Paralegal Studies (LEGL)

LEGL 101 Introduction to Paralegal Studies (A, W, SP, SU)

4 credits
The role of the legal assistant and his/her ethical responsibilities and legal restrictions are the main focus of this course. Students will also be introduced to the function of statutes, case law, administrative regulations, and constitutions within the legal system.
Lecture: 4 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: ENGL 101 or placement into ENGL 101
Lab fee: $5.00

LEGL 102 The Legal System (A, W, SP, SU)

2 credits
This course explores the federal and state civil law systems, federal and state criminal law systems, appellate process, and such concepts as jurisdiction and venue.
Lecture: 2 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Lab fee: $5.00

LEGL 103 Law Office Procedures and Management (A, W, SP, SU)

3 credits
This course is an introduction to the day-to-day operation of a law office. Emphasis will be placed on the development of accurate record-keeping skills and an understanding of office management procedures unique to law offices, including computerized time keeping and billing programs.
Lecture: 3 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Lab fee: $5.00

LEGL 111 Legal Research and Writing I (A, W, SP, SU)

4 credits
An introduction to conducting legal research and the proper methods for preparing briefs, pleadings and memoranda of law. Locating, analyzing, and checking of case law is emphasized. Students will learn proper citation methods and legal writing style, as well as become familiar with the Ohio Rules and Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure.
Lecture: 3 hours – Lab: 2 hours
Prerequisite: LEGL 101
Lab fee: $5.00

LEGL 112 Legal Research and Writing II (A, W, SP, SU)

4 credits
This course is a continuation of LEGL 111, developing advanced research skills with an emphasis on preparing legal documents. Students will be familiar with primary and secondary sources, computer assisted research and a variety of legal documents. The student will also participate in a brief-writing competition.
Lecture: 3 hours – Lab: 2 hours
Prerequisite: LEGL 111

LEGL 113 Legal Research and Writing III (A)

5 credits
This course is an intense production-oriented research and writing course designed to prepare the student to function under the requirement of rapid completion of research and writing assignments commonly made in law offices and other legal environments. The student will encounter a variety of opportunities including motions, pleadings and briefs, the production of which will require both speed and accuracy and will incorporate both printed and computer-based research strategies.
Lecture: 4 hours – Lab: 2 hours
Prerequisites: LEGL 112 and LEGL 251
Lab fee: $5.00

LEGL 114 Family Law (W, SU)

3 credits
LEGL 114 will explore domestic relations matters including marriage, divorce, dissolution, child custody and support, visitation and adoption. The law regulating such matters, and the drafting of appropriate documents, will be emphasized.
Lecture: 3 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: LEGL 101
Lab fee: $5.00

LEGL 119 Real Estate Transactions (A, SP)

3 credits
LEGL 119 is a study of the law governing real property, its ownership, sale, lease or other conveyance. The instruments utilized in conveyance or lease of such property will be examined and drafted. Title searching and abstracts of title are included.
Lecture: 3 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: LEGL 101
Lab fee: $5.00

LEGL 201 General Practice (A, SP)

4 credits
This course will acquaint the student with a variety of matters that may be encountered in a law practice. The basic elements of torts and contracts will be covered as well as judgments and civil collection actions.
Lecture: 4 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: LEGL 101
Lab fee: $5.00

LEGL 205 Litigation Practice and Procedure I (A, SP)

3 credits
LEGL 205 presents a study of the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure, the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and Federal and State Rules of Evidence. The basic elements of a tort claim will be discussed and the initial phases of an action, the complaint pleadings and discovery and pretrial phases will be examined.
Lecture: 2 hours – Lab: 2 hours
Prerequisite: LEGL 101
Lab fee: $5.00

LEGL 210 Criminal Law and Procedure (A, SP)

3 credits
The Ohio Criminal Code and Rules of Criminal Procedure will be the foundation of this examination of the pretrial and post-trial procedures in a criminal case. Students will be exposed to the criminal justice system from the elements of the offenses through post-conviction remedies. The drafting of motions and other documents associated with criminal matters will be included.
Lecture: 3 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: LEGL 101
Lab fee: $5.00

LEGL 215 Paralegal Studies Practicum I (A, W, SP, SU)

2 credits
This course offers a guided work experience in an office or agency providing legal services. Exact duties are decided upon by agreement of the student and administrators of the placement site.
Lecture: 0 hours – Lab: 14 hours
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

LEGL 216 Paralegal Practicum Seminar I (A, W, SP, SU)

