NSU 2014-2015 Undergraduate Catalog

264 Nova Southeastern University • Undergraduate Student Catalog • 2014–2015 FARQUHAR COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES Paralegal Studies Major The paralegal studies major is approved by the American Bar Association. A paralegal, as defined by the American Bar Association, is “a person qualified by education, training, or work experience, who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity, and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible.” The goal of the program is to prepare students for entry-level paralegal positions in the common areas of law practice. Paralegals are nonlawyers, and therefore, are prohibited from the unauthorized practice of law. This program trains paralegals and is not a program for training lawyers or legal administrators. Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Paralegal Studies are required to submit a paralegal portfolio at an exit interview with the program coordinator prior to degree conferral. Paralegal Studies Major Objectives The objectives of the B.S. in Paralegal Studies program are to: 1. Provide students with a broad-based education in both liberal arts and paralegal studies; 2. Provide paralegal courses that enable students to obtain substantive legal knowledge, develop analytical skills, and apply the knowledge they have learned to tasks routinely performed by paralegals; 3. Be responsive in course offerings to the needs of paralegals and attorneys; 4. Ensure that students are familiar with the ethical guidelines for paralegals; 5. Provide students with the opportunity to utilize software that is used in most offices dealing with law-related issues; 6. Familiarize students with the paralegal profession and the opportunities that are available to them upon completion of the program. Paralegal Studies Major Learning Outcomes A successful paralegal studies graduate is expected to: 1. Explain the basic theories, doctrines, concepts, and associated principles that comprise the knowledge base of law, with specific emphasis on torts, contracts, wills and trusts, civil procedure, litigation, family law, business organizations, real estate, and criminal law; 2. Use legal research and critical thinking skills to categorize, organize, prioritize, and evaluate complex legal issues; 3. Prepare documents (e.g., memos, case briefs, correspondence, and pleadings) that meet professional legal standards. Paralegal Studies Major Curriculum LEGS courses offered online require proctored exams at approved sites. General Education Requirements (30 credits) Students are required to complete 30 credit hours as part of theGeneral Education Program. For specific course requirements, refer to the General Education Program section in the Academic Resources and Procedures segment of this catalog. Paralegal Studies Major Requirements (54 credits) Core Courses (45 credits) LEGS 1150 Introduction to Law and the Legal Profession (3 credits) LEGS 2100 Legal Research and Writing I (3 credits) LEGS 2200 Computer Applications for the Legal Profession (3 credits)