![[Washburn University, 1700 College, Topeka, Kansas, USA 785.231.1010]](wucrest-darktext-lightback.gif) |
School of Applied Studies Legal
Studies Approved by the American Bar Association |
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For additional information call Kay Rute, Program Director |
| Description |
Requirements |
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What is a paralegal?
The paralegal is a person who is qualified through formal education, training or experience to perform substantive legal work and assist in the delivery of legal services. With the steadily increasing challenges of the legal profession, lawyers are finding that hiring paralegals to help them handle the workload is more and more essential to their practices.
Paralegals are not permitted to practice law. They may perform substantive legal work only under the supervision of a licensed attorney.
The Skills
The paralegal is capable of doing legal work under the supervision of an attorney. Legal research and writing, examining real estate titles, assisting attorneys with loan closings, interviewing clients, assisting with investigations, taking depositions, and drafting pleadings and simple wills are a few of the many skills learned in this program. Students are taught to utilize computers in completing a variety of tasks. They are given hands-on training in word processing, spreadsheets and database applications. In addition, they utilize Summation and Sanction, as well as Lexis and internet resources.
The Career
The paralegal profession is projected to grow faster than the average of all occupations through 2012 (U.S. Dept. of Labor).. Strong written and oral communication skills, combined with the additional expertise developed through the Legal Studies Program, will prepare students for a career with a private law firm, public interest law firm, real estate or insurance agency, bank, mortgage company, corporation, or a variety of government agencies.
The Legal Studies Program is approvedl by the American Bar Association and holds Institutional membership in the American Association for Paralegal Education. The program combines course work in law, computer technology, communications, and general education to create a balanced curriculum relevant to modern law office needs. Students in this program benefit from instruction by licensed Kansas attorneys who have expertise in specialized legal areas. The program is open to full-time and part-time students. Pre-law students, or those just wishing to enhance their knowledge of the law, are welcomed. Graduates of the program receive a Bachelors in Legal Studies (BLS) an Associate of Arts (AA) degree.
Program Objectives
The Legal Studies Program exists to provide training and education to persons wishing to enter the paralegal field. Accordingly, the program objectives encompass the development of critical-thinking skills, organizational skills, general communication skills, and interpersonal skills. Law-specific objectives include legal research and writing skills; computer skills; and, interviewing and investigation skills, as well as knowledge of the following: the organization and operation of both the legal system and law offices; the paralegal profession and ethical obligations; contracts; torts; and, litigation procedures.
Articulation from KATS
Washburn University and the Kaw Area Technical School (KATS) have entered into an articulation agreement leading to an Associate of Arts degree in the Legal Studies Program. Students who have completed 1080 hours of course work in the Legal Office Professional Program at KATS will receive 25 hours of college credit toward the AA degree. At Washburn, they must complete an additional 44 hours of general education/university courses and legal studies program courses to receive an Associate of Arts degree.
For KATS credit transfer criteria, see "Joint Programs with KATS" in the university catalog.
The Legal Studies program offers a 36 credit hour certificate option. Candidates for the Certificate must have completed an associate degree or higher at an accredited institution in order to be considered. Those seeking admission into the Certificate program must see an advisor in the Legal Studies Program.
| Required Major Courses (24 credit hours) EN 208 Business & Technical Writing Legal Studies Specialty Courses |
The program offers a minor in Legal Studies. The minor includes a minimum of eighteen hours of course work in Legal Studies, consisting of six hours of lower division and twelve hours of upper division course work.
Minor Required courses: LG 200 Intro to Law LG 300 Legal Writing
*Online course excluded.. |
| Required Major Courses (18 hours) LG 100 Intro to
Paralegalism Choose 15 Credits From the Following: LG 205 Corporate Law Required Correlate Courses (9 hours) EN 208 Business and Technical Writing University Requirements EN 101 Freshman Composition General Education Humanities(6)* *Certain restrictions on Specific course descriptions |
Bachelor of Legal Studies Degree
| Required Major Courses (31 hours) LG 100 Intro to
Paralegalism Choose 18 Credits From the Following: LG 205 Corporate Law Choose 15 Credits From the Following Groups: Computer Skills Business/Professional Skills Analytical/Reasoning Skills Unrestricted Electives (13 credit hours) University Requirements EN 101 Freshman Composition General Education *Certain restrictions on Humanities General Education courses. See an advisor. Specific course descriptions, including pre-requisites, can be found in the University catalog. |
LG 100 Introduction to Paralegalism (3)
Introduction to the substantive skills required of a paralegal. Focus is on
the skills of persons who will function under the supervision of an attorney.
Course topics include interviewing, investigation, research, legal writing,
preparing for litigation, law office management systems, and legal ethics and
unauthorized practice of law. Prerequisite: None.
LG 150 Computers in the Law Office (3)
Overview of computer technology applicable to law office management, document
production, scheduling, research, litigation support and communication with
other systems. Includes practice on computer terminals. Prerequisite: None.
