to integrate and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies developed throughout the legal studies program. Students will analyze legal principles and conduct advanced legal research using primary and secondary sources, including responsible use of AI-powered research tools. Students will also evaluate ethical and compliance considerations in varied legal and business contexts. Through a final project, students will showcase their readiness for professional roles within the legal field. Semester
This is an integrative course that allows students to identify a real-world legal problem and provide a recommended solution based upon legal research, case law and legislative history. Each student selects a topic or project, with instructor approval, and completes a paper which documents the process, including the use of industry-standard research methods. The final written work product may be in the form of a scholarly article of publishable quality, a seminar-type paper, a model bill and the supporting memorandum, a draft complaint or petition and supporting memorandum, the formal documents and supporting memorandum for a transactional project, or a brief (on the merits or as an amicus), to name just a few examples. Semester
This is an elective course students take in their final semester. The internship course is designed for students interested in pursuing a career in legal studies and its related fields. The outcome of the internship is an informed student fully apprised of the opportunities his/her degree program offers for professional growth. During the internship phase of training, the student will experience various aspects of working in the actual field in which the student has been educated. The internship is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to experience and participate in duties typical of a contemporary workplace setting. Student learning will center on observing experienced personnel as well as participating in actual hands-on procedures under close supervision of trained professionals. Semester
