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Program Overview


legal studies

Legal Studies


Business and Social Sciences Division, Room T302, (847) 543-2047

https://www.clcillinois.edu/programs/bssdv/legal-studies
Degree: Associate in Applied Science
Plan 22PA

The Legal Studies program prepares students to perform substantive and procedural legal work under the supervision of an attorney. Paralegals work in many different areas of law within the public and private sectors, and assist attorneys in the delivery of efficient and cost-effective legal services. The purpose of the program is to prepare students for successful, productive employment and contributions to the legal and business fields. The program provides the foundation for students to think critically and ethically in performing specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law. This program is approved by the American Bar Association. ABA guidelines limit the use of asynchronous online courses for paralegal education, Thus, no Legal Studies degree or certificate will be issued unless at least 9 credit hours of Legal Studies coursework has been completed in a synchronous format.

Accelerated Option: Students who completed ENG 121 or the equivalent OR with department chair consent can enroll in LGL 110 and LGL 112 concurrently.

Legal Studies Program Policy on Auditing LGL Courses: Auditing LGL courses is not permitted.

Students should seek the advice of the department chair for course scheduling and to identify coursework that will meet career goals and degree requirements.

NOTE: Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law. This program is approved by the American Bar Association ("ABA"). ABA guidelines limit the use of asynchronous online courses for paralegal education.


Recommended Plan of Study

First Semester

14 Credits

CoURSE

Title

Hours

course ^

College Success Seminar

2

course

Introduction to Legal Studies

3

course

English Composition I

3

course

Logic or

course

Critical Thinking

3

course

General Education Statistics or

other MTH 114 higher MTH Elective

3

Second Semester

12 Credits

CoURSE

Title

Hours

course

Legal Research and Writing I

3

course +

Tort Law

3

course

American National Politics

3

Legal Studies Elective (see below)

3

Third Semester

13 Credits

CoURSE

Title

Hours

course

Litigation

3

course

Law Office Technology and E-Discovery

4

course +

Real Property Law

3

course

Introduction to Psychology or

course

Introduction to Sociology

3

Fourth Semester

12 Credits

CoURSE

Title

Hours

course

Interviewing Practices or

course

Introduction to Speech

3

course

Contract Law

3

course

Drafting Legal Documents

3

Legal Studies Elective (see below)

3

Fifth Semester

12 Credits

CoURSE

Title

Hours

course ++

Legal Studies Capstone ++                               

3

course *

Legal Studies Assessment

3

Legal Studies Elective (see below)

6

Total Hours for A.A.S. Degree

63

Legal Studies Elective Options

cOURSE

tITLE

HOURS

course

Introduction to Criminal Justice

3

course

Administrative Agency Law

3

course

Immigration Law

3

course

Bankruptcy Law

3

course

Business Law I

3

course

Business Law II/Corporate and Securities Law

3

course

Law & Society: Marquee Moments of the United States Supreme Court

3

course

Family Law

3

course

Probate

3

course

Criminal Litigation

3

course

International Human Rights Law and Justice

3

course ++

Internship in Legal Studies

3

course

Topics in Legal Studies

1-6

CLC 120 is an institutional requirement for graduation.

* LGL 270 must be reserved for the final semester prior to graduation and must not be taken prior to the final semester.

+ LGL 116, LGL 118, LGL 210 may be taken in any order.

++ LGL250 and LGL251 should be reserved for the final semester prior to graduation.

For more information on recommended courses or program specific advising, contact following faculty members Lorri Scott or the Business and Social Sciences Division at (847) 543-2047.