LEX 110  Introduction to Paralegal Study

This course introduces the paralegal profession and the legal system with an emphasis on the role of professional and legal ethics. Topics include regulation, ethics, case analysis, legal reasoning, career opportunities, professional organizations, terminology, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to understand the role of a paralegal and identify the skills, knowledge, and ethics required of paralegals.

Course Hours Per Week: Class, 2; Lab, 0

Semester Hours Credit: 2

Prerequisite: None

Corequisite: None.

LEX 120  Legal Research/Writing I

This course introduces the techniques of legal research and writing. Emphasis is on locating, analyzing, applying, and updating sources of law; effective legal writing, including proper citation; and the use of electronic research methods. Upon completion, students should be able to perform legal research and writing assignments using techniques covered in the course.

Course Hours Per Week: Class, 2; Lab, 2

Semester Hours Credit: 3

Prerequisite: None

Corequisite: None.

LEX 121  Legal Research/Writing II

This course covers advanced topics in legal research and writing. Topics include more complex legal issues and assignments involving preparation of legal memos, briefs, and other documents as well as the advanced use of electronic research methods. Upon completion, students should be able to perform legal research and writing assignments using techniques covered in the course.

Course Hours Per Week: Class, 2; Lab, 2

Semester Hours Credit: 3

Prerequisite: LEX 120

Corequisite: None.

LEX 130  Civil Injuries

This course covers traditional tort concepts and the evolving body of individual rights created by statute. Topics include intentional and non-intentional torts with emphasis on negligence, strict liability, civil rights, workplace and environmental liability, remedies, and damages. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize, explain, and evaluate elements of civil injuries and related defenses.

Course Hours Per Week: Class, 3; Lab, 0

Semester Hours Credit: 3

Prerequisite: None

Corequisite: None.

LEX 140  Civil Litigation I

This course introduces the structure of the legal system and the rules governing civil litigation. Topics include jurisdiction and state and federal rules of civil procedure and evidence. Upon completion, students should be able to assist an attorney in the pre-litigation matters and preparation of pleadings and motions.

Course Hours Per Week: Class, 3; Lab, 0

Semester Hours Credit: 3

Prerequisite: None

Corequisite: None.

LEX 141  Civil Litigation II

This course covers advanced topics in the civil litigation process. Topics include motions, discovery, and trial and appellate procedures. Upon completion, students should be able to assist an attorney in preparing and organizing documents for trial, settlement, and post-trial practice.

Course Hours Per Week: Class, 2; Lab, 2

Semester Hours Credit: 3

Prerequisite: LEX 140

Corequisite: None.

LEX 150  Commercial Law I

This course covers legally enforceable agreements, forms of organization, and selected portions of the Uniform Commercial Code. Topics include drafting and enforcement of contracts, leases, and related documents as well as selection and implementation of business organization forms, sales, and commercial papers. Upon completion, students should be able to apply the elements of a contract, prepare various business documents, and understand the role of commercial paper.

Course Hours Per Week: Class, 2; Lab, 2

Semester Hours Credit: 3

Prerequisite: None

Corequisite: None.

LEX 160  Criminal Law and Procedure

This course introduces substantive criminal law and procedural rights of the accused. Topics include elements of state/federal crimes, defenses, constitutional issues, pre-trial and 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.

Course Hours Per Week: Class, 2; Lab, 2

Semester Hours Credit: 3

Prerequisite: None

Corequisite: None.

LEX 180  Case Analysis and Reasoning

This course covers the techniques of reading and applying legal opinions and the skills of case analysis. Emphasis is on the components of opinions and on types of legal writing. Upon completion, students should be able to read, analyze, and brief opinions as well as prepare legal memoranda, briefs, and other legal documents.

Course Hours Per Week: Class, 1; Lab, 2

Semester Hours Credit: 2

Prerequisite: None

Corequisite: LEX 120.

LEX 210  Real Property I

This course introduces the study of real property law. Topics include the distinction between real and personal property, various estates, mechanics of conveyance and encumbrance, recordation, special proceedings, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify estates, forms of deeds, requirements for recording, and procedures to enforce rights to real property.

Course Hours Per Week: Class, 3; Lab, 0

Semester Hours Credit: 3

Prerequisite: None

Corequisite: None.

