Paralegal - Diploma (D28380)

To be eligible for the Paralegal Technology, Paralegal Diploma, students must have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in any discipline from any institution of post-secondary education that is accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.

For a student to be eligible to sit for the North Carolina Certified Paralegal exam, nine hours of LEX courses must be taken as seated, in-person courses consisting of live, real-time, or simultaneous broadcast.

Fall Semester 1

Course	Class Hours	Lab Hours	Credits
LEX 110 - Intro to Paralegal Study LEX 110 - Intro to Paralegal Study This course introduces the paralegal profession and the legal system, and an emphasis is placed on the role of professional and legal ethics. Topics include regulations, ethics, case analysis, legal reasoning, career opportunities, professional organizations, terminology and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to explain the role of a paralegal and identify the skills, knowledge, and ethics required of paralegals. Class: 2.00 Credits: 2.00	2.00		2.00
LEX 120 - Legal Research/Writing I LEX 120 - Legal Research/Writing I This course introduces the techniques of legal research and writing. Emphasis is placed on locating, analyzing, applying, and updating sources of law; effective legal writing, including proper citation; and the use of electronic research methods. Upon completion, students should be able to perform legal research and writing assignments using techniques covered in the course. Class: 2.00 Lab: 2.00 Credits: 3.00	2.00	2.00	3.00
LEX 140 - Civil Litigation I LEX 140 - Civil Litigation I This course introduces the structure of the legal system and the rules governing civil litigation. Topics include jurisdiction state and federal rules of civil procedure and evidence. Upon completion, students should be able to assist an attorney in pre-litigation matters and preparation of pleadings and motions. Class: 3.00 Credits: 3.00	3.00		3.00
LEX 250 - Wills, Estates, & Trusts LEX 250 - Wills, Estates, & Trusts This course covers various types of wills, trusts, probate, estate administration, and intestacy. Topics include types of wills and execution requirements, caveats and dissents, intestate succession, inventories and accountings, distribution and settlement, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to draft simple wills, prepare estate forms, understand administration of estates including taxation, and explain terms regarding trusts. Class: 2.00 Lab: 2.00 Credits: 3.00	2.00	2.00	3.00
LEX 280 - Ethics & Professionalism LEX 280 - Ethics & Professionalism This course reinforces legal ethics and the role of the paralegal in a professional work environment. Topics include a review of ethics, employment opportunities, and search techniques; paralegal certification and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to understand the paralegal's role in the ethical practice of law. Class: 2.00 Credits: 2.00	2.00		2.00
			Total: 13

Spring Semester 1

Course	Class Hours	Lab Hours	Credits
LEX 121 - Legal Research/Writing II LEX 121 - Legal Research/Writing II This course covers advanced topics in legal research and writing. Topics include more complex legal issues and assignments involving preparation of legal memos, briefs, and other documents and the advanced use of electronic research methods. Upon completion, students should be able to perform legal research and writing assignments using techniques covered in the course. Prerequisites: Take LEX-120 Class: 2.00 Lab: 2.00 Credits: 3.00	2.00	2.00	3.00
LEX 141 - Civil Litigation II LEX 141 - Civil Litigation II This course covers advanced topics in the civil litigation process. Topics include motions, discovery, and trial and appellate procedures. Upon completion, students should be able to assist an attorney in preparing and organizing documents for trial, settlement and post-trial practice. Prerequisites: Take LEX-140 Class: 2.00 Lab: 2.00 Credits: 3.00	2.00	2.00	3.00
LEX 130 - Civil Injuries LEX 130 - Civil Injuries This course covers traditional tort concepts and the evolving body of individual rights created by statute. Topics include intentional and non-intentional torts with emphasis on negligence, strict liability, civil rights, workplace and environmental liability, remedies, and damages. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize, explain, and evaluate elements of civil injuries and related defenses. Class: 3.00 Credits: 3.00	3.00		3.00
LEX 240 - Family Law LEX 240 - Family Law This course covers laws governing domestic relations. Topics include marriage, separation, divorce, child custody, support, property division, adoption, domestic violence, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to interview clients, gather information, and draft documents related to family law. Class: 3.00 Credits: 3.00	3.00		3.00
LEX 160 - Criminal Law & Procedure LEX 160 - Criminal Law & Procedure This course introduces substantive criminal law and procedural rights of the accused. Topics include elements of state/federal crimes, defenses, constitutional issues, pre-trial and trial process, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to explain elements of specific crimes and assist an attorney in preparing a criminal case. Class: 2.00 Lab: 2.00 Credits: 3.00	2.00	2.00	3.00
LEX 270 - Law Office Management/Technology LEX 270 - Law Office Management/Technology This course provides an overview of law office management and organization. Topics include office forms, filing systems, billing/time keeping, computer systems, calendar systems, library administration, case management, office/personnel procedures, ethics, and technology. Upon completion, students should be able to establish and maintain various law office systems, monitor case progress, and supervise non-lawyer personnel. Class: 1.00 Lab: 2.00 Credits: 2.00	1.00	2.00	2.00
			Total: 17

Fall Semester 2

Course	Class Hours	Lab Hours	Credits
ENG 111 - Writing and Inquiry ENG 111 - Writing and Inquiry This course is designed to develop the ability to produce clear writing in a variety of genres and formats using a recursive process. Emphasis includes inquiry, analysis, effective use of rhetorical strategies, thesis development, audience awareness, and revision. Upon completion, students should be able to produce unified, coherent, well-developed essays using standard written English. Class: 3.00 Credits: 3.00	3.00		3.00
ENG 112 - Writing and Research in the Disciplines ENG 112 - Writing and Research in the Disciplines This course, the second in a series of two, introduces research techniques, documentation styles, and writing strategies. Emphasis is placed on analyzing information and ideas and incorporating research findings into documented writing and research projects. Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate and synthesize information from primary and secondary sources using documentation appropriate to various disciplines. Prerequisites: Take ENG-111 Class: 3.00 Credits: 3.00	3.00		3.00
LEX 150 - Commercial Law LEX 150 - Commercial Law This course covers legally enforceable agreements, forms of organization, and selected portions of the Uniform Commercial Code. Topics include drafting and enforcement of contracts, leases, and related documents and selection and implementation of business organization forms, sales, and commercial papers. Upon completion, students should be able to apply the elements of a contract, prepare various business documents, and understand the role of commercial paper. Class: 2.00 Lab: 2.00 Credits: 3.00	2.00	2.00	3.00
			Total: 9