Paralegal Studies - Bachelors Degree

Beckfield College prepares students for the fascinating world of the legal field through stimulating legal studies such as personal injury litigation, wills and estates, criminal law, divorce and child custody, and bankruptcy. Beckfield's campus library contains the abundant legal resources for complete research. Additionally, all paralegal students have access to Lexis/Nexis and Westlaw online research tools.

The program prepares future Paralegals to perform tasks such as researching legal issues, drafting and filing legal documents, managing a law office, and interviewing clients. In addition to endowing students with the legal knowledge to understand the various areas of law, our program provides instruction in practical, legal-career skills used by professionals every day.

Bachelor of Science Degree in Paralegal Studies

The objective of this program is to provide students with the education, training, and technical knowledge that will prepare them for employment as paralegals and legal assistants. Graduates will be able to carry out paralegal responsibilities reliably and to communicate their findings and opinions effectively, both orally and in writing. In addition to courses focusing on specific areas of law, the program provides coursework in legal research, legal writing, evidence, alternative dispute resolution, interviewing, ethics, management, and current topics in law. Courses in management, communication, reasoning, and social sciences compliment the legal emphasis. Graduates will understand the paralegal's role in the legal community and further understand that, except as permitted by law, paralegals do not provide legal services directly to the public.

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Course Listing

BUS 140 Project Management

This course is designed to instruct the student in taking a project from start to finish, including documentation, time lines, allocating resources, and follow-through with update meetings. Designing documentation, assigning necessary resources, and implementing and completing projects are covered.

Prerequisite:
ENG 111

CAP 112 Keyboarding and Word Processing II

This course instructs students in more advanced keyboarding and word processing concepts and skills. Topics and hands-on activities include tables and templates, form letters, merging, macros, on-screen forms, art work, and importing/exporting. The student will also further develop keyboarding skills to increase speed.

Prerequisite:
CAP 111

CAP 115 Introduction To Spreadsheet Applications

This course will provide the student with a fundamental understanding of spreadsheet applications with emphasis on Microsoft’s Excel product while referencing other spreadsheet programs both past and present.

Prerequisite:
MTH 090 or placement

LAW 101A Orientation To Law

This course provides a general overview of the legal system, and exposure to the operating structures and terminology of law. It covers the duties of the paralegal as they relate to the structures of the court system, administrative agencies, private law firms, and public proceedings. A discussion of the importance of ethics is also included.

LAW 101B Introduction To Rules And Procedure

This course is a continuation of LAW 101A and provides a further general overview of the legal system, and exposure to the operating structures and terminology of law. This course is designed to instruct the student on the court rules of procedure and evidence, at both state and federal levels. The course also provides an introduction into the substantive areas of law and a discussion of the appeal process.

Prerequisite: LAW 101A.

LAW 102 Legal Research

This course covers the techniques for gathering information through a working familiarity with major books in the law library, and provides practice in finding and interpreting statutes, in case law and administrative regulations, and in the various means of conducting criminal and civil investigations.

Prerequisite or Co-requisite:
LAW 101B

LAW 103 Legal Analysis

This course will familiarize the student with the principles of research, types of law books, citations, ambiguity in the law, interpreting case and statutory law, legal authority, annotations, the kinds of legal writing, organization and format. Concentration will be on specific research and writing assignments.

Prerequisite:
LAW 102

LAW 104 Family Law

This course addresses how to handle client interviews and draw up necessary pleadings relative to the general practice of law in relation to the family unit. The legal formalities of family law and its impediments are studied. Discussion of marriage annulments, divorce, property rights and distribution, child visitation, alimony, separation, adoption, and parent/child law will be included.

Prerequisite:
LAW 103

LAW 105 Tort Law

This course analyzes civil court procedures, court document preparation, and filing requirements. The student is introduced to evidence law necessary to review depositions and other court-related material to aid in preparing an attorney for trial. Emphasis is placed on assault, battery, nuisance, and negligence.

