Course Descriptions
Classes will be taught by experienced attorneys, judges, practicing paralegals and other professionals currently working for law firms, corporations and government agencies.
Fundamentals of Writing (Course 091)
A paralegal who expresses himself/herself clearly and properly has a powerful advantage over one who does not. This course presents a straightforward approach to clear written communication, i.e., letters, memos and reports. By learning to apply basic principles of communication any paralegal student will greatly improve his/her communication skills, and without a doubt enhance his/her prospects for a rewarding career.
Public Speaking (Language Arts with Speech and Elocution) (Course 120)
A course that focuses on the skills needed to link oral communication with the ability to work effectively in the current law environment. The course is designed to focus on the understanding that content and effective presentation of material is equally important in the understanding of communication. Active participation through oral presentations on current law topics is required.
Business Ethics and Leadership (Course 311)
This course introduces contemporary and ethical dilemmas facing business persons for the purpose of developing analytical skills and discernment in ethical decision making and policy formation. The course utilizes the case method to highlight the relationship between specific normative decisions and broader philosophical/theological issues relating to moral theory.
Office Technology
This hands on course of study is designed to provide students with the working knowledge of the use of technology in the law office. Students will be able to prepare letters, briefs, reports, and other legal documents with MS Word, calculate fees and manage expense accounts with MS Excel, create and maintain client information in a database with MS Access, prepare visual presentations with MS PowerPoint. In addition, they will be able to use dictation devices to record and retrieve information.
Introduction to Paralegal Studies
An introduction to the field of legal assistance with specific emphasis on the various tasks performed by the paralegal in different work settings, as they apply to the ethical obligations of the paralegal profession.
Legal Terminology
An introduction to English and Latin terms used in all phases of law. Topics covered include real estate, bankruptcy, labor, domestic relations, criminal law, torts, contracts, personal property, agency, and legal procedures.
Law Office Management
An introduction to the day-to-day operations and management of a law office. This course included equipment purchases, leasing, and sharing of office space, payroll, and general duties to assist the attorney with the smooth operation of an office.
Bankruptcy Law
This course acquaints the student with the three most common forms of bankruptcy: Chapters 7, 11, and 13. The student learns the law of bankruptcy and develops practical experience becoming familiar with documents commonly used in bankruptcy practice. Students learn about the valuable role of paralegal professionals in a successful bankruptcy practice.
Criminal Law
The basic concepts of criminal law are presented with some thought-provoking examples from the annals of the criminal justice system. Crimes against the person, crimes against property, legal defenses (such as the insanity defense), as well as the theory and history of criminal justice are presented together with a practical skills exploration of the criminal justice process.
Ethics and Professional Responsibility
Paralegals, like attorneys, must be knowledgeable of the rules of ethics. This course covers the basic principles governing the ethical practice of law for both lawyers and paralegals. Subjects explored include the unauthorized practice of law, conflicts of interest, confidentiality, paralegal-client relations, disciplinary procedures, fee splitting, billing, advertising, and misconduct in the law office.
Real Estate Law
This course explores the theory and history of real estate transactions. Students gain a working knowledge of contracts, deeds, mortgages and title reports. The student has the opportunity to handle a theoretical real estate transaction from beginning to end. Many paralegal professionals are gainfully employed in real estate offices where they supervise closings and financings.
Civil Litigation
The student gains a thorough understanding of the major aspects of civil litigation, managing a case from beginning to end, from client interview, through the drafting of a summons and complaint, motions, briefs, and trial preparation. The instructor takes the role of judge. Students also learn about the history and structure of the major court systems.
Contract Law
Learn the elements of a valid contract and the rights and obligations of parties and defenses to formations of a contract. Emphasizing interviewing clients, research, and working with cases and codes.
Dispute Conflict Resolution
Gain knowledge of basic mediation tools to manage and resolve conflict. Students will evaluate disputes and disputants to determine the most appropriate method for resolving a matter. Specific topics addressed include negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and settlement strategies.
Critical Thinking
Study the disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication.
Public Speaking
Focus on the skills needed to link oral communication with the ability to work effectively in the current law environment. The course is designed to focus on the understanding that content and effective presentation of material is equally important in the understanding of communication. Active participation through oral presentations on current law topics is required.
Employment Law
An overview of employment law with participation in discussions on the latest developments in the area of: Sexual harassment, Pregnancy disability and family leave, Wrongful termination, Antidiscrimination law, employee benefits, and labor union/management relations.
Tort and Personal Injury Law
One of the most important fields of paralegal employment, the law of torts and negligence, is examined in detail. The student is educated to understand the basic theory of tort law, and the process by which negligence cases are developed in preparation for settlement or trial. Subjects covered include evaluating liability, injuries and damages.
Corporate Law
This course provides the student with a basic understanding of business organizations. Corporations, partnerships, sole proprietorships, as well as LLP’s and LLC’s, are compared and contrasted. Students form a theoretical corporation, and prepare a number of documents including Articles of Incorporation, Partnership Agreement, By-laws, Minutes, and Shareholder's Agreements.
Family Law
With more than 50 percent of all marriages ending in divorce, the field of family law provides vast employment opportunities for the paralegal professional. This course acquaints the student with the basic areas of a family law practice: marriage, divorce, property rights, custody of children, separation agreements, and maintenance.
Wills and Estates
This course provides a theoretical and practical understanding of the laws of inheritance and estate planning. Students prepare a will and trust, and learn the procedure for probate. Estate planning, the role of the probate courts, and basic inheritance issues are explored and discussed.
Lexis Nexis/Westlaw
The course is designed to provide students with the basic skills necessary to perform simple searches using the Lexis-Nexis/Wes
For more information, please contact:
Wanda Bailey-Green, Director
Center for Community Education
Campolo College, Eastern University | Philadelphia
3300 Henry Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19129
Phone 215-769-3127
Fax 215-848-2651
Email wbaileyg@eastern.edu
Contact Us
Campolo College of Graduate and Professional Studies
Eastern University | Philadelphia
3300 Henry Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19129
P: 215-769-3100
F: 215-848-2651
E: change@eastern.edu
