LGLA 1301 Legal Research and Writing
3 Hours (3-0)
This course provides a working knowledge of the fundamentals of effective legal research and writing. Topics include law library techniques, computer-assisted legal research, briefs, and legal memoranda. Locate, read, and understand primary and secondary legal authority; design and implement effective research strategies; and write clear, concise legal memoranda and briefs.

LGLA 1311 Introduction to Law
3 Hours (3-0)
This course provides an overview of the law and the legal systems. Topics include legal concepts, procedures, terminology and current issues in law. The student will develop a legal vocabulary and explain fundamental legal concepts and systems.

LGLA 1313 Introduction to Paralegal Studies
3 Hours (3-0)
This course provides an overview of the paralegal profession including ethical obligations, regulation, professional trends and issues, and the paralegal’s role in assisting the delivery of legal services. The student will develop a legal vocabulary; explain the ethical obligations of the legal professional, particularly the paralegal; explain the paralegal’s role in assisting the delivery of legal services; and discuss topics relating to the paralegal profession.

LGLA 1317 Law Office Technology
3 Hours (3-0)
This course introduces computer technology and its application within the law office. Topics include the use of computer technology in the delivery of legal services with particular emphasis on the paralegal’s role. The student will explain the use of personal computer applications in the law office and demonstrate the ability to use computer technology to assist in the delivery of legal services.

LGLA 1343 Bankruptcy
3 Hours (3-0)
This course presents fundamental concepts of bankruptcy law and procedures with emphasis on the paralegal’s role. Topics include individual and business liquidation and reorganization.

LGLA 1345 Civil Litigation
3 Hours (3-0)
This course presents fundamental concepts and procedures of civil litigation with emphasis on the paralegal’s role. Topics include pretrial, trial, and post trial phases of litigation. The student will define and properly use terminology relating to civil litigation; locate, describe, and analyze sources of law relating to the civil litigation process; describe the role and ethical obligation of the paralegal in civil litigation; and draft documents commonly used in civil litigation.

LGLA 1349 Constitutional Law
3 Hours (3-0)
This course provides an overview of the United States Constitution and its articles, amendments, and judicial interpretations. Topics include separation of powers, check and balances, governmental structures and process, and individual rights in relation to government. The student will define and properly use terminology relating to constitutional law locate, describe, analyze other sources of law relating to constitutional law; and analyze the U.S. constitution and its amendments.

LGLA 1353 Wills, Trusts and Probate Administration
3 Hours (3-0)
This course presents fundamental concepts of the law of wills, trusts, and probate administration with emphasis on the paralegal’s role. The student will define and properly use terminology relating to wills, trusts, and probate administration; locate, describe, and analyze sources of law relating to wills, trusts, and probate administration; describe the role and ethical obligations of the paralegal in wills, trusts, and probate administration; and draft documents commonly used in wills, trusts, and probate administration.

LGLA 1355 Family Law
3 Hours (3-0)
This course presents fundamental concepts of family law with emphasis on the paralegal’s role. Topics include formal and informal marriages, divorce, annulment, marital property, and the parent-child relationship. The student will define and properly use terminology relating to family law; locate, describe, and analyze sources of law relating to family law; describe the role and ethical obligations of the paralegal in family law; and draft documents commonly used in family law.

LGLA 1391 Special Topics in Paralegal / Legal Assistant
3 Hours (3-0)
Topics address recently identified current events, skills, knowledge, and/or attitudes and behavior pertinent to the technology or occupation and relevant to the professional development of the student. Learning outcomes/objectives are determined by local occupational need and business and industry trends.

LGLA 2239 Certified Legal Assistant Review
2 Hours (2-0)
This course provides a review of the mandatory and optional topics covered in the Certified Legal Assistant Examination administered by the National Association of Legal Assistants. The student will demonstrate knowledge of the subject matter areas covered in the Certified Legal Assistant Examination.

LGLA 2303 Torts and Personal Injury Law
3 Hours (3-0)
This course presents fundamental concepts of tort law with emphasis on the paralegal’s role. Topics include intentional torts, negligence, and strict liability. The student will define and properly use terminology relating to tort law; describe the role and ethical obligations of the paralegal in tort law; and draft documents commonly used in tort law.

LGLA 2305 Interviewing and Investigating
3 Hours (3-0)
This course is a study of the principles, methods, and investigating techniques utilized to locate, gather, document, and manage information. Emphasis on developing interviewing and investigative skills to prepare the paralegal to communicate effectively while recognizing ethical problems. The student will demonstrate an understanding of how to prepare for and conduct an interview with a client and/or witness in preparation for the dispute resolution process; identify and explore sources of information required to resolve legal disputes; and understand the ethical obligations of the lawyers and paralegal in interviewing and investigation.

LGLA 2309 Real Property
3 Hours (3-0)
This course presents fundamental concepts of real property law with emphasis on the paralegal’s role. Topics include the nature of real property, rights and duties of ownership, land use, voluntary and involuntary conveyances, and the recording of and searching for real estate documents. The student will define and properly use terminology relating to real property; locate, describe, and analyze sources of law relating to real property; describe the role and ethical obligation of the paralegal regarding real property transactions; and draft documents commonly used in real property transactions.

LGLA 2315 Oil and Gas Law
3 Hours (3-0)
This course presents fundamental concepts of oil and gas law including the relationship between landowners and oil and gas operators, government regulations, and documents used in the industry. The student will define and properly use terminology relating to oil and gas law; describe the role and ethical obligations of legal professionals in oil and gas law; and draft documents commonly used in oil and gas law.

LGLA 2331 Advanced Legal Research and Writing
3 Hours (2-4)
This course builds upon skills acquired in prior legal research and writing courses including computerized research techniques and preparation of complex legal documents such as briefs, legal office memoranda, and citation forms. The student will analyze complex legal research strategies to resolve those issues and apply effective research strategies to resolve those issues and report the result in an acceptable written legal format.

LGLA 2335 Advanced Civil Litigation
3 Hours (2-4)
This course provides opportunities to implement advanced civil litigation techniques and builds upon skills acquired in prior civil litigation courses. The student will analyze complex fact situations; identify appropriate legal issues; research applicable sources of law; formulate theories; and generate appropriate litigation documents.

LGLA 2341 Evidence
3 Hours (3-0)
This course presents the fundamental concepts and rules of evidence and discovery involved in civil litigation. The course will also teach students the techniques of gathering, preserving and presenting evidence at trial.

LGLA 2370 Oil and Gas Documents
3 Hours (3-0)
This course presents an in-depth examination of documents used in the petroleum industry, leases and other legal documents. This course is designed for students who have completed a course in basic oil and gas law or land administration or who are familiar with land administration practice and procedure.

LGLA 2380 OR 2381 Cooperative Education Paralegal Assistant
3 Hours (1-0-20)
Career related activities encountered in the student’s area of specialization are offered through a cooperative agreement between the college, employer, and student. Under supervision of the college and the employer, the student combines classroom learning with work experience. Directly related to a technical discipline, specific learning objectives guide the student through work experience. This course may be repeated if topics and learning outcomes vary. As outlined in the learning plan, the student will master the theory, concepts, and skills involving the tools, materials, equipment, procedures, regulations, laws, and interactions within and among political, economic, environmental, and legal systems associated with the particular occupation and the business/industry; demonstrate ethical behavior, safety practices, interpersonal and teamwork skills, communicating in the applicable technical language of the occupation and the business or industry.