LAS 210. Introduction to Law. (3 Credits)

I, II. General study of the purpose, function, and history of law; law-related occupations; court systems; case law analysis; professional ethics; the adversary system; and the major areas of law.

LAS 220. Legal Research and Writing I. (3 Credits)

I, II. Prerequisite: LAS 210 or director approval. The sources and techniques of legal research; their application to specific legal problems and the use of legal authority to construct a written legal argument.

LAS 300. Legal Research and Writing II. (3 Credits)

A. Prerequisite: LAS 220. The sources and techniques of advanced legal research and writing, the use of computer-assisted legal research methods and their application. Credit will not be awarded for both LAS 300 and LAS 300W.

LAS 300W. Legal Research and Writing II. (3 Credits)

A. Prerequisite: LAS 220. The sources and techniques of advanceed legal research and writing, the use of computer-assisted legal research methods and their application. Credit will not be awarded for both LAS 300 and LAS 300W.

LAS 305. Special Topics in the Law. (1-3 Credits)

A. Prerequisite: director approval. A course offered periodically covering topics and issues of current or special interest concerning the law. May be retaken to a maximum of six hours provided topics vary.

LAS 306. Animals & the Law. (3 Credits)

A. The study of topics that relate to the status of animals under the law. The course focuses upon cases, legislation, and cultural values toward animals world-wide. Does not count toward paralegal requirements.

LAS 325. Real Estate Practice. (3 Credits)

I, II. Prerequisite: LAS 220. Paralegal practice and procedure for general law office; real estate transactions and documents, title searches, title insurance, loan closings, leases, wills, affidavits of descent, and foreclosures.

LAS 330. Family Law Practice. (3 Credits)

A. Prerequisite: LAS 220. Paralegal practice in family law including forms, documents, and procedures for: marriage, divorce, separation, annulment, alimony, legitimacy of children, custody, adoption, community property, and juvenile law. Credit will not be awarded for both LAS 330 and LAS 330S.

LAS 340. Criminal Law Practice and Procedure. (3 Credits)

A. Prerequisite: LAS 220 or director approval. An introduction to criminal law and procedure; criminal law forms and documents, and preparation for criminal litigation using the systems approach.

LAS 350. Litigation: Complaint to Discovery. (3 Credits)

A. Prerequisites: LAS 220 or director approval. Study of legal principles and paralegal practice in substantive civil law. Incorporates procedural aspects of the early stages of civil litigation including evidence and investigation, pleadings, and the discovery/disclosure process.

LAS 355. Litigation: Complaint to Discovery. (3 Credits)

I, II. Prerequisite: LAS 220 or Director Approval. Study of legal principles and paralegal practice in substantive civil law. Incorporates procedural aspects of the latter stages of civil litigation including settlement and ADR, trial preparation, trial, post-trial practice, and appeal.

LAS 360. Wills, Trusts, Estates, & Elder Law. (3 Credits)

I, II. Prerequisite: LAS 220 or director approval. Paralegal probate practice including initial steps, asset accumulation, debt management, court procedure, estate-related tax issues and forms. A systems approach will be emphasized.

LAS 370. Corporations and Business Organization Practice. (3 Credits)

A. Prerequisite: LAS 220. Documents, forms, and procedures essential to the corporate paralegal. Development of skills concerning business formations, incorporation, corporate finance, employees, corporate operation, securities, regulatory compliance, merger, acquisitions, sales and terminations.

LAS 380. Administrative Agency Practice. (3 Credits)

A. Prerequisite: LAS 220. Practical paralegal skill development in administrative law and procedure. Forms, documents, pleadings, and techniques for administrative regulatory compliance; case processing; informal and formal administrative advocacy, emphasizing the systems approach.

LAS 385. Legal Administration and Computer Applications. (3 Credits)

I, II. Prerequisites: LAS 220. The study of law office administration and the utilization of specific law office computer applications.

LAS 399. Paralegal Internship. (4 Credits)

I, II. Prerequisites: completion of 18 hours of major (LAS) courses including LAS 300 or director approval (prior written application is required).

LAS 410. Paralegal Seminar. (3 Credits)

A. Prerequisite: completion of 18 hours of major (LAS) courses or director approval. Professional ethics, analysis of the internship experience, transition to the law office and current issues facing the paralegal profession.

LAS 460. Estate Planning & Procedure. (3 Credits)

A. Prerequisite: LAS 360 or director approval. The study of law, forms, documents, and procedures essential to the paralegal involved in the drafting of wills, trusts, and estate plans. The systems approach will be emphasized.

LAS 490. Independent Study of the Law. (1-3 Credits)

A. Prerequisite: director approval. Individual research, skill development, and study in an area of law or paralegal practice. Student must have independent study proposal form approved by faculty supervisor and departmental chair prior to enrollment. May be retaken to a maximum of six hours.