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Paralegal Technology

Curriculum Description

The Paralegal Technology curriculum prepares individuals to work under the supervision of attorneys by performing routine legal tasks and assisting with substantive legal work. A paralegal/legal assistant may not practice law, give legal advice or represent clients in a court of law.

Course work includes substantive and procedural legal knowledge in the areas of civil litigation, legal research and writing, real estate, family law, wills, estates, trusts and commercial law. Required courses also include subjects such as English, mathematics, and computer utilization.

Graduates are trained to assist attorneys in probate work, investigations, public records searches, drafting and filing legal documents, research, and office management. Employment opportunities are available in private law firms, governmental agencies, banks, insurance agencies and other business organizations.

The following represents one way in which the program of study can be completed. Students who aren’t able to follow the recommended curriculum model below should consult their academic advisor to be sure that they take courses in the best order for their success.

Associate in Applied Science

A25380 REVISED
NC CIP: 22.0302
Evening
POS Approved: Fall 2017

Fall Semester

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
LEX 110 Intro to Paralegal Study 2 0 0 2
LEX 130 Civil Injuries 3 0 0 3
Select one:
Introduction to Computers (2) (2) (0) (3)
  OR        
Basic PC Literacy 1 2 0 2
  Total: 6 2 0 7

Spring Semester

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
LEX 240 Family Law 3 0 0 3
LEX 280 Ethics & Professionalism 2 0 0 2
OST 130 Comprehensive Keyboarding 2 2 0 3
  Total: 7 2 0 8

Summer Term

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
ENG 111 Writing and Inquiry 3 0 0 3
Select one:
Mathematical Measurement and Literacy 2 2 0 3
  OR        
Quantitative Literacy (2) (2) (0) (3)
  Total: 5 2 0 6

Fall Semester

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
ENG 114 Prof Research & Reporting 3 0 0 3
LEX 140 Civil Litigation I 3 0 0 3
LEX 250 Wills, Estates, & Trusts 2 2 0 3
OST 134 Text Entry & Formatting 2 2 0 3
  Total: 10 4 0 12

Spring Semester

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
LEX 141 Civil Litigation II 2 2 0 3
LEX 150 Commercial Law I 2 2 0 3
LEX 210 Real Property I 3 0 0 3
  Total: 7 4 0 9

Summer Term

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
ACC 120 Prin of Financial Accounting 3 2 0 4
Select one:
Interpersonal Psychology 3 0 0 3
  OR        
General Psychology (3) (0) (0) (3)
  Total: 6 2 0 7

Fall Semester

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
LEX 120 Legal Research/Writing I 2 2 0 3
___ ___ Humanities/Fine Arts Elective ** ** 0 3
Select a minimum of 3 credit hours:
Real Property II 1 4 0 3
  OR        
Work-Based Learning I (0) (0) (10) (1)
  OR        
Work-Based Learning II (0) (0) (10) (1)
  Total: 3 6 0 9

Spring Semester

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
LEX 121 Legal Research/Writing II 2 2 0 3
___ ___ Paralegal Elective 1 ** ** ** 3
  Total: 2 2 0 6

Total Credit Hours: 64

Additional Information

A student must receive a grade of C or higher in any LEX course in order to receive credit for that course towards an Associate In Applied Science degree in Paralegal Technology or a diploma in Paralegal Technology.

The North Carolina State Bar Board of Paralegal Certification has designated the Forsyth Technical Community College Paralegal degree and diploma programs as NC Qualified Paralegal Studies Programs. This designation qualifies all graduates of the degree and diploma programs to take the NCCP exam, provided they have taken at least 10 semester credit hours of legal education, or the equivalent, of classroom instruction (live, real-time, simultaneous broadcast via satellite or webinar).

Humanities/Fine Arts Elective – Select one: ART 111, ENG 131, ENG 231, ENG 241, ENG 273, HUM 110, HUM 121, HUM 220, PHI 240, or REL 110.
Consult an academic advisