PRL 101 INTRODUCTION TO PARALEGAL STUDY 3 Hrs.
PREREQUISITE: As required by program.
This course introduces the paralegal profession and the legal system. Topics include regulations and concepts, ethics, case analysis, legal reasoning, career opportunities, certification, professional organizations, and other related topics. Upon completion, the student should be able to explain the role of the paralegal and identify the skills, knowledge, and ethics required of legal assistants.
PRL 102 BASIC LEGAL RESEARCH AND WRITING 3 Hrs.
PREREQUISITE: As required by program.
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, the student should be able to perform legal research and writing assignments using techniques covered in the course.
PRL 103 ADVANCED LEGAL RESEARCH AND WRITING 3 Hrs.
PREREQUISITE: PRL 102.
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, the student should be able to perform legal research and writing assignments using techniques covered in the course.
PRL 150 COMMERCIAL LAW 3 Hrs.
PREREQUISITE: As required by program.
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, the student should be able to apply the elements of a contract, prepare various business documents, and understand the role of commercial paper.
PRL 160 CRIMINAL LAW AND PROCEDURE 3 Hrs.
PREREQUISITE: As required by program.
This course introduces substantive criminal law and procedural rights of the accused. Topics include elements of state/federal crimes, defenses, constitutional issues, pre-trial process, and other related topics. Upon completion, the student should be able to explain elements of specific crimes and assist an attorney in preparing a criminal case.
PRL 192 SELECTED TOPICS IN PARALEGAL I 3 Hrs.
PREREQUISITE: As required by program.
This course provides an opportunity to explore areas of current interest in specific program or discipline areas. Emphasis is placed on subject matter appropriate to the program or discipline. Upon completion, the student should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the specific area of study.
PRL 220 CORPORATE LAW 3 Hrs.
PREREQUISITE: As required by program.
This course covers the legal aspects of forming, operating, and maintaining a business. Emphasis is placed on the business corporation with additional coverage of sole proprietorships and partnerships. Upon completion, the student should be able to draft basic partnership and corporate documents and file these documents as required.
PRL 230 DOMESTIC LAW 3 Hrs.
PREREQUISITE: As required by program.
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, the student should be able to interview clients, gather information, and draft documents related to family law.
PRL 240 WILLS, ESTATES AND TRUSTS 3 Hrs.
PREREQUISITE: As required by program.
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, the student should be able to draft simple wills, prepare estate forms, understand administration of estates including taxation, and explain terms regarding trusts.
PRL 250 BANKRUPTCY AND COLLECTIONS 3 Hrs.
PREREQUISITE: As required by program.
This course provides an overview of the laws of bankruptcy and the rights of creditors and debtors. Topics include bankruptcy procedures and estate management, attachment, claim and delivery, repossession, foreclosure, collection, garnishment, and post-judgment collection procedure. Upon completion, the student should be able to prepare and file bankruptcy forms, collection letters, statutory liens, and collection of judgments.
PRL 262 CIVIL LAW AND PROCEDURES 3 Hrs.
PREREQUISITE: As required by program.
This course is designed to give the student a basic understanding of the federal rules of civil procedure and Alabama rules of court. The student will demonstrate the ability to prepare a trial notebook for litigation purposes.
PRL 270 WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LAW 3 Hrs.
PREREQUISITE: As required by program.
This course covers the process of initiating and handling workers’ compensation claims. Emphasis is placed on reviewing and drafting relevant Industrial Commission forms. Upon completion, the student should be able to interview clients, gather information, and draft documents related to workers’ compensation claims.
PRL 291 INTERNSHIP IN PARALEGALISM 3 Hrs.
PREREQUISITE: Instructor permission, PRL 101, PRL 102.
This course provides the student the opportunity to work in a paid or unpaid position in which he/she applies paralegal skills and knowledge. This course requires a minimum of 100 hours of practical experience in the legal field, including work in law offices, municipal courts, banks, insurance companies, governmental agencies, and with district and circuit court judges. Upon completion, the student will be able to apply in real-work settings competencies obtained in the PRL curriculum.