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The nature of legal institutions and processes; the American and Washington judicial systems, sources of law and federal and state court systems; legal reasoning; ethics applicable to lawyers and paralegals.
Study of procedure in civil actions in state trial and appellate courts from commencement to final resolution. Consideration is given to the integration of the skills of the paralegal at all levels of the process.
Introduction to traditional and computer-assisted legal research tools through library and drafting assignments designed to develop skills in effectively using legal resources and communicating the results of the research. Prerequisite: ENGL 100 or placement in ENGL 105 or instructor's permission.
Substantive law and procedures for the medical paralegal, including medical record and case analysis; investigation, discovery and trial preparation; ethics; standard of care; legal and factual research regarding medical issues; life care planning and estimating damages. Prerequisite: LEGAL 200 or instructor's permission.
Study of the civil litigation process and trial preparation. Each step of the litigation process is examined and emphasis is placed on the integration of the skills necessary for a paralegal at each level of the process. Prerequisite: LEGAL 200 and 205. Registration by entry code only; obtain code from department advisor.
Examination of the nature, organization and function of a law office. Operational techniques for paralegals as they apply to billing and collections, work flow systems, technology and personnel management. Prerequisite: LEGAL 200 or instructor's permission.
Practical clinic in methods of investigation; using investigative experts; obtaining public and private information; problems of interviewing clients and witnesses; procedures for obtaining statements and photographs. Students conduct practice interviews. Prerequisite: LEGAL 200 or instructor's permission.
Covers substantive and procedural law necessary to probate decedents' estates. Includes administration of estates passing by will and by interstate succession. Special emphasis is placed on the skills necessary for a paralegal to practice in this area. Prerequisite: LEGAL 200 or instructor's permission.
Study of estate planning tools including wills, trusts, durable powers of attorney, community property agreements and healthcare directives, and principles of law that apply to each. Study of applicable state and federal tax laws. Emphasis placed on drafting documents. Prerequisite: LEGAL 200 or instructor's permission.
Principles of the law of contracts: nature of contracts, consideration, capacity, legality, performance and breach, sales, agency, government regulation, and property.
Covers the legal principles and rules regarding the law of patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets. Emphasis is placed on the skills required of paralegals who practice in this area. Prerequisite: LEGAL 200 or instructor's permission.
Laws and procedures that relate to the formation and dissolution of marriage; nonmarital families; domestic violence; formation and termination of the parent-child relationship; and juvenile offenders. Prerequisite: LEGAL 200 or instructor's permission.
Survey of the law, procedures and documents involved in the organization, operation and dissolution of business entities, with emphasis on corporations, limited liability companies, general limited liability and limited partnerships. Prerequisite: LEGAL 200 or instructor's permission.
Receive on-the-job experience as a paralegal intern. Earn one credit for every 30 hours of work. Students set up internship and pick up internship forms before quarter begins. Class meets twice during quarter; must attend both classes to receive credit. S/U grade only. Prerequisite: LEGAL 297 or instructor's permission. Registration by entry code only; obtain code from instructor. Registration permitted first seven weeks as space is available. Variable credit range shown; departmental advising is needed.
Past/present legal treatment of gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgendered (GLBT) people. Explore legal issues including: GLBT identity regulation, anti-discrimination/privacy rights, constitutional/family law, employment/military, estate planning/ probate, asylum/immigration.
Class covers treaty laws that establish the jurisdiction and rights of the Native American Tribes, especially focusing on the tribes of the NW, procedures of tribal courts, and shared jurisdiction with the state and federal governments. ATTENDANCE AT BOTH CLASS SESSIONS IS REQUIRED TO EARN CREDIT.
Earn legal specialty credit by attending job placement seminar which covers resume and cover letter writing; interviewing techniques; internships and opportunities for employment in legal specialty practice areas. Must attend both sessions to receive credit. S/U grade only.