LEX 211  Real Property II

This course continues the study of real property law relating to title examination and preparation of closing documents. Topics include use of courthouse and other public records in title examination and preparation of documents required in real estate transactions and closings. Upon completion, students should be able to plot/draft a description; perform complete title examination; draft closing documents, including title insurance forms; and prepare disbursement reconciliation.

Course Hours Per Week: Class, 1; Lab, 4

Semester Hours Credit: 3

Prerequisite: LEX 210

Corequisite: None.

LEX 220  Corporate Law

This course covers the legal aspects of forming, operating, and maintaining a business. Emphasis is on the business corporation with additional coverage of sole proprietorships and partnerships. Upon completion, students should be able to draft basic partnership and corporate documents and file these documents as required.

Course Hours Per Week: Class, 2; Lab, 0

Semester Hours Credit: 2

Prerequisite: None

Corequisite: None.

LEX 240  Family Law

This course covers laws governing domestic relations. Topics include marriage, separation, divorce, child custody, support, property division, adoption, domestic violence, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to interview clients, gather information, and draft documents related to family law.

Course Hours Per Week: Class, 3; Lab, 0

Semester Hours Credit: 3

Prerequisite: None

Corequisite: None.

LEX 250  Wills, Estates, and Trusts

This course covers various types of wills, trusts, probate, estate administration, and intestacy. Topics include types of wills and execution requirements, caveats and dissents, intestate succession, inventories and accountings, distribution and settlement, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to draft simple wills; prepare estate forms; understand administration of estates, including taxation; and explain terms regarding trusts.

Course Hours Per Week: Class, 2; Lab, 2

Semester Hours Credit: 3

Prerequisite: None

Corequisite: None.

LEX 260  Bankruptcy and Collections

This course provides an overview of the laws of bankruptcy and the rights of creditors and debtors. Topics include bankruptcy procedures and estate management, attachment, claim and delivery, repossession, foreclosure, collection, garnishment, and post-judgment collection procedure. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare and file bankruptcy forms, collection letters, statutory liens, and collection of judgment.

Course Hours Per Week: Class, 3; Lab, 0

Semester Hours Credit: 3

Prerequisite: None

Corequisite: None.

LEX 270  Law Office Management/Technology

This course provides an overview of law office management and organization. Topics include office forms, filing systems, billing/time keeping, computer systems, calendar systems, library administration, case management, office and personnel procedures, ethics, and technology. Upon completion, students should be able to establish and maintain various law office systems, monitor case progress, and supervise non-lawyer personnel.

Course Hours Per Week: Class, 1; Lab, 2

Semester Hours Credit: 2

Prerequisite: None

Corequisite: None.

LEX 280  Ethics and Professionalism

This course reinforces legal ethics and the role of the paralegal in a professional work environment. Topics include a review of ethics, employment opportunities, and search techniques; paralegal certification; and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to understand the paralegal’s role in the ethical practice of law. This course is designed as a capstone course during which the student reviews the various skills acquired during the past four terms in preparation for graduation and certification.

Course Hours Per Week: Class, 2; Lab, 0

Semester Hours Credit: 2

Prerequisites: LEX 110, LEX 120, LEX 130, LEX 140, LEX 141, LEX 150, LEX 210, LEX 220, LEX 240, LEX 250, LEX 285

Corequisite: None.

LEX 285  Workers’ Compensation Law

This course covers the process of initiating and handling workers’ compensation claims. Emphasis is on reviewing and drafting relevant Industrial Commission forms. Upon completion, students should be able to interview clients, gather information, and draft documents related to workers’ compensation claims.

Course Hours Per Week: Class, 2; Lab, 0

Semester Hours Credit: 2

Prerequisite: None

Corequisite: None.

LEX 286  Medical Evidence Analysis

This course is designed to teach reading and analyzing medical records for legal evaluation of bodily injury and disability claims. Emphasis is on terminology; identifying, obtaining, and reviewing medical records; and study of the major systems of the human body. Upon completion, students should be able to compile, analyze, and organize medical documents to support or disprove injury claims.

Course Hours Per Week: Class, 1; Lab, 2

Semester Hours Credit: 2

Prerequisite: None

Corequisite: None.