Prerequisite:
LAW 103

LAW 107 Commercial Law

The student is introduced to the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), and to the application of the UCC to secured transactions and commercial paper. The formation of contracts, consideration, statute of frauds, the capacity to contract, third party beneficiaries, parole evidence, breach of contract, and remedies are also studied.

Prerequisite:
LAW 103

LAW 117 Computer Applications for Paralegals

The student is introduced to the basic functions of computer hardware and software, and gains further instruction in various office applications. Special emphasis is placed on applications for the law office, including document processing, database management systems for file management, litigation support, spreadsheet software, and time, billing, and accounting functions.

Prerequisite:
LAW 101A

LAW 205 Bankruptcy Law

This course is a study of bankruptcy, its terminology and what is involved in the process from the filing of the petition to the discharge of indebtedness. The paralegal's role in the process, as well as the relationship between bankruptcy law and ethics, will be studied.

Prerequisite:
LAW 103, LAW 117

LAW 210 Real Estate Law

This course will provide students with the basic concepts of the law of real property. Mortgages, methods for transferring real estates, closing, landlord/tenant law, purchase and sales agreements, deeds, foreclosures, zoning, and condominium law will be studied.

Prerequisite:
LAW 103

LAW 215 Estates, Trusts and Taxes

This course will cover the requirements, formalities, drafting, and execution of wills and trusts, probating wills, intestacy law, and the administration of wills and estates. Discussions of the Federal Estates, U.S. Fiduciary Tax Return, state inheritance taxes, and the ethical considerations involved are included.

Prerequisite:
LAW 103

LAW 220 Corporations, Partnerships and Agencies

This course presents a survey of the basic principles of corporation law, the creation and operation of corporations, partnerships, and proprietorships. The student will learn to prepare documents for: incorporation, amendments to a corporation charter, by-laws, directors' meetings, minutes, dissolutions, and liquidations.

Prerequisite:
LAW 103

LAW 225 Criminal Law

This course provides instruction in the study of crimes, including crimes against the person and crimes against property, and in the process and procedures involved in criminal litigation with attention given to the constitutional safeguards.

Prerequisite:
LAW 103

LAW 299 Paralegal Externship I

Students in the paralegal certificate or associate degree program are placed in an appropriate legal environment in order to provide them the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge acquired in their collegiate coursework. Students work under the supervision of an attorney or experienced paralegal in such sites as private or public law offices, corporate or government legal departments, or other appropriate settings. Students must complete at least 120 hours of work for the site. In addition to on-site work, the student will attend scheduled seminar sessions at the campus with the program director.

Prerequisite:
Departmental approval

LAW 300 Law Office Management

This course presents the fundamentals of law office management and organization including basic principles and structure of management, administrative and substantive systems in the law office, and law practice technology.

Prerequisite:
CAP 130, LAW 103, LAW 117

LAW 310 Civil Litigation

This course is an introduction to the process and procedures of civil litigation from the beginning of a conflict to its final resolution. It defines basic principles of discovery and pre-trial motions, interrogatories, bill of particulars, and trial orders. Students will learn to draft legal documents in: investigation of facts, settlement of lawsuits, judgments, and post-trial considerations. Other topics include the structure of state and federal court systems, jurisdiction of administrative agencies, the role of the lawyer, ethics, substantive law, torts, contracts, corporations, partnerships, bankruptcy, workman's compensation, consumer protection, real property, family law, probate, wills, estates, and trusts.

Prerequisite:
LAW 102

LAW 315 Advanced Legal Research and Writing

This course is designed to provide further development in the research and writing skills learned in Legal Research and Legal Analysis.

Prerequisites:
ENG 112, LAW 103.

LAW 320 Ethics and Professional Responsibilities

This course provides an overview of ethical considerations and responsibilities regulating the paralegal profession. The focus will be on evolving issues within the industry with special emphasis on the unauthorized practice of law, attorney-client privilege and conflicts of interest.

