Legal Assisting (LGL)

Introduces various areas of law in which a paralegal may be employed. Includes study of the court system (Virginia and federal), as well as a brief overview of criminal law, torts, domestic relations, evidence, ethics, role of the legal assistant, and other areas of interest. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Studies law of real property, and gives in-depth survey of more common types of real estate transactions and conveyances such as deeds, contracts, leases, and deeds of trust. Focuses on drafting these various instruments, and studies the system of recording and searching public documents. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Studies elements of a valid marriage, grounds for divorce and annulment, separation, defenses, custody, support, adoptions, and applicable tax consequences. Includes property settlement agreements, pre- and ante-nuptial agreements, pleadings, and rules of procedure. May include specific federal and Virginia consumer law. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Provides an understanding of various components of a law library, and emphasizes research skills through the use of digests, encyclopedias, reporter systems, codes, Citations, ALR, and other research tools. May include research through electronic database, overview of computer applications and writing projects. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Studies proper preparation of various legal documents, including case and appeal briefs, legal memoranda, letters, and pleadings. Involves practical applications. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Prerequisite ENG 111 or permission of division. Provides a basic understanding of legal research and the proper preparation of legal documents, including brief writing. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Examines general principles of ethical conduct applicable to legal assistants. Includes the application of rules of ethics to the practicing legal assistant. Lecture 1 hour per week.

Studies fundamental principles of the law of torts. May include preparation and use of pleadings and other documents involved in the trial of a civil action. Emphasizes personal injury, products liability, and medical malpractice cases. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Introduces civil and criminal evidence: kinds, degrees, and admissibility of evidence; and methods and techniques of its acquisition. Emphasizes Virginia and federal rules of evidence and procedure. Focuses on elements of a trial and various problems associated with the trial of a civil or criminal case. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Focuses on major crimes, their classification, elements of proof, intent, conspiracy, responsibility, parties, and defenses. Emphasizes Virginia and federal law. Gives general principles of applicable constitutional law and criminal procedure. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Surveys applicable administrative laws, including the Privacy Act, the Administrative Process Act, and Freedom of Information Act. Studies practice and procedure involving the ABC Commission, State Corporation Commission, Division of Workers' Compensation, Social Security Administration, the Virginia Employment Commission and other administrative agencies. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Introduces various devices used to plan an estate, including wills, trusts, joint ownership, and insurance. Considers various plans in light of family situations and estate objectives. Focuses on practices involving administration of an estate, including taxes and preparation of forms. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Presents an in-depth study of general contract law, including formation, breach, enforcement, and remedies. Includes an overview of Uniform Commercial Code provisions governing sales, commercial paper, and collections. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Studies fundamental principles of agency law and the formation of business organizations. Includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies, and other business entities. Reviews preparation of the documents necessary for organization and operation of business. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Provides an introduction to immigration law and policy, giving an overview of the United States legal system that regulates the admission, exclusion, removal, and naturalization of immigrants. Includes issues concerning refugees, asylum seekers, illegal immigrants, and undocumented aliens. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Coordinated Internship

Exploration of topical areas of interest to or needed by students. May be used also for special honors courses. May be repeated for credit. Variable hours.

Completion of a project or research report related to the student¿s occupational objective and a study of approaches to the selection and pursuit of career opportunities in the field. May be repeated for credit. Variable hours.