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Program Codes:
PL.AAS
Associate in Applied Science
Contact the Department Chairperson
The Program is approved by the American Bar Association and the College is a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education.
Below are required courses and recommended course groupings and sequences for program completion. Courses may have prerequisite and corequisite requirements. Check course descriptions for details.
This course defines computers and computer applications and their use in business, industry and government. Students completing this course will be computer fluent. Students will understand the capabilities and limitations of computers and know how to use them. In addition, students will understand computers and their ethical, legal and societal implications. Topics include the history of computers, hardware devices, software programs, terminology, privacy of information, ethical behavior and the influence of computers on people and society. Hands-on experience includes: using a Windows operating system, a word processor, designing and implementing spreadsheets and producing presentations. This course is recommended for anyone who will be involved with computers and the use of computer application software.
Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students will use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing documented essays. Extensive reading materials serve as structural models and as the bases for discussion and for the writing of essays involving response, analysis, and synthesis.
RDG-011 may be taken as a co-requisite if not previously completed with a grade of "C" or better.
An introduction to the functions and duties of the paralegal. Students explore the regulation of paralegals, rules of ethics, privilege and ABA considerations. Students are introduced to the court system and law office routines.
An introduction to the American legal system and the New Jersey court system. Students use the law library including encyclopedias, reporter systems, digests and administrative codes including updating sources. Students are introduced to the use of computer assisted research by use of Westlaw.
ENG 121, PLS 100
A writing course focusing on the tasks commonly encountered by paralegals. Topics covered include legal correspondence, opinion letters, briefs and memoranda, Emphasis will be placed on clarity and precision in the use of language.
PLS 100, PLS 101
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Social Science (GE SS).
A continuation of the study of legal research using online resources, with an emphasis on Westlaw and the Internet.
A grade of “C” or better in ENG-121
Forms and procedures used in real and personal property transactions including the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act.
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PLS 121
A study of the rules governing courts and litigation procedures including client interviews, complaints, motions, discovery and appeals.
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PLS 121
A study of the substantive law of contracts, sales law and commercial paper. In applicable areas, the Uniform Commercial Code is covered as well as common law principles.
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PLS 121
An independent study writing course focusing on the preparation of legal memoranda as well as citation form. Emphasis is placed on clarity and precision in the use of language.
A study of the principles of tort law, their application in commonly faced situations in law practice and the role of the paralegal in the preparation of a tort claim or defense.
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PLS 121
Detailed study of the substantive law of agency and employment, security devices, bankruptcy, partnerships and corporations. (In applicable areas the Uniform Commercial code is covered as well as common law principles.)
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PLS 121 and PLS 123
A study of the substantive and procedural aspects of family law in such areas as divorce, adoption, support and separation agreements, including domestic relations court procedures.
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PLS 121
A study of the substance and procedure of estate administration with respect to wills, estates, trusts, probate, life insurance, federal and state taxes.
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PLS 121
A study of the elements of crime and the criminal procedure system including incidents before and after trial and an analysis of the impact of the Constitution on crimes and criminal procedure.
PLS 121
A cooperative work experience program whereby students are employed in law-related positions to gain some of the practical experience necessary for success as paralegals. The College, through on-the-job visits and individual progress review sessions, provides supervision of these departmentally approved positions. Students are required to establish learning objectives related to their positions to attain specific job competencies. Students attend a class on campus and work approximately 20 hours a week for a minimum of 180 hours during the semester. Individuals must be recommended by the chair or assistant chair of the department.
Physical/Health Education Elective
A study of the mathematics and terminology related to buying and selling, time value of money using simple and compound interest, basic statistics with charts and graphs and fundamentals of investing.
Passing score on the College placement test or successful completion of MAT-013
BUS-115 will satisfy the math requirement. Students considering transfer to a baccalaureate program should consult an academic advisor as to other math choices.
A passing score on the algebra portion of the College placement test or MAT-013
Students integrate their knowledge of theoretical concepts and practical application of legal research and substantive law through case analysis and the completion of the assigned project. Students review news and legal sources regarding the project. Students review news and legal sources regarding an issue pending before the Supreme Court, analyzing the issue and the positions of the parties and predicting the outcome of the case. Students also prepare resumes in proper business format.
A study of the substantive and procedural aspects of family law in such areas as divorce, adoption, support and separation agreements, including domestic relations court procedures.
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PLS 121
A study of the substance and procedure of estate administration with respect to wills, estates, trusts, probate, life insurance, federal and state taxes.
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PLS 121
A study of the elements of crime and the criminal procedure system including incidents before and after trial and an analysis of the impact of the Constitution on crimes and criminal procedure.
PLS 121
A cooperative work experience program whereby students are employed in law-related positions to gain some of the practical experience necessary for success as paralegals. The College, through on-the-job visits and individual progress review sessions, provides supervision of these departmentally approved positions. Students are required to establish learning objectives related to their positions to attain specific job competencies. Students attend a class on campus and work approximately 20 hours a week for a minimum of 180 hours during the semester. Individuals must be recommended by the chair or assistant chair of the department.
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM).
Choose one Science course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Math, Science and Technology (GE MST).
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