This self-paced course introduces students to legal terminology found in the language of the laws. Study of the different laws such as: Criminal Law, Tort Law, Contract Law, Law of Wills, Real Property, Negotiable Law, and Business Law will help students learn the terms that are used in those particular sections of the law.

This course is designed to provide an overview of the legal assistant profession, a general perspective of the legal environment, and foundational skills necessary to succeed in the legal specialty courses. The course includes ethical considerations, issues of regulation, an overview of the legal system, introduction to legal analysis, legal interviewing, the role of the computer in the practice of law, and law office administration. Course objectives include the development of a working knowledge of the legal environment, acquisition of basic legal skills/competencies and an understanding of the role of the legal assistant.

This course will provide the student with an understanding and familiarization of the ethics of law as to rules, regulations, codes, articles, opinions, and performance of same by individuals, law firms, and courts. Students will gain recognition of boundaries in a support role and be able to demonstrate a high level of ethical standard.

This course provides students with an understanding of the fundamental principles and preparation of civil cases for trial. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to draft pleadings, motions and other documents required in a civil action, and will understand trial and appeal procedures.

This course will provide the student with a familiarization and understanding of the California courts of justice. An introduction to the various courts from California Supreme Court to Courts of Limited Jurisdiction as well as the role of the United States Supreme Court in our judicial system. The location of the courts as well as reference to their local rules is included. Use of the courts pertaining to Civil Actions/Family Law/Bankruptcy/Juvenile/Criminal and Statuets of Limitations.

This course provides an overview of conditions and laws of bankruptcy and its alternatives. It prepares the student to research and prepare legal documents for handling Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases, whether representing the debtor or creditor or serving as a court appointed trustee.

This course prepares the student to assist attorneys and corporations in tort and personal injury law. The primary legal principles of tort and insurance laws and the various means of establishing insurance plans are covered. The student will be trained in the use of specific forms and procedures utilized in tort and personal injury work. Course content includes intentional torts, negligence, causation, proximate cause, strict liabilities, employer's liability, nuisance, misrepresentation, and product liability.

This course covers real property law, purchase and sales agreements, mortgages, leases, easements, deeds, closing and recordings of documents, and title searches. Emphasis will be placed upon interpreting the law, drafting and recording documents related to real property law.

This course covers the substantive law in the area traditionally known as “family law” or “domestic relations.” Subjects covered will include dissolution of marriage, adoptions, guardianship, child/spousal/family support, child custody, and paternity. The class will train the student in the skills necessary for working as a legal assistant in the area of family law. Content will include the use of judicial counsel forms, the preparation of pleadings, drafting of declaration, preparation of Income and Expense declarations, the drafting of property settlement agreements, and the use of interviewing checklists.

This course provides the student with a comprehensive understanding of the provisions of criminal law and procedure. Content will include the criminal court system and how it functions; the criminal justice system from arrest to trial and sentencing; elements of and defenses to all major crimes; and an overview of the criminal procedure.

This course provides students with a general understanding of the various legal structures of businesses and the laws governing business transactions. Students will learn the basic law of contract, partnerships, corporations, and the Uniform Commercial Code. Emphasis will be on drafting documents appropriate to various business transactions.

This course will provide occupational competency for students in the expanding field of patents; copyrights; and trademarks. Course content will include patents; trade secrets; copyrights; trademarks; design protection; plant protection; semiconductor chip protection; Section 43(a) false advertising; unfair competition; publicity rights; and idea submission. For each major specialty area, coverage will also include: the nature of the protected right; what is protected; the requirements for protection; who may be protected; the duration of protection ownership; transfer of ownership; infringement; and remedies.

This course covers basic immigration law for the paralegal. This is a hands-on approach to identification of people eligible to immigrate, types of visas, citizenship eligibility and application, and special conditions: topics include I.N.S. structure, procedures, and filings; factual, country, and legal research; and immigration case management and technology.

This course provides the student with a working knowledge of the major techniques of legal research. Major law library references are covered including Shepard's Citations, West Digest system and key numbers, American Law reports, legal periodicals, state revised statutes, state digests and legislative history research regarding the state legislature.

This course is a continuation of Legal Research and Writing A, expanding on previous course content and providing students with in-depth knowledge and proficiency of the techniques of legal research and writing. Research and drafting of extensive legal documents are a part of this course along with online search activities.

Occupational Work Experience is designed for students who work or volunteer in a field related to their vocational major. Students are required to provide evidence that they are enrolled in a vocational program (e.g., educational plan or coursework in a vocational subject area). The Parallel Plan is designed for students who wish to take classes and work during the same semester. A maximum of 4 units of Occupational Work Experience credit may be earned during any one semester, to a maximum of 16 units total. Students must be enrolled in at least 7 units including Work Experience units. Courses taken at other accredited colleges or equivalent course work may meet this requirement. Internship/job placement is not guaranteed.

Occupational Work Experience is designed for students who work or volunteer in a field related to their vocational major. Students are required to provide evidence that they are enrolled in a vocational program (e.g., educational plan or coursework in a vocational subject area). The Alternate Plan is designed to allow students attend school one semester and work the next. A maximum of 8 units of Occupational Work Experience credit may be earned during any one emester, to a maxiumum of 16 units total. Students may only take one (if any) class in addition to work experience while they are enrolled in WE 138. Enrolled in an accredited secondary program. Internship/ job placement is not guaranteed.