Prerequisite:
HUM 101, LAW 103

LAW 410 Advanced Litigation

This course covers the paralegal's role in the civil litigation process. Topics include, pleadings, motions, discovery, and trial and appellate procedures.

Prerequisite:
LAW 310

LAW 415 Advanced Legal Writing

This course is a continuation of the skills developed in LAW 315, Advanced Legal Research and Writing. Students conduct research, and prepare case briefs, legal correspondence, objective memoranda, trial briefs, and appellate briefs. Independent research time is required in addition to scheduled class time.

Prerequisite:
LAW 315

LAW 499 Paralegal Externship II

Students in the baccalaureate degree program are placed in an appropriate legal environment in order to provide them the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge acquired in their collegiate coursework. Students work under the supervision of an attorney or experienced paralegal in such sites as private or public law offices, corporate or government legal departments, or other appropriate settings. Students must complete at least 120 hours of work for the site. In addition to on-site work, the student will attend scheduled seminar sessions at the campus with the program director.

Prerequisite:
Senior standing and departmental approval

MGT 203 Human Resource Management

This course addresses all aspects of personnel management, to include recruiting, advertising, interviewing, selection, training, salary negotiations, employee performance reviews, and promotion. Students also receive instruction on labor disputes and the legal aspects of personnel management.

Prerequisite:
MGT 102 or SOC 105

MGT 305 Leadership

This course addresses the qualities and skills that leaders need in a rapidly changing world. The class covers such topics as courage, moral leadership, developing personal potential (personal leadership qualities) sources of power, building a community of followers, emotional intelligence, leading from the heart and mind, independent thinking, problem solving, personality and leadership styles, comparing management and leadership, valuing change, collaboration, relationships, and diversity.

Prerequisite:
SOC 105

PRD 100 Stragtegies For Success

This course provides information and resources which promote students’ academic and professional development. The course introduces students to results of research into cognitive psychology and social learning theory which assist students in engaging the expectations of their academic and professional environments.

Elective Group 1

LAW 325 Interviewing and Investigation

Upon completion, students should be able to assist an attorney in preparing, directing, and organizing documents for civil litigation. Students should also be able to obtain medical records, official records and documents for client matters, research and design interview sheets and checklists, find and keep track of witnesses and principles, and keep in-house files for various legal matters.

Prerequisite:
LAW 320, SOC 105

LAW 330 Immigration Law

This course is an introduction to immigration law and policy in an historical and constitutional context with emphasis on paralegal skills training and practice. It covers the categorization of immigrants and non-immigrants, admission and deportations procedures, asylum and refugees, and citizenship.

Prerequisite:
LAW 315

LAW 400 Alternative Dispute Resolution

This intensive course is designed to train paralegals in the art of negotiation and participate in conflict mediation processes. The course focuses on both traditional and non-traditional dispute resolution options. Attention will be given to the traditional techniques of negotiation, mediation, and arbitration as well as modern variations, such as summary jury trials and mini-trials. Topics include divorce settlement mediation and labor arbitration.

Prerequisite:
LAW 325, PSY 101

LAW 470 Contemporary Legal Topics

Special topics will be selected as the subject of focus and research in the class. Topics will vary according to the needs of the legal community and the demands of the student population. Examples of such topics are entertainment law, securities law, labor law, and tax law.

Prerequisite:
LAW 315

Elective Group 2

LAW 425 Administrative Law

This course covers the scope, authority, and regulatory operations of various federal, state, and local administrative agencies. Topics include social security, worker’s compensation, unemployment, zoning, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to research sources of administrative law, investigate, and assist in representation of clients before administrative agencies. This course will also introduce the student to the fundamental concepts of environmental law and community planning.