1 credit
This seminar course discusses the work experiences and explores strategies to improve work performance.
Lecture: 1 hour – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

LEGL 220 Business Organizations (A, SP)

3 credits
LEGL 220 covers the fundamentals of the formation of business entities including sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations. Students will prepare documents regarding the formation of such organizations.
Lecture: 3 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: LEGL 101
Lab fee: $5.00

LEGL 222 Immigration Law (On Demand)

3 credits
LEGL 222 is an overview of Immigration Law and practices for assisting immigrants and illegal aliens.
Lecture: 3 hours – Lab: 0 hours

LEGL 224 Probate Law and Practice I (A, SP)

3 credits
LEGL 224 is a study of the law of wills, estates and estate administration including estate taxation. Testate and intestate estates, law of descent and distribution, estate planning and other probate processes will be discussed.
Lecture: 3 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: LEGL 101
Lab fee: $5.00

LEGL 226 Administrative Law (A, SP)

3 credits
Statutory law, case law, and administrative rules will be utilized to develop an understanding of the role and authority of administrative agencies. Particular attention will be paid to social security and workers compensation claims.
Lecture: 3 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: LEGL 101
Lab fee: $5.00

LEGL 227 Paralegal Practicum II (A, W, SP, SU)

2 credits
This course provides additional work experience in an office or agency providing legal services. Exact duties will be decided upon by the student and administrators of the placement site.
Lecture: 0 hours – Lab: 14 hours
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

LEGL 228 Paralegal Practicum Seminar II (A, W, SP, SU)

1 credit
This course presents seminar discussions of current work experiences and helps develop further strategies for improvement.
Lecture: 1 hour – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

LEGL 229 Certified Legal Assistants Exam Review (On Demand)

2 credits
This course is designed as a review course for the student/graduate wishing to take the Certified Legal Assistant Exam. It will examine all areas of procedural and substantive law included on the CLA exam as well as the ethics section of the test. Students taking the course must successfully pass a mock CLA exam to complete the course.
Lecture: 2 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: LEGL 228
Lab fee: $10.00

LEGL 230 Special Problems in Legal Assisting (On Demand)

2 credits
This course is a special topics course designed to allow the student to research and develop an understanding of legal-assisting issues unique to the interests of the student and for which there is no other course available. LEGL 230 is offered on an independent study basis only.
Lecture: 2 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: Permission of chairperson

LEGL 232 Taxation (On Demand)

3 credits
This course studies the fundamentals of state, local and federal tax laws. The agencies and tribunals involved in tax matters will be examined. Specific research strategies and document preparation relative to tax issues are explored.
Lecture: 3 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: LEGL 101
Lab fee: $ 5.00

LEGL 234 Litigation II (W)

3 credits
Building on the knowledge gained in Litigation I, students will examine the role of the attorney in the trial process, case preparation and organization of materials for trial. Students will prepare a hypothetical case for trial.
Lecture: 2 hours – Lab: 2 hours
Prerequisite: LEGL 205
Lab fee: $5.00

LEGL 235 Survey of Legal Software (W)                            
2 credits
LEGL235 introduces the various legal software packages to students using laptops. Students will have hands-on experiences by applying the software to typical law office tasks. Prerequisities:  LEGL 111, LEGL 112
Lecture:  1 hour – Lab: 2 hours

LEGL 236 Probate Law II (On Demand)

3 credits
This course examines the law of guardianship and trusts with emphasis on guardianship administration, land sales and trust accounting.
Lecture: 3 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: LEGL 224
Lab fee: $5.00

LEGL 238 Insurance Law (W, SU)

3 credits
LEGL 238 is an introduction to insurance law. The course will include principles of indemnity, interests protected, the transfer of risk, and claims processes.
Lecture: 3 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: LEGL 101
Lab fee: $5.00

LEGL 240 Professional Malpractice (W)

3 credits
This course is an examination of the law of malpractice with an emphasis on malpractice in health professions. It also examines risk management methods in health care. The course will focus on informed consent, vicarious liability of health professionals and health care facilities, negligence, the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur, mandatory arbitration, defenses, and medicolegal ethics.
Lecture: 3 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: LEGL 201
Lab fee: $5.00

LEGL 243 Alternative Dispute Resolution Issues Seminar (A, SP, SU)

3 credits
This course examines the legal, ethical, and policy issues that arise in the use of mediation, arbitration, mini-trials, summary jury trial and conciliation. It also can help develop mediation skills.
Lecture: 3 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: LEGL 205
Lab fee: $5.00

