Professional Services - Paralegal Studies, Associate of Applied Science

Degree:

Associate of Applied Science

Overview

A two-year, associate degree in Paralegal Studies prepares the student for a dynamic career in the legal profession. The student will receive training in case management and legal research as well as learn how to analyze and summarize data to assist attorneys in preparation for hearings, trials, closings, corporate meetings, and other legal functions. The student will experience community learning opportunities that include job shadows, internships, and real-world projects. Paralegal Studies courses are also offered in the evening, tailored for those with family or work commitments. *Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.

Personal Traits Leading to Success in Paralegal Program:

Ability to develop sound academic skills
Strong organizational skills
Minimum keyboarding skill of 40 cwpm
Excellent computer skills
Critical thinking skills
Ability to pay attention to detail and accuracy
Able to work under stressful circumstances
Assertive
Exhibit common sense
Desire to develop research abilities
Capacity to work as part of a legal team
Enjoy extensive research and writing

LDSBC Methods and Procedures for Teaching

Legal courses taught by legal professionals/lawyers
Caring faculty
Instructors are facilitators
Students responsible for own learning
Students are required to come to class prepared
Teaching is done by the Learning Model which is based on teaching and learning by the Spirit
Learning involves the student, the instructor, and the Spirit
Practical application with project-based learning
Internship at end of coursework to apply what has been learned

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Career opportunities

A successful paralegal finds fulfillment as a contributor in resolving difficult legal situations in behalf of families, non-profit organizations, law firms, government agencies, and corporations. A variety of positions can be found in numerous industries including banking, insurance, healthcare, business, entertainment industry, real estate, and public agencies.

A number of benefits are associated with paralegal graduation:

Steady, upward trend for starting salaries
Attractive to individuals seeking to improve their career and earning potential
Allows current Legal Administrative Assistants to advance their legal career
Shows healthy job market in Utah and throughout the country with an increased employment demand for paralegals for the next 7 years
Listed by Department of Workforce Services in its top “Five Star” jobs at the associate degree level
Low cost program with high salary potential
Excellent career possibilities for multiple-language students

Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation, students will demonstrate competency in the following areas:

Confirm personal testimony in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
Collaborate with others using interpersonal skills in an honest, ethical, and Christ-like manner.
Communicate effectively using written and verbal presentation principles.
Construct new knowledge using technology and information resource tools.
Comprehend and think critically to solve problems.
Cultivate a strong, professional work ethic and lifelong learning opportunities.
Work knowledgeably through federal, state, and local court systems, including PACER, CM/ECF, and Xchange.
Apply substantive and procedural law to any fact pattern, including the determination of appropriate jurisdiction and venue.
Practice ethical obligations and standards, and maintain the appropriate level of professionalism, tact, and diplomacy.
Demonstrate organizational and prioritizing skills in balancing multiple assignments and deadlines.
Prepare legal research plans, analyze factual situations, identify legal solutions, summarize legal research findings, and write legal memoranda.
Follow appropriate interviewing and investigative procedures with clients, witnesses, and others.
Prepare and file/e-file legal forms, including, but not limited to: complaints, answers, letters, demands, closing documents, subpoenas, summons, notices, and motions.
Use a variety of legal office management and case management software systems proficiently.
Articulate career preparation confidently using resumes, portfolios, and interviews.

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Course Requirements

Students are responsible to examine the course description of each course listed below for details of prerequisites, which must be satisfied before registering for the course.

Religion Courses

Course Number	Title	Credits

REL Two cornerstone religion courses (4 credit hours)

Course Number	Title	Credits
REL 200	The Eternal Family	2 credits
REL 225	Foundations of the Restoration	2 credits
REL 250	Jesus Christ & Everlast Gospel	2 credits
REL 275	Teach & Doct of Book of Mormon	2 credits

REL Two additional religion courses (4 credit hours)

Course Number	Title	Credits
	Total Credit Hours:	8

College-wide Courses

Course Number	Title	Credits
COM 122	Interpersonal Communications	3 credits
ENG 101	Intro. to College Writing	3 credits
ENG 220	Professional Bus Comm	3 credits
FIN 101	Personal Finance	3 credits
	Total Credit Hours:	12

Program Core Courses

Course Number	Title	Credits
ENG 201	Inter. College Writing	3 credits
PLS 101	Introduction to Law	3 credits
PLS 110	Legal Research/Writing I	3 credits
PLS 115	Legal Research/Writing II	3 credits
PLS 120	Evidence	2 credits
PLS 130	Criminal Law and Procedures	3 credits
PLS 140	Paralegal Procedures	3 credits
PLS 150	Paralegal Computer Application	3 credits
PLS 160	Ethics	2 credits
PLS 203	Intro. to Civil Litigation	3 credits
PLS 205	Contract Law	3 credits
PLS 210	Torts	3 credits
PLS 215	Bankruptcy Law	3 credits
	Total Credit Hours:	40

Internship or Practicum (select one of the options listed below)

Course Number	Title	Credits

Option 1:

Course Number	Title	Credits
PLS 296	Paralegal Portfolio	1 credits
PLS 299	Paralegal Internship	2 credits

PLS 299: Capstone

Option 2:

Course Number	Title	Credits
PLS 292	Paralegal Practicum	3 credits
	Total Credit Hours:	3

Total Credit Hours: 60

Recommended Sequence of Courses

Depending upon the number of preparatory courses a student must take, an additional semester may be required to complete the program.

