Paralegal/Legal Studies Courses
PLS 1, Introduction to Paralegal Studies
Lec-52.5
PREREQ: ENGL C1000
Study of the code of ethics in the legal profession; the steps to file a lawsuit; the California and federal court systems; the areas of torts, contracts, property law, and criminal law and procedure; the role of a paralegal; and the operations of a law office.
CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
PLS 2, Legal Research and Writing I
Lec-52.5
PREREQ: ENGL C1000
This course covers techniques to research and write using online and print legal resources, Shepard's Citations, and accepted legal citation guidelines. Students will practice written, verbal, electronic communication, and legal research techniques and styles used in today's law offices.
CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
PLS 3, Legal Research and Writing II
Lec-52.5
PREREQ: PLS 1 and PLS 2
This course teaches students how to research effectively using both online and print sources, how to cite check and Shepardize, and how to argue persuasively via a legal research memorandum and a memorandum of points and authorities.
CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
PLS 4, Litigation I
Lec-52.5
PREREQ: PLS 1 and PLS 2
Instruction in how to gather information and draft pleadings. These skills are important to begin a lawsuit in court or to respond to a lawsuit.
CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
PLS 5, Litigation II
Lec-52.5
PREREQ: PLS 3 and PLS 4
Focus on the discovery, trial, and post-trial phases of a lawsuit and the role of a paralegal in each phase.
CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
PLS 6, Law Office Management and Procedures
Lec-52.5
PREREQ: PLS 3 and PLS 4 ADVISE: MABS 60
This course covers law office management systems, personnel management, accounting, and operations.
CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
PLS 7, Corporate Law
Lec-52.5
PREREQ: PLS 3
This course covers legal aspects of various business entities, including corporations, sole proprietorships, partnerships, and joint ventures and emphasizes the duties of a paralegal in forming, maintaining, and terminating the above entities.
CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
PLS 9, Wills, Trusts, and Probate Administration
Lec-52.5
ADVISE: PLS 3
Focus on the law of wills and trusts, the organization and jurisdiction of a California probate court, and the administration of estates in California probate courts including gift inheritance and estate taxes.
CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
PLS 12, Family Law
Lec-52.5