Maricopa Community Colleges  LAS100   20006-20065 
Official Course Description: MCCCD Approval: 12/14/99
LAS100 20006-20065 LEC 1 Credit(s) 1 Period(s)
Introduction to Paralegalism
Focus on the role, responsibilities, and ethical standards of a legal assistant/paralegal. Provides an overview of the legal system and the role of the legal assistant in the legal system. Emphasis on professional development and job-search strategies. Prerequisites: None.
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MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
 
LAS100   20006-20065 Introduction to Paralegalism
1. Describe the historical development of paralegalism. (I, V)
2. Compare the titles used to describe legal assistants. (II)
3. Describe the types of paralegal regulation. (III)
4. Describe the scope of work a paralegal may perform and explain the issue of "unauthorized practice of law." (III, IV, VI)
5. Explain the importance of systems, forms, and checklists in paralegal employment. (V, VI)
6. Describe the types of paralegal employment, including paralegal specialties. (VI, VII)
7. Identify potential areas of employment in both the public and private sectors. (VI, VII)
8. Identify critical communication skills when working in the legal area. (VI, VII)
9. Describe job hunting strategies. (VII)
10. Prepare a resume for a legal assistant position. (VII)
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MCCCD Official Course Outline:
 
LAS100   20006-20065 Introduction to Paralegalism
    I. Historical Development of Paralegalism
      II. Definition of Legal Assistant/Paralegal
        III. Regulation of Legal Assistants
            A. Types of regulations
            B. Bar Associations and their roles
            C. Overtime/exempt issues
            D. Unauthorized practice of law statutes
          IV. Role of Legal Assistant
              A. Ethics/professional responsibility
              B. Ethical standards of national paralegal organizations
            V. Paralegal Education
              VI. Role of Legal Assistant in the Legal System-Workplace
                  A. Organizational systems
                  B. Legal forms
                  C. Checklists
                  D. Working with attorneys and other legal staff
                VII. Job Hunting Strategies
                    A. Public sector
                    B. Private sector
                    C. Resume preparation
                    D. Job interview
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