Fall Start

Course Number	Title	Credits

First Semester-Fall

Course Number	Title	Credits
COM 122	Interpersonal Communications	3 credits
ENG 101	Intro. to College Writing	3 credits
PLS 101	Introduction to Law	3 credits
PLS 140	Paralegal Procedures	3 credits
Religion	Cornerstone Religion course	2 credits
	Total Credit Hours:	14

Second Semester-Winter

Course Number	Title	Credits
ENG 201	Inter. College Writing	3 credits
FIN 101	Personal Finance	3 credits
PLS 110	Legal Research/Writing I	3 credits
PLS 120	Evidence	2 credits
PLS 160	Ethics	2 credits
Religion	Cornerstone Religion course	2 credits
	Total Credit Hours:	15

Third Semester-Spring

Course Number	Title	Credits
PLS 115	Legal Research/Writing II	3 credits
PLS 150	Paralegal Computer Application	3 credits
PLS 205	Contract Law	3 credits
PLS 203	Intro. to Civil Litigation	3 credits
Religion	Cornerstone or Religion Elective	2 credits
	Total Credit Hours:	14

Fourth Semester-Fall

Course Number	Title	Credits
ENG 220	Professional Bus Comm	3 credits
PLS 130	Criminal Law and Procedures	3 credits
PLS 210	Torts	3 credits
PLS 215	Bankruptcy Law	3 credits
	Internship or Practicum Option	3 credits
Religion	Cornerstone or Religion Elective	2 credits
	Total Credit Hours:	17

Winter Start

Course Number	Title	Credits

First Semester-Winter

Course Number	Title	Credits
COM 122	Interpersonal Communications	3 credits
ENG 101	Intro. to College Writing	3 credits
PLS 101	Introduction to Law	3 credits
PLS 140	Paralegal Procedures	3 credits
Religion	Cornerstone Religion course	2 credits
	Total Credit Hours:	14

Second Semester-Spring

Course Number	Title	Credits
ENG 201	Inter. College Writing	3 credits
FIN 101	Personal Finance	3 credits
PLS 110	Legal Research/Writing I	3 credits
PLS 120	Evidence	2 credits
PLS 150	Paralegal Computer Application	3 credits
Religion	Cornerstone Religion course	2 credits
	Total Credit Hours:	16

Third Semester-Fall

Course Number	Title	Credits
PLS 115	Legal Research/Writing II	3 credits
PLS 130	Criminal Law and Procedures	3 credits
PLS 160	Ethics	2 credits
PLS 210	Torts	3 credits
PLS 215	Bankruptcy Law	3 credits
Religion	Cornerstone or Religion Elective	2 credits
	Total Credit Hours:	16

Fourth Semester-Winter

Course Number	Title	Credits
ENG 220	Professional Bus Comm	3 credits
PLS 203	Intro. to Civil Litigation	3 credits
PLS 205	Contract Law	3 credits
	Internship or Practicum Option	3 credits
Religion	Cornerstone or Religion Elective	2 credits
	Total Credit Hours:	14

Spring Start

Course Number	Title	Credits

First Semester-Spring

Course Number	Title	Credits
COM 122	Interpersonal Communications	3 credits
ENG 101	Intro. to College Writing	3 credits
PLS 101	Introduction to Law	3 credits
PLS 140	Paralegal Procedures	3 credits
Religion	Cornerstone Religion course	2 credits
	Total Credit Hours:	14

Second Semester-Fall

Course Number	Title	Credits
ENG 201	Inter. College Writing	3 credits
FIN 101	Personal Finance	3 credits
PLS 110	Legal Research/Writing I	3 credits
PLS 150	Paralegal Computer Application	3 credits
PLS 160	Ethics	2 credits
Religion	Cornerstone Religion course	2 credits
	Total Credit Hours:	16

Third Semester-Winter

Course Number	Title	Credits
PLS 115	Legal Research/Writing II	3 credits
PLS 120	Evidence	2 credits
PLS 130	Criminal Law and Procedures	3 credits
PLS 203	Intro. to Civil Litigation	3 credits
PLS 210	Torts	3 credits
Religion	Cornerstone or Religion Elective	2 credits
	Total Credit Hours:	16

Fourth Semester-Spring

Course Number	Title	Credits
ENG 220	Professional Bus Comm	3 credits
PLS 205	Contract Law	3 credits
PLS 215	Bankruptcy Law	3 credits
Religion	Cornerstone or Religion Elective	2 credits
	Internship or Practicum Option	3 credits
	Total Credit Hours:	14

Graduation Requirements

Minimum of 60 total semester credit hours as outlined
Grade of C or higher in all PLS core courses
Cumulative grade-point average of 2.0
2 cornerstone religion courses, plus 2 additional courses