Paralegal Studies (PLS)

PLS-110. Introduction to Paralegal Studies. (3 Credits)

This course provides new paralegal majors with a comprehensive overview of the profession and the role paralegals play in supporting the legal team. An overview of systems of government; the examination of constitutional, statutory, and case authority; and an introduction to various substantive areas of law area are all addressed. Special emphasis is placed on professional ethics and preparation for the world of work. Fee is required. (3 contact hours)

PLS-125. Research & Writing for Paralegal I. (3 Credits)

This course, part of a two-semester sequence, offers a comprehensive review of research and writing strategies unique to the legal profession. The use of secondary legal sources, the search for primary sources in print and online, and proper legal citation format are all addressed. In addition, proper legal writing strategies to ensure compliance with court filing rules is included. Special emphasis is placed on professional ethics and preparation for the world of work. Fee is required. (3 contact hours)

PLS-140. Civil Litigation for the Paralegal. (3 Credits)

This course covers the fundamentals of civil litigation with emphasis on Illinois practice. Fact gathering and investigation are covered, along with strategies for case evaluation and document drafting from pleadings to post-judgment. The course emphasizes practical paralegal skill development by drafting the most common forms used in the course of a civil lawsuit. Fee is required. (3 contact hours)

PLS-160. Law Office Admin for Paralegal. (3 Credits)

This course covers the fundamentals of law office management and the paralegal's role in the administrative functioning of a law office. The course emphasizes practical paralegal skill development by experience with law firm policies and processes completed under the direct supervision of an attorney. Fee is required. (3 contact hours)

PLS-170. Law Office Technology for Paralegal. (3 Credits)

This course covers current business technologies and applies a legal-specific perspective to them. The course covers the Legal Technology Certificate of Learning program offerings of the National Society for Legal Technology and includes legal-specific trainings on more than one dozen available applications. In addition, in-depth use of LexisAdvance and Westlaw will strengthen students' skills as members of the firm's legal research team. Finally, Microsoft Office Specialist examination outcomes and strategies will be addressed to offer another tier of professional certification and credentialing. Fee is required. (3 contact hours)

PLS-190. Research & Writing for Paralegal II. (3 Credits)

This course, the second in a two-semester sequence, builds upon the skills developed in PLS-125 and provides additional practical paralegal competencies in more advanced forms of legal research and writing. Distinctions between objective and persuasive/advocacy writing are covered. Special research considerations in legislative history and nonprint sources are included. The course also covers initial drafting of appeals briefs and business correspondence specific to the legal profession. Fee is required. (3 contact hours)

PLS-210. Bankruptcy Law for the Paralegal. (3 Credits)

This course covers the practice of bankruptcy law and places emphasis on methods of debtor relief, litigation, and claims. The course includes a focus on e-filing and the role of the paralegal in processing these proceedings under direct attorney supervision. The development of practical paralegal skills in managing bankruptcy cases is a key component of this course. Fee is required. (3 contact hours)

PLS-220. Criminal Law for the Paralegal. (3 Credits)

This course covers the paralegal's role in the criminal law process. The course emphasizes federal vs. state and concurrent jurisdictions and accountability for criminal conduct. Categories and types of criminal offenses, affirmative defenses, and criminal procedure are all covered from the paralegal's perspective. Special emphasis is placed on the development of practical paralegal skills to support a prosecutor or a defense attorney inside and outside of the courtroom. Fee is required. (3 contact hours)

PLS-230. Evidence for the Paralegal. (3 Credits)

This course covers the paralegal's role in the evidentiary process. The course focuses on various types of relevancy, witness competency, impeachment, and lay and expert opinions. Hearsay and its exceptions and evidence authentication are key components of the course. Special emphasis is placed on the Illinois Rules of Evidence and the development of practical paralegal skills to support a prosecutor or a defense attorney inside and outside of the courtroom. Fee is required. (3 contact hours)

PLS-240. Family Law for the Paralegal. (3 Credits)

This course covers family law with an emphasis on the recent changes to Illinois' family law statutes. Issues related to marriage, divorce, child custody, support, property division, and jurisdiction are all addressed. Topics related to adoption, child custody, and abuse/neglect circumstances are also discussed. Special emphasis is placed on the paralegal's role in managing these kinds of client matters and supporting the legal team during the process. Fee is required. (3 contact hours)

PLS-260. Estate Plans & Probate/Paralegal. (3 Credits)

This course covers the law of estate planning and probate with a focus on Illinois law. Estate planning and administration, laws of succession, wills and trusts, and taxation are all addressed. Special emphasis is placed on the paralegal's role in managing these kinds of client matters and supporting the legal team during the process. Fee is required. (3 contact hours)

PLS-270. Real Estate Law for the Paralegal. (3 Credits)

This course covers the law of real estate with a focus on Illinois law. Estates in land, future interests, titles in realty, and land use are all covered. Methods of conveyance and residential closing procedures are discussed. The course also offers an overview of condominium/cooperative and commercial property real estate and addresses issues common in landlord-tenant law. Special emphasis is placed on the paralegal's role in managing these kinds of client matters and supporting the legal team during the process. Fee is required. (3 contact hours)

PLS-290. Paralegal Internship. (3 Credits)

This capstone course gives graduating paralegals exposure to the world of work in a law firm or other legal environment. During a 16-week semester, students will work 10 hours weekly at an internship site chosen by the student and contracted between the student, the instructor, and the site provider. During an eight-week summer session, students will work 20 hours weekly. A total of 160 hours of internship time is required to pass the course. Students will have once-weekly seminar instruction on campus and will receive three site visits from the instructor to monitor the student's progress. Fee is required. (11 contact hours)