LEGL 244 Creditor Debtor Relations (W, SU)

3 credits
This course will ensure that the student is aware of the respective rights of creditors and debtors. Also introduces the pre-legal and legal procedures of debt collection.
Lecture: 3 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: LEGL 220
Lab fee: $5.00

LEGL 248 Searching and Closing the Real Estate Title (On Demand)

4 credits
This course is designed to examine the process of real estate title searches and to prepare the student to perform commercial and residential real estate title closings.
Lecture: 4 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: LEGL 228 or by permission of chairperson
Lab fee: $5.00

LEGL 250 Intellectual Property (On Demand)

4 credits
Because businesses spend millions of dollars to build consumer confidence in product names and logos, this course explores the world of patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, registration and protection of these business assets. The course includes a review of federal laws and case law that cover these areas. It also includes a discussion of issues relating to cyberlaw and the Internet. The student will consider the future implications of these contemporary topics for the business owner and the consumer.
Lecture: 4 hours – Lab: 0 hours

LEGL 251 Computer Assisted Legal Research (A, W, SP, SU)

3 credits
This course will expose the Paralegal Studies student to the ever expanding and utilized area of computer assisted research, an alternative to traditional, manual legal research. The student will be required to complete a series of projects within the different libraries of LEXIS in which the student will become proficient with the various uses and functions of electronic legal information retrieval.
Lecture: 2 hours – Lab: 2 hours
Prerequisite: LEGL 111
Lab fee: $25.00

LEGL 252 Survey of Advanced Legal Technology (W, SU)

2 credits
The course will provide the student with computer training in document management, litigation support, billing, the Internet and advanced computer assisted legal research. The student will become acquainted with Internet user groups where questions are asked and answered via e-mail and listserv. Legal software that supports legal administration, case management and internal network applications will be emphasized. The course will use CD-ROM, extensive computer lab sessions and each student will manage a complete case on an automated platform. The goals of the course will be to provide the student with certain computer competencies that go beyond the basics and allow them to be proactive in the use of technology while at the same time utilizing creative thinking skills.
Lecture: 2 hours – Lab: 1 hour
Prerequisite: LEGL 112, LEGL 251 or by permission of chairperson
Lab fee: $25.00

LEGL 255 Introduction to Workers’ Compensation Law (On Demand)

4 credits
This course is an introduction to the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. The focus of the course is the structure of the bureau, with an emphasis on the purpose of the agency, the hierarchy, the authority under which it operates, and basic concepts of workers’ compensation benefits.
Lecture: 4 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: LEGL 228 or by permission of instructor
Lab fee: $5.00

LEGL 256 Introduction to BWC Claims Processing (On Demand)

4 credits
This course will acquaint the student with how the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation processes claims including self-insured of state fund (BWC) claims, the calculation of wages and compensation, payment of medical bills, and authorization of medical treatment. Also will cover how the bureau addresses motions made, application to reactivate, and permanent partial disability settlements, from injury to resolution.
Lecture: 4 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: LEGL 228 or by permission of instructor
Lab fee: $5.00

LEGL 257 Workers’ Compensation Adjudication (On Demand)

4 credits
This course is designed to acquaint the student with how to deal with state agencies, in particular the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation from the claimant position. The emphasis of this course is on how to acquire information available through state files and computer systems. Violations of specific safety requirements, applications for permanent total disability and the hearing process will be examined.
Lecture: 4 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: LEGL 228 or by permission of instructor
Lab fee: $5.00

LEGL 258 Workers’ Compensation Rating System (On Demand)

4 credits
This course is designed to acquaint the student with the different rating plans available through the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation to establish appropriate premiums. The emphasis is on the bureau’s underwriting process.
Lecture: 4 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: LEGL 228 or by permission of instructor
Lab fee: $5.00

LEGL 259 Workers’ Compensation Practice and Procedure (On Demand)

4 credits
This course is will acquaint the student with the procedures to complete the hearing process in a claim against the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, from both the bureau and claimant perspectives.
Lecture: 4 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: LEGL 228 or by permission of instructor
Lab fee: $5.00

LEGL 261 Business Law I (A, W, SP, SU, DL)

3 credits
LEGL 261 offers students a survey of the legal framework of business, the nature of legal systems and the law, including contracts, criminal, and the law of torts.
Lecture: 3 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Lab fee: $1.00

