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PLGLS - Paralegal Studies Program, A.A.S.

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Legal Studies

Program Title

Paralegal Studies Program, A.A.S.

Program Code

PLGLS

Program Description

This program prepares students for entry level work in the legal field and further study of law through transfer by teaching foundational skills and competencies in the practice of law. Courses provide instruction in areas of substantive and procedural law, legal interpretation, legal writing, logical reasoning and analysis. The Legal Studies Department at Brookdale Community College is an institutional member of the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) and maintains a chapter of the Lambda Epsilon Chi (LEX) Honor Society.

Graduates of this program will be able to:

- Examine the concepts and principles of substantive and procedural law
- Demonstrate information literacy using electronic and other sources to conduct legal research
- Utilize legal software programs and other applications to draft legal documents
- Demonstrate ethical and professional responsibility

Requirements

General Education: 20-22 Credits

As described in the General Education section of the catalog and as identified below:

General Education Note:

MUSI courses and COMP129 may not be used to satisfy the 20-credit General Education requirement.

Career Studies: 16 Credits as Follows:

A grade of "C" or higher is required in career studies courses.

  • course - Introduction to Law Credits: 3

  • course - Legal Research and Writing Credits: 4

  • course - Legal Ethics Credits: 3

  • course - Civil Litigation and Trial Practice Credits: 3 **

  • course - Computer Applications in Law Credits: 3

Career Studies: 12 Credits From Among the Following:

A grade of "C" or higher is required in career studies courses.

  • course - Real Property Transactions Credits: 3 *

  • course - Family Law Credits: 3 *

  • course - Criminal Procedure Credits: 3 **

  • course - Wills, Estates and Probate Credits: 3

  • course - Corporate Law Procedure Credits: 3 *

  • PLGL237 - Elder Law Credits: 3 **

  • course - Paralegal Internship Credits: 3

Career Studies: 9 Credits From Courses Remaining Above, or From the Following:

A grade of "C" or higher is required in career studies courses.

  • course - Business Law I Credits: 3

  • course - Business Law II Credits: 3 ***

  • course - Constitutional Law Credits: 3 *

  • course - Torts Credits: 3 **

  • course - Entertainment Law I Credits: 3 ***

  • course - Special Project - Paralegal Studies Credits: 1-4

Electives: 1-3 Credits

Total Credits Required for Degree: 60

Notes:

A grade of "C" or higher must be earned in all career studies courses in order to complete this program.

*Offered Fall Term only

**Offered Spring Term only

***Offered Summer Term only

Suggested Sequence

The following sequence is an example of how this degree can be completed in two years. This sequence is based on satisfaction of all Foundational Studies requirements and prerequisites and presumes a Fall Term start date. An individual’s program may vary depending on transfer institution, career objectives, or individual needs. See a counselor for other options and to monitor your progress.

Semester 1: Fall Term

  • course - Introduction to Law Credits: 3

  • Career Studies Credits: 3

  • course - English Composition: The Writing Process Credits: 3

  • Social Sciences Credits: 3

  • course - Legal Ethics Credits: 3

Total Credits: 15

Semester 2: Spring Term

  • Career Studies Credits: 6

  • course - Legal Research and Writing Credits: 4

  • course - Public Speaking Credits: 3

  • Humanities Credits: 3

Total Credits: 16

Semester 3: Fall Term

Total Credits: 15-16

Semester 4: Spring Term

  • course - Civil Litigation and Trial Practice Credits: 3 **

  • Career Studies Credits: 6

  • General Education Credits: 3

  • Elective Credits: 1-3

Total Credits: 13-15

Sequence Notes:

**Offered Spring Term only

(1) One course is recommended from the Cultural and Global Awareness knowledge area.