Paralegal

This course introduces the paralegal profession and the legal system. Topics include an overview of major areas of legal practice, ethics, legal analysis and research, professional development including certification and employment, and related topics. The student must take PRL 101 and PRL 102 before taking any other paralegal courses.

This course introduces the techniques of legal research and writing. Emphasis is placed on locating, analyzing, applying, and validating sources of law. Topics include legal research, legal writing, proper citation, and electronic research. The student will demonstrate the ability to perform legal research and writing assignments using techniques covered in this course. The student must take PRL 101 and PRL 102 before taking any other paralegal courses.

This course requires the student to apply research, analysis, and writing techniques to substantive legal issues. Assignments include preparation of legal memoranda and other documents and the more efficient use of electronic research methods.

This course introduces substantive and procedural criminal law including elements of state and federal crimes, defenses, constitutional issues, pre-trial process, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to explain elements of specific crimes and assist an attorney in preparing a criminal case.

This course emphasizes the study of real property law. Topics include the distinction between real and personal property, various estates and interest in property, and the mechanics of conveyance, encumbrances, and closing procedures. Upon completion, the student will demonstrate the ability to identify estates, forms of deeds, recording requirements, and procedures used to enforce rights to real property.

This course covers laws governing domestic relations. Topics include marriage, separation, divorce, child custody, support, property division, adoption, domestic violence, and other related topics. The student will demonstrate the ability to draft divorce and support pleadings, separation agreements, and calculate child support according to the guidelines adopted by the state.

This course covers wills, trusts, and inheritance. Topics include types of wills, the law of intestacy (inheritance), probating estates, and alternatives to probate. The course also covers trusts, medical directives, and associated litigation. Upon completion, the student will demonstrate the ability to draft simple wills, prepare estate forms, understand administration of estates, and understand terms regarding trusts.

This course examines the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure, and trial procedure. The student will demonstrate the ability to prepare a trial notebook for litigation purposes.

This course provides students opportunities to work in paid or unpaid positions in which they apply paralegal skills and knowledge. This course requires six hours of class room instruction and a minimum of one hundred and thirty (130) hours of practical experience in the legal field, including work in law offices, municipal courts, banks, insurance companies, and governmental agencies, and with district and circuit court judges. Upon course completion, students will be able to apply in real-work settings competencies obtained in the PRL curriculum.