COS Business Division
Course Descriptions - Paralegal

PARA 101        Intro to Paralegalism                                  3 UNITS         

Hours:             3 Lecture/Discussion

This required survey course is the initial course in a program designed to train the student for employment as a paralegal. The student is given basic knowledge of the role of a paralegal in the community, career opportunities, legal ethics, legal analysis including case briefing, introduction to the law library and exposure to various substantive and procedural areas of the law. Advisory on Recommended Preparation: ENGL 251 or equivalent college course with “C” or better, or eligibility for ENGL 1 determined by COS Placement Procedures; and concurrent enrollment in Paralegal 102.

PARA 102        Legal Terminology                                     2 UNITS         

Hours:             2 Lecture/Discussion

This course, required for the paralegal major and other legal careers, provides an overview of general legal theories of the law and legal terminology. Advisory On Recommended Preparation: Concurrent enrollment in PARA 101.

PARA 103        Civil Procedures 1                                      4 UNITS         

Hours:             4 Lecture/Discussion

This course, required for the paralegal major, familiarizes the student with both California and Federal concepts of Civil Procedure. Students learn to analyze hypothetical fact patterns and complete legal documents necessary for a civil lawsuit using computerized Judicial Council forms and other legal software. Prerequisite may be waived with equivalent skills and knowledge as determined by departmental assessment. Advisory on Recommended Preparation: COMP 130 or COMP 5 or equivalent college course with a “C” or better.

Prerequisites: PARA 101 or equivalent college course with “C” or better (PARA 101 may be taken concurrently).

PARA 104        Civil Procedures 2                                      3 UNITS         

Hours:             3 Lecture/Discussion

This course expands upon the basic concepts learned in PARA 103 and is required for the paralegal major. Students draft complicated civil pleadings, discovery devices, writs and the legal documents necessary to enforce a money judgment.

Prerequisites: PARA 103 or equivalent college course with “C” or better.

PARA 105        Legal Research and Writing                        4 UNITS         

Hours:             4 Lecture/Discussion

This required course for the paralegal major covers the basic tools of researching both Federal and California law. Students analyze hypothetical cases, locate relevant legal authority, and evaluate arguments in support of specific positions. Students utilize both print and computerized sources to write legal memoranda and points and authorities. Prerequisite may be waived with equivalent skills and knowledge as determined by departmental assessment. Advisory on Recommended Preparation: ENGL 1 or equivalent college course with a “C” or better.

Prerequisites: PARA 101 or equivalent college course with “C” or better (PARA 101 may be taken concurrently).

PARA 110        Legal Ethics, Mgt & Interview                      3 UNITS         

Hours:             3 Lecture/Discussion

This course, required for the paralegal major and other law office career certificates, is designed to assist the student in making the transition from the classroom to the law office. The course covers ethical principles, job search skills, client interviewing and law office management skills.

PARA 151AD   Independent Study-Paralegal                      1 - 4 UNITS     

Hours:             3 TO 12 Lab

Independent Study requires a minimum of 54 hours of academic work per unit. Limitation on Enrollment: Completion of all beginning level courses offered at COS or equivalent college courses in the selected subject area. In addition, students must file an Independent Study form through the Admissions and Records Office. This course may be repeated three times.

PARA 206        Advances in Legal Research                       3 UNITS         

Hours:             3 Lecture/Discussion

This elective course in the paralegal major emphasizes advanced computerized legal research methods and the writing of complex legal documents. It is designed for both the paralegal student with advanced skills as well as the paralegal professional seeking continuing education. Prerequisite may be waived with equivalent skills and knowledge as determined by departmental assessment.

Prerequisites: PARA 105 or equivalent college course with “C” or better.

PARA 232        Wills, Trust and Elder Law                          2 UNITS         

Hours:             2 Lecture/Discussion

This is an elective course in the paralegal major designed to familiarize the student with the legal aspects of wills, trusts, conservatorships, and elderlaw. Included is the effect of death upon property ownership, community property and the drafting of forms associated with estate planning.

Advisory on Recommended Preparation: PARA 103 or equivalent college course with a “C” or better.

Prerequisites: PARA 101 or equivalent college course with “C” or better (PARA 101 may be taken concurrently).

PARA 233        Probate Procedures                                    2 UNITS         

Hours:             2 Lecture/Discussion

This is an elective course in the paralegal major designed to familiarize the student with the procedures for probating an estate and settling non-probate estates.  Advisory on Recommended Preparation: PARA 103 or equivalent college course with a “C” or better.

Prerequisites: PARA 101 or equivalent college course with “C” or better (PARA 101 may be taken concurrently).

PARA 236        Administrative Law                                     3 UNITS         

Hours:             3 Lecture/Discussion

This elective course in the paralegal major provides an overview of federal and state substantive and procedural administrative law. Students may elect to focus on immigration law, social security law, worker’s compensation law or other specific government agencies.

Advisory on Recommended Preparation: PARA 103 or equivalent college course with a “C” or better.

Prerequisites: PARA 101 or equivalent college course with “C” or better (PARA 101 may be taken concurrently).

PARA 237        Family Law                                                 3 UNITS         

Hours:             3 Lecture/Discussion

This is a required course in the paralegal major designed to familiarize the student with California law relating to adoption, annulment, dissolutions of marriage, paternity, and community property. Students will assemble a notebook of sample documents based on a hypothetical family law case.

Advisory on Recommended Preparation: PARA 103 or equivalent college course with a “C” or better.

Prerequisites: PARA 101 or equivalent college course with “C” or better (PARA 101 may be taken concurrently).

PARA 251AD   Independent Study-Paralegal                      1 - 4 UNITS     

Hours:             3 TO 12 Lab

Independent Study requires a minimum of 54 hours of academic work per unit. This course may be repeated three times.

Limitation on Enrollment: Completion of all beginning level courses offered at COS or equivalent college courses in the selected subject area. In addition, students must file an Independent Study form through the Admissions and Records Office.

PARA 299        Topics - Paralegal                                       .5 - 4 UNITS    

Hours:             8 TO 70 Lecture/Discussion

Special topic courses in Paralegal.

PARA 360        Applied Math/Legal Careers                        3 UNITS         

Hours:             3 Lecture/Discussion

Equivalent Course: AJ 360.

This is a non-degree applicable math course designed to improve students’ math skills in a legal career contextual setting. Students will improve their practical problem-solving skills covering topics covered by the COS Math Competency Test.