Prerequisite:
LAW 315

LAW 330 Immigration Law

LAW 345 Sports and Entertainment Law

In this course, students gain an overview of sports and entertainment and their relationship to various categories of law. This course is also designed to acquaint the student with the intricacies of the law inherent in the sports and entertainment industries. While both sports and entertainment law encompass a vast array of various legal disciplines, including, but not limited to, contract law, tort law, employment & labor law, constitutional law, criminal law, and intellectual property law, the application of these disciplines is unique to each industry.

Prerequisite:
LAW 103, LAW 107

General Courses

BIO 145 Anatomy & Physiology

The structure and function of body systems and organs are studied to develop an overall knowledge of human anatomy and physiology. The structure and function of cells, tissues, organs, and systems are covered. Among the systems studied are the skeletal, muscular, nervous, sensory, circulatory, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, and
endocrine.

COM 105 Speech Communication

This course is designed to develop an understanding of the oral communication process. The focus is on improving oral communication skills, idea and message development, and the effective presentation of ideas.

ECN 101 Macroeconomics

This course provides instruction on the principles and procedures required for the understanding of macroeconomics. Topics covered include analysis, income and prices, monetary and fiscal policies, and human wants and scarcity.

ENG 111 Composition I

Composition I is a course in expository writing, emphasizing those methods which are most frequently used in analysis, evaluation, and argument. Though the course assumes competence in grammar, usage, and mechanics, appropriate review in these skills will be provided as the need arises.

Prerequisite:
ENG 090 or placement

ENG 112 Composition II

This course is a continuation of ENG 111 and is designed to teach students to compose effective argumentative essays, including a researched essay. Emphasis is placed on selection and restriction of topics, thesis statements, organization, development, coherence, clarity, and style. Adherence to the conventions of grammar, usage, and mechanics is required.

Prerequisite:
ENG 111

ENG 301 American Literature

This course is a survey of American literature spanning the 19th and the 20th centuries. Literature, speech, and writing are assimilated into course experiences. Students are exposed to a variety of literary genres (novels, short stories, dramas, poetry, and essays). Students learn to interpret selected works, maintain writing journals, and continue to develop their reading and writing skills.

Prerequisite:
ENG 112

HIS 215 American History: Society, Culture and Law

The course provides a broad understanding of U.S. social, cultural, and legal history across the following areas and time-periods: European exploration and settlement, the nation’s formative years to the Civil War as crossroads, post Civil War to the early Twentieth Century, the rise of industrial America, two world wars, and the intervening years at home and abroad.

HUM 101 Ethics

This course introduces students to ethical theories, human conscience and the process of moral decision-making. Morality and immorality, natural law, values and ideals are addressed. Philosophical views are applied to contemporary settings.

HUM 315 Critical Thinking

This course is an exploration of the essential characteristics of good arguments. Emphasis is placed on the identification, interpretation, and evaluation of written arguments as well as on the ability to justify interpretative and evaluative judgments. Central to the course is the ability to recognize why a good argument persuades and why a misleading or fallacious argument does not.

Prerequisite:
ENG 112

MTH 120 Quantitative Reasoning

This course provides instruction in mathematical problem solving skills and concepts. Topics include the use of logic and critical thinking in solving problems, analysis of information suggested by statistical data, determination of probability, solution by means of geometry, and other applications of mathematical analysis.

Prerequisite:
MTH 090 or Placement

POL 101 The American Political System

This course presents a broad overview of the American national government and its various institutions. Topics covered include the Constitution, the legislative, executive and judicial branches, civil liberties, political parties and interest groups. The functions and relationships of state and local governments are also addressed.

SOC 101 Principles of Sociology

This course is an introduction to basic sociological concepts and the principles and methods employed in the scientific study of human societies. Topics include the socialization of individuals and groups, social stratification, social organization, deviant behavior, and the influences leading to social change.

SOC 105 Interpersonal Communication

This course introduces the practices and principles of interpersonal communication. Emphasis is placed on the communication process, perception, listening, self-disclosure, speech apprehension, ethics, nonverbal communication, conflict, power, and dysfunctional communication relationships.