LG 200 Introduction to Law (3)
Introduction to legal terminology and legal principles. Study of course topics
will include constitutional principles, judicial decision-making, and the state
and federal legal systems, as well as a survey of the law of torts, contracts,
criminal law, property, and procedural law. Prerequisite: None.
LG 205 Corporate Law (3)
A study of business organizations and the tasks a paralegal would be required
to perform in setting up and maintaining those organizations. Topics covered
include: law of agency, partnership, limited partnership and corporations. Prerequisite:
LG 100 LG 200, or consent.
LG 210 Family Law (3)
Family law issues are the focus of this course, including the law of divorce,
annulment and separate maintenance actions. The gathering of information and
preparation of pleadings are undertaken. Adoption and custody procedures are
reviewed. Prerequisite: LG 100, LG 200, or consent.
LG 215 Property Law (3)
Procedural and substantive principles of real and personal property laws. Preparation
of documents for common real estate transactions, including deeds, contracts,
and mortgages. Personal property topics will include bailments, possession,
accession and gifts. Prerequisite: LG 100, LG 200, or consent.
LG 220 Wills & Estate Administration (3)
Involves probating a will or administering an estate; assembling information
necessary for collection and evaluating assets; maintaining proper records for
accounting purposes; preparing pleadings for initial petition and appointment
of an administrator and executor; sale, mortgage, and lease of assets; and preparing
estate tax returns, wills and trusts. Intestate succession and tax implications
are studied. Prerequisite: LG 100, LG 200, or consent.
LG 250 Legal Research I (3)
Introduction to primary and secondary authorities, including court decisions,
legislation, annotations, digests, legal periodicals and specialty texts and
reports. Practical research projects, including legal writing. Prerequisite:
LG 200 or consent.
LG 300 Legal Writing (3)
The various forms of legal writing are the focus of this course, including letters,
memoranda, motions, and briefs. Students will learn further research techniques,
including an introduction to computerized legal research. Practical writing
projects are included. Prerequisite: LG 250 or consent.
LG 305 Litigation I (3)
Analysis of the steps and procedures in preparing for litigation. Course topics
include a detailed study of the preparation and use of discovery devices, the
drafting of pleadings and motions, and a detailed analysis of the steps involved
in trial preparation and procedure. Prerequisite: LG 100, 200, or consent.
LG 310 Interviewing & Investigation (3)
Study of basic interviewing techniques in various legal settings. Mock interviews
of clients and witnesses. Various styles of interviewing covered, as well as
question-asking and listening techniques. Factual and legal investigation theories,
plans and techniques will be used. Ethical concerns related to interviewing
witnesses and clients covered. Rules of evidence will be reviewed. Prerequisites:
LG 100, 200, or consent.
LG 315 Legal Research II (3)
This course is designed to teach students further research techniques, including
the research of legislative history and administrative law, both through library
research and computer-assisted legal research. Prerequisites: LG 250 or
consent.
LG 320 Elder Law (3)
Introduction to laws that affect the elderly population. Study of course topics
will include estate planning, guardianship and conservatorship, patients' rights,
entitlement programs, managed care, social security, Medicare, Medicaid, and
elder abuse.
Prerequisite: LG 100, 200, or consent.
LG 325 Personal Injury Law (3)
Introduction to basic concepts in tort law, including elements of various tort
claims, defenses, privileges and immunities. Prerequisites: LG 100, 200,
or consent.
LG 330 Administrative Law for Paralegals (3)
An introduction to administrative law concepts. Topics covered in the course
will include, but not be limited to: delegation of authority to administrative
agencies; limitations on agencies' authority; due process of law in the administrative
arena; informal versus formal agency actions; rule-making; FOIA; the Privacy
Act; open meetings; adjudicative functions of agencies; Administrative Procedures
Act; and judicial review. Practical application of the concepts studied will
occur through the completion of exercises and drafting assignments. Prerequisites:
LG 100, 200, or consent.
LG 345 Criminal Law (3)
Introduction to substantive criminal law and criminal procedure for the paralegal.
Topics covered include elements of crimes against persons and property; burden
of proof; defenses and constitutional protection; comparison of Kansas law with
common law, federal law, and selected other states. Prerequisite: LG 100,
200, or consent.
LG 350 Professional Ethics (3)
An overview of the Kansas Rules of Professional Conduct, which govern the practice
of law in Kansas. Subjects covered include: ethics in the law office, unauthorized
practice of law, advertising of legal services, contact with parties who are
represented by counsel, impaired, lawyers, competency, professionalism, and
fees for paralegal work. Complaints, disciplinary proceedings, and possible
sanctions will be covered. The role of the Kansas Supreme Court and the duties
of attorneys under the rules will be studied.
