Paralegal & Legal Studies
Learn the practical skills needed to successfully perform legal tasks while earning an Associate in Applied Science degree. In our Paralegal and Legal Studies program, you’ll not only learn about wills, lawsuits and other legal situations paralegals are involved with, you’ll actually gain experience doing the tasks that will be expected of you in those situations.
Become competent in your ability to evaluate cases, conduct client and witness interviews, draft court pleadings and motions, perform legal research, prepare legal documents, manage and organize case files and help attorneys prepare for trials and hearings. Through a law-office internship, you’ll gain experience writing wills and drafting lawsuits.
This on-the-job experience along with the advanced coursework ensures that you’ll have the skills and knowledge needed to gain employment in a law firm, insurance company or government agency. Many local employers look to Iowa Lakes in order to fulfill their employment needs. When the time comes, you’ll be fully prepared to thrive as a paralegal.
Faculty Contact
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Kayla Olson Paralegal & Legal Studies Program 712-362-7979 | kolson@iowalakes.educreate new email |
Program Details
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Curriculum
Term 1
CSC 110 – Intro to Computers
CSC-110 is an introductory course that surveys a variety of topics to include history, hardware, software, terminology, communications, computer ethics, and societal impact of computers. In addition to computer literacy, students will complete hands-on modules using operating systems, word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software; such as Microsoft Office programs.
ENG 105 – Composition I
Emphasis on expository and argumentative writings including a review of usage and mechanics.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory score on the ACT, Accuplacer, ASSET,COMPASS as determined by Iowa Lakes policy
LGL 120 – Intro to Law & Paralegal
An introduction to the legal profession, with special emphasis on the responsibilities of the paralegal. Students will learn the core skills required of paralegals, including verbal and written communication, critical thinking and analytical reasoning, and investigation and case management.
LGL 122 – Legal Ethics
This course will introduce students to the types of ethical dilemmas that they will face in the law office setting; generally to the ethical rules developed by the American Bar Association, to the rules adopted by this jurisdiction for the regulation of attorney and paralegal conduct, to the model codes of paralegal associations; and to methods for researching the answers to ethical dilemmas.
LGL 230 – Criminal Law & Procedure
Examination of the more common crimes, criminal defenses and the procedures used to process a criminal case from arrest to final disposition.
LGL 250 – Family Law
Study of law and procedures relative to marriage, dissolution and adoption.
Term 2
ENG 106 – Composition II
Continuation of ENG 105 with emphasis on research and documentation as well as literary analysis.
Prerequisites: ENG 105 – Composition I
LGL 121 – Law Office Software
This course introduces the fundamentals of how to use computer technology to accomplish tasks performed by paralegals in a law office.
LGL 154 – Legal Research
This course introduces students to various print and electronic legal research media, with a heightened focus on state of Iowa and federal statutory and case law. Students will learn how to carry out legal research assignments using both primary and secondary resources. The methods of updating and expanding research and how to properly cite legal sources in memoranda and other documents will also be presented. Print and electronic methods for finding legal authority will be utilized.
Prerequisites: ENG 105 – Composition I – C or Better
LGL 180 – Torts and Litigation
A study of tort law, including negligent, intentional, and strict liability torts. Students will learn how to draft pleadings, discovery requests, and pretrial documents in tort cases.
LGL 210 – Contract Law
This course surveys the basic principles of contract law, including capacity, formation, conditions, enforcement, statute of frauds, performance and breach, remedies, defenses, and third-party rights. Portions of the Uniform Commercial Code relating to contracts for the sale of goods will also be discussed. The role of the paralegal in gathering information, researching, and drafting contract documents is emphasized throughout.
SPC 101 – Fundamentals of Oral Communication†
The fundamentals course develops the basic skills involved in a variety of communication situations, including oral presentations and interpersonal speaking. Emphasis is placed on organization, audience analysis, vocal and physical delivery, listening, nonverbal communication, critical thinking, and methods of dealing with communication apprehension through class discussion and activities.
Term 3
LGL 140 – Wills, Trusts and Estate Admin
A study of wills, trusts, probate procedures, estate administration taxes, and testate and intestate succession. Students will learn how to draft basic wills, trusts, and advance health care directives. Students will also learn how to administer a typical estate.
LGL 161 – Legal Writing
In this course, students will utilize and apply the research skills developed in Legal Research (LGL 154), to research and draft opinion letters and other types of legal correspondence, an objective interoffice memorandum, and a persuasive motion brief. Appellate briefs will also be introduced. A foundational aspect of the course will be developing students’ legal reasoning skills.
Prerequisites: LGL 154 – Legal Research
BUS 185 – Business Law I
Business Law 1 is an introduction to Business Law in the areas of legal environment of business, contract law, contracts for the sale of goods (UCC) and real and personal property law.
ACC 261 – Income Tax Accounting
Introduces the general theory and procedures pertaining to state and federal taxation. Studies application of laws as they pertain to income of individuals and sole proprietorships, gifts, estates and Social Security.
Choose either BUS 185 or ACC 261
Math: 3 credits
Humanities: 3 credits
Social Science: 3 credits
Term 4
BUS 250 – Principles of Real Estate
Fundamental principles of real estate evaluation, brokerage, financing structure, construction and real estate law.
LGL 242 – Civil Procedure & Practice
Introduces students to the various practice rules of procedure in the civil court system, and the role of a paralegal at every stage of pre-trial litigation. The rules of civil procedure and evidence at both the state and federal level will be emphasized. Topics covered include initial client contact, interviewing, investigation and identification of claims and issues, initiating and responding to the lawsuit, the discovery process, settlement, trial preparation, and preparation and filing of appropriate litigation documents.
LGL 200 – American Trial Process
A study of the American trial process. Students will research, prepare and present a hypothetical case to a judge and jury.
LGL 205 – Employment Law
Study of what law applies to the Employment setting. Introduction to Employment Discrimination, Whisteblower Protection, Wage and Hours laws, Sexual Harassment, Worker’s Compensation, Employer Tort Liability, Unemployment Insurance, and liability issues arising under OSHA, ERISA and other Federal Statutes.
ACC 131 – Principles of Accounting I
The course examines the accounting methods, principles and terminology needed in the preparation and analysis of financial statements. Included is a study of partnership accounting.
ACC 261 – Income Tax Accounting
Introduces the general theory and procedures pertaining to state and federal taxation. Studies application of laws as they pertain to income of individuals and sole proprietorships, gifts, estates and Social Security.
Choose either LGL 200, LGL 205, ACC 131 or ACC 261
Science: 4 credits
Social Science: 3 credits
Term 5
LGL 942 – Paralegal Practicum
Supervised work experience in a law office, legal services office, or other law-related agency.
The Practicum can also be completed in Term 4.
† indicates a course that fulfills the diversity requirement. This course may also fulfill another general AA requirement.
