Paralegal

Degrees and Certificates

Classes

PRL 101 : Introduction to Paralegal Study

This course introduces the paralegal profession and the legal system. Topics include regulations and concepts, ethics, case analysis, legal reasoning, career opportunities, certification, professional organizations, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to explain the role of the paralegal and identify the skills, knowledge, and ethics required of legal assistants.

Credits

3

PRL 102 : Basic Legal Research and Writing

This course introduces the techniques of legal research and writing. Emphasis is placed on locating, analyzing, applying, and updating sources of law, effective legal writing, including proper citation, and the use of electronic research methods. Upon completion, students should be able to perform legal research and writing assignments using techniques covered in the course.

Credits

3

PRL 103 : Advanced Legal Research and Writing

This course covers advanced topics in legal research and writing. Topics include more complex legal issues and assignments involving preparation of legal memos, briefs, and other documents and the advanced use of electronic research methods. Upon completion, students should be able to perform legal research and writing assignments using techniques covered in the course.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

PRL 102
PRL 101

PRL 160 : Criminal Law and Procedure

This course combines an integrated treatment of the rules of criminal procedure and substantive criminal law along with the impact of Supreme Court decisions. The student will draft motions and prepare forms associated with criminal proceedings.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

PRL 101
PRL 102

PRL 192 : Selected Topics in Paralegal

This course provides an opportunity to explore areas of current interest in specific programs or discipline areas. Emphasis is placed on subject matter appropriate to the program or discipline. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the specific area of study. As needed.

Credits

1 - 3

PRL 210 : Real Property Law

This course presents the basic principles of property law and the fundamentals of real estate law and procedures, with emphasis on deed preparations, title searches, and landlord/ tenant law.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

PRL 101
PRL 102

PRL 230 : Domestic Law

This course covers laws governing domestic relations. Topics include marriage, separation, divorce, child custody, support, property division, adoption, domestic violence, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to interview clients, gather information, and draft documents related to family law.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

PRL 101
PRL 102

PRL 240 : Wills, Trusts, and Estates

This course covers various types of wills, trusts, probate estate administration and intestacy. Topics include types of wills and execution requirements, caveats and dissents, intestate succession, inventories and accountings, distribution and settlement, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to draft simple wills, prepare estate forms, understand administration of estates including taxation, and explain terms regarding trusts.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

PRL 101
PRL 102

PRL 262 : Civil Law and Procedure

This course is designed to give the student a basic understanding of the federal rules of civil procedure and Alabama rules of court. The student will demonstrate the ability to prepare a trial notebook for litigation purposes.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

PRL 101
PRL 102

PRL 291 : Internship

This course provides students opportunities to work in paid or unpaid positions in which they apply paralegal skills and knowledge. Upon course completion, students will be able to apply in real work settings competencies obtained in the PRL curriculum.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

Instructor permission, and PRL 101