LG 355 Introduction to Contracts (3)
Overview of contract law in relation to the formation of contracts, the Statute
of Frauds, third-party beneficiary contracts, assignment of rights and delegation
of duties, liability for breach of contract, termination, discharge and other
related issues. Prerequisite: LG 100, 200, or consent.
LG 390 Special Topics in Legal Studies (1-3)
Selected topics which vary from semester to semester. Announced in advance.
Prerequisite: Specified on each topic.
LG 405 Litigation II (3)
Analysis of the steps involved in criminal procedure. Constitutional principles
and limitations will be studied. Appropriate pleadings will be drafted relating
to the various stages of a criminal trial. Advanced civil litigation topics
will also be studied, such as class actions, complex litigation, and various
settlement devices, including alternative dispute resolution modalities. Students
will research and complete a comparative study of the criminal and civil litigation
systems. Prerequisite: LG 305 Litigation I.
LG 410 Bankruptcy and Collections (3)
Acquaints students with the legal foundations for methods commonly used to collect
delinquent accounts, as well as the terminology of bankruptcy practice, and
the statutory framework of and proceedings under, the Bankruptcy Act. Prerequisite:
LG 100, 200, and 250 or consent.
LG 450 Legal Assistant Internship (2-3)
Special placement of a student in a law firm, agency, or other legal setting
using paralegals. Specific learning objectives established for each placement.
May be taken on a credit/no credit basis only. Prerequisite: Students must apply
with the program director and be given consent to enroll. Prerequisite:
Consent.
LG 495 Legal Studies BLG Capstone (4)
Students who have completed all of their major course work (or who are concurrently
enrolled in their final semester and completing their major course work) may
enroll in the capstone course with the consent of the program director. Students
will complete a self-assessment, using the core competencies for the profession
to determine if remedial work needs to be done in any area before graduation.
In addition, students will participate in resume-writing, job interviewing skills
and networking. Mock interviews will be scheduled for each student. Each student
will complete a research project.
Students will attend two different paralegal organization meetings and two court
sessions. Report writing will be included. Ethics will be emphasized by the
use of hypothetical situations which will be analyzed and discussed. Students
must participate in at least one pro bono activity (i.e., serve as a witness
or juror in mock trial or client counseling competitions at the law school or
high schools; assist at the Washburn University Law Clinic; assist a not-for-profit
organization in the provision of legal services and assistance to low-income
individuals and/or children; or, any other approved volunteer effort). Prerequisite:
Consent.
The Student Organization
The Washburn Paralegal Association (WPA) is a student organization for legal studies majors. It was formed in order to promote and maintain high standards in the paralegal profession, to offer and encourage continuing education for paralegals, to provide a forum for meeting and exchanging ideas, and to assist legal studies students in realizing their career and educational goals.
This organization offers students in the program opportunities to network with other students and to gain leadership skills.
Washburn University
Dedicated to excellence in teaching, Washburn University today is recognized as an outstanding public, urban learning environment. The emphasis on quality instruction has continued since Washburn's founding as a small church college in 1865.
Our educational objectives are to prepare individuals for careers and further study in a variety of disciplines, and for a lifetime of continuous learning. Our undergraduate open admissions policy allows Washburn to offer higher education to a diverse metropolitan population, but also requires the university to make special effort to help individuals attain their full academic potential.
With our reputation as a "teaching" university rather than a "research" institution, all of our faculty members are involved in the classroom. More than 80 percent of them hold doctoral degrees or the highest degree available in their discipline.
Because of our emphasis on individual instruction, our student-faculty ratio is 18:1 with a current enrollment of more than 6,000 students.
Academic Advising Center
A professional staff assists students with program planning, class scheduling, and other academic concerns, and provides information about other university services. The staff also works with prospective students, providing general information about classes, programs, requirements and services.
Job Placement
The Career Services Center assists Washburn graduates in locating employment by coordinating interview schedules, counseling students concerning career goals, notifying prospective graduates of job opportunities, and providing resources to help them in their employment search.
Counseling and Testing Service
Counseling services are provided to assist students in personal growth and development, in confronting and resolving problems, and in formulating educational and career directions.
Financial Aid
Washburn University provides financial assistance through scholarships, grant-in-aid, student loans, and work opportunities. Detailed information is available in a publication titled "Student Financial Aid Information" which can be obtained from the Financial Aid office or on Washburn's web page: www.washburn.edu/financial-aid.
Admission to the University
Students applying for admission must complete a Washburn University application form. Each applicant must send a copy of high school transcripts or proof of successful completion of the GED. Those who have attended other colleges or universities should request that official transcripts be sent directly to the Admissions Office.
Statement of Non-Discrimination
It is the policy of Washburn University to assure equal educational and employment opportunity to qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, sex, marital or parental status, or sexual orientation.
School of Applied Studies
Benton Hall
Washburn University
Topeka, Kansas 66621
785-670-2281
(Kansas only) 1-800-332-0291, Ext. 2281