LEGL 262 Business Law II (On Demand)

3 credits
This course offers a continuation of LEGL 261, exploring the law of agency, corporation, partnerships, and property.
Lecture: 3 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: LEGL 261
Lab fee: 1.00

LEGL 263 Business Law III (On Demand)

3 credits
This course presents an advanced examination of law as it pertains to business. The emphasis on specialty areas of the law designed for the protection of business assets including the law of sales, commercial paper and secured transactions under the Uniform Commercial Code; debtor/creditor rights under the laws of bankruptcy; and the use of wills, trusts and estate planning techniques for the protection and transfer of business interest.
Lecture: 3 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: LEGL 262
Lab fee: $1.00

LEGL 264 Legal Environment of Business (A, W, SP, SU, DL)

4 credits
This course presents an overview of the American legal system with an introduction to the legal concepts and principles that form its foundation. The course will examine the judicial system and methods of dispute resolution, while focusing on business crimes and torts, including product liability, ethics, contract formation and enforcement, consumer protection, employment law, environmental regulations, business organizations, particularly sole proprietorship, partnerships, and corporations. Students will be able to understand the legal ramifications of their business decisions.
Lecture: 4 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Lab fee: $2.00

LEGL 265 Business Law for Accountants (A, W, SP, SU)

5 credits
An in-depth examination of business law as it applies to the accounting discipline with an emphasis on those topics directly relating to the Business Law section of the Certified Public Accountants Examination, including professional responsibility of the CPA.
Lecture: 4 hours – Lab: 2 hours
Lab fee: $5.00

LEGL 266 Liability Issues in Health Occupations (On Demand)

3 credits
This course presents an examination of liability concerns in health occupations and of risk management methods in health care. The course will focus on informed consent, medical malpractice and vicarious liability issues.
Lecture: 3 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: ENGL 101
Lab fee: $5.00

LEGL 269 Consumer Law (On Demand)

4 credits
This course is an examination of the various state and federal statutes and regulations that govern the relationship of debtor and creditor. Statutes discussed include, but are not limited to, the Fair Debt Collection Act, Uniform Consumer Credit Code (UCCC) and Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC).
Lecture: 4 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Corequisite: LEGL 228 or by permission of chairperson
Lab fee: $5.00

LEGL 272 Mediation (On Demand)

4 credits
This course is an intensive overview of the mediation process. Students will study both statutory and private mediation processes. Students will review domestic relations mediation, employment fact-finding and labor mediation processes. Additionally, the student will learn the different models of mediation with particular emphasis on the Seven Step Model. Each student will be involved in preparing and conducting several mediation role playing sessions as both mediator and participants. The fundamentals of researching arbitration decisions and legal resources in arbitration will be examined with special emphasis on Internet resources. Each student will conduct a mediation in class and prepare a mediation notebook as a final project.
Lecture: 4 hours – Lab: 4 hours
Prerequisite: LEGL 228 or by permission of chairperson
Lab fee: $5.00

LEGL 275 Overview of Bankruptcy Law and Practice (On Demand)

4 credits
This course will acquaint the student with the statutory and regulatory structure, location and jurisdiction of bankruptcy law and bankruptcy courts and their nonjudicial officers. Parties and proceedings will be discussed and students will receive an overview of the bankruptcy chapters.
Lecture: 4 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: LEGL 228 or by permission of chairperson
Lab fee: $5.00

LEGL 281 Social Security Practice and Procedure (On Demand)

4 credits
This course will introduce the student to the origination of Social Security, its jurisdiction and regulation, and the practice and procedure within the Social Security Administration.
Lecture: 4 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: LEGL 228 or by permission of chairperson
Lab fee: $5.00

LEGL 285 Estate Administration (On Demand)

4 credits
This course will familiarize the student with the various methods of estate administration, including full administration of testate and intestate estates and the process of completing the same, including introduction to tax forms and relief from administration.
Lecture: 4 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: LEGL 228 or by permission of chairperson
Lab fee: $5.00


LEGL 291 Arbitration (On Demand)

4 credits
The course is an intensive overview of the arbitration process. Students will study both court annexed arbitration and private arbitration processes. The fundamentals of researching arbitration decisions and legal resources in arbitration will be examined with special emphasis on Internet resources. Each student will conduct an arbitration in class and prepare an arbitration notebook as a final project.
Lecture: 4 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: LEGL 228 or by permission of chairperson
Lab fee: $5.00