LEGAL STUDIES COURSES (LEGAL)
LEGAL 110 - INTRODUCTION TO LEGAL STUDIES
Prerequisite: ENGL 110 with a "C" or better, or equivalent, and department approval. This course examines the role of the legal assistant in the legal system and overviews the skills required of this type of work. Reference is made to legal terminology and Illinois procedural and substantive law. (Formerly PRLGL 110)
3 Credit Hours (OC) - Lecture Hours: 3 Laboratory Hours: 0
LEGAL 112 - LEGAL RESEARCH I
Prerequisite: Department approval. This course orients the student as to the use and contents of the law library, i.e., legal publications, treatises and other legal writings encountered in the practice of law. (Formerly PRLGL 112)
3 Credit Hours (OC) - Lecture Hours: 3 Laboratory Hours: 0
LEGAL 113 - LEGAL RESEARCH II
Prerequisite: Department approval. This course examines the purposes, forms, organization, design and language of legal writing and engages the student in the analysis and resolution of the issues presented by the law and the facts. The writing of appellate briefs, research and argumentative memoranda, as well as advisory letters is emphasized. (Formerly PRLGL 113)
3 Credit Hours (OC) - Lecture Hours: 3 Laboratory Hours: 0
LEGAL 114 - FAMILY LAW
Prerequisite: Department approval. This course studies the marital relationship including: formation, annulment, separation and dissolution (divorce). Consequential considerations are covered such as child custody and support, maintenance (alimony), property settlement and some of the tax consequences. Other matters included in the course are adoption, paternity and the rights of family members. These topics are viewed in the light of Illinois law. The student participates in the completion and drafting of various forms and other documents. (Formerly PRLGL 114)
3 Credit Hours (OC) - Lecture Hours: 3 Laboratory Hours: 0
LEGAL 115 - WILLS, TRUSTS AND ESTATE ADMINISTRATION
Prerequisite: Department approval. This course informs the student of concepts in and the mechanics of will and trust preparation and estate administration and provides exercises appropriate to the duties of a legal assistant. (Formerly PRLGL 115)
3 Credit Hours (OC) - Lecture Hours: 3 Laboratory Hours: 0
LEGAL 116 - CIVIL LITIGATION
Prerequisite: Department approval. This course is a study of major steps in preparation for filing of and defensive pleadings for civil lawsuits; discovery; trial preparations, trial and post-trial matters; and ancillary matters. Appropriate reference is made to Illinois law. Exercises are provided. (Formerly PRLGL 116)
3 Credit Hours (OC) - Lecture Hours: 3 Laboratory Hours: 0
LEGAL 117 - ADMINISTRATIVE LAW
Prerequisite: Department approval. This course provides the student with an overview of administrative law, including agency rule-making and adjudication with specific emphasis on the processing of workers compensation cases under the Illinois Workers Compensation Act and federal social security practice. (Formerly PRLGL 117)
3 Credit Hours (OC) - Lecture Hours: 3 Laboratory Hours: 0
LEGAL 118 - LAW OFFICE MANAGEMENT
Prerequisite: Department approval. This course provides the student with exposure to practice-oriented contemporary topics of law office management. In addition to studying the organization, politics, employment law and the procedures of a law office, students will be introduced to and given an opportunity to utilize law oriented computer software applications in classroom exercises. Students will be exposed to exercises designed to provide exposure to the skills utilized by a legal assistant, also known as a paralegal, in file management, time keeping and billing, docket management and developments in computer based legal research and document movement. (Formerly PRLGL 118)
3 Credit Hours (OC) - Lecture Hours: 3 Laboratory Hours: 0
LEGAL 120 - MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY FOR PARALEGALS
Prerequisite: Department approval. The course presents students with the opportunity to acquire competency with medical terminology and gain experience with practical legal applications for medical terminology. (Formerly PRLGL 120)
2 Credit Hours (OC) - Lecture Hours: 2 Laboratory Hours: 0
LEGAL 215 - BUSINESS ORGANIZATION AND PRACTICE
Prerequisite: Department approval. This course is intended to provide a guide to knowledge and practical exercises in the legal assistant's function in the day-to-day legal representation of business clients. The course focuses on simulated activities expected of a legal assistant, also known as a paralegal, in a law office environment and discussion of the substantive law and procedural tasks involved in the formation and maintenance of various business entities and related business transactions. (Formerly PRLGL 215)
3 Credit Hours (OC) - Lecture Hours: 3 Laboratory Hours: 0
LEGAL 260 - LEGAL ASSISTANT INTERNSHIP
Prerequisite: Departmental approval. This course involves student trainees who are employed at an approved training station with a program of training scheduled by joint agreement of the student, supervisor, and program coordinator. Special assignments including case studies and/or supplementary reports are required. (Formerly PRLGL 260)
3 Credit Hours (OC) - Lecture Hours: 1 Laboratory Hours: 15