Description:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to explain the legal assistant profession. Topics will include paralegal licensing, certification, education, employment and professional ethics. The course is required for students seeking admission to the paralegal program. 1 hr. lecture/wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Define the term paralegal/legal assistant.
2. Explain the relationship of the paralegal to an attorney in the delivery of legal services.
3. Discuss the development of the paralegal profession.
4. Distinguish the different types of paralegal education, including formal education programs and in-house training.
5. Explain the American Bar Association approval process.
6. Explain the different types of paralegal employment, the training requirements for such, salary and job conditions in the employment market, and the responsibilities necessary for employment.
7. Distinguish between general and specialized use of legal assistants with differentiation between use in the public and private sectors.
8. Identify associations and publications prominent in the paralegal profession.
9. Discuss local paralegal organizations.
10. Discuss the regulation of legal assistants through licensing and certification.
11. Identify situations involving the unauthorized practice of law.
12. Apply rules of practice for attorneys, including the Model Rules of Professional Conduct, and their relationship to the paralegal/legal assistant profession.
13. Discuss the guidelines of the Kansas Bar Association for the utilization of paralegal/legal assistants and guidelines set forth by other organizations.
14. Identify employment opportunities and steps necessary to obtain employment, by engaging in self-evaluation for employment; researching employment possibilities, drafting a resume and participating in a mock job interview.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Explanation of the Paralegal/Legal Assistant Profession
   A. Define the terms:  paralegal/legal assistant
   B. Discuss the relationship between paralegal, attorney and legal
secretary
   C. Discuss the factors influencing the growth of legal professions

II. Explanation of paralegal education
   A. Distinguish between formal and informal paralegal education
   B. Evaluate the benefits and limitations of formal and informal
paralegal education
   C. Describe the American Bar Association’s approval process for
paralegal programs

III. Explanation of Paralegal/Legal Assistant Employment
   A. Distinguish between general and specialized use of paralegals
   B. Distinguish between use of paralegals in private and public sectors
   C. Identify the education, training, salary,  and working conditions of
paralegals employed in private and public sectors

IV. Explanation of Law-Related Organizations
   A. Identify national, state and local associations prominent in the
paralegal profession
   B. Identify national, state and local publications prominent in the
paralegal profession

V. Explanation of Regulation of Paralegal Profession
   A. Distinguish between licensure and certification
   B. Evaluate advantages and disadvantages between licensure and
certification

VI. Explanation of Law-Related Ethics
   A. Define ethics of attorneys 
   B. Identify ethical guidelines of paralegal organizations
   C. Analyze an unauthorized practice of law situation

VII. Explanation of Employment Opportunities
   A. Identify general employment opportunities
   B. Demonstrate ability to draft resume
   C. Demonstrate ability to participate in mock interview

VIII. Employment Opportunities
   A. Background information
      1. Career growth
      2. Placement services
   B. Preparation for employment
      1. Review of goals
      2. Early preparation of resume
   C. Job Search
      1. Contacts
      2. Support materials
   D. The Resume
      1. Form
      2. Substance
   E. The Interview Process
      1. Preparation
      2. Types of questions

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Two Examinations - 2 tests, 50 points each  =  60% of grade
Interview of working paralegal              =  30% of grade
In-Class Assignments                        =  10% of grade
                                              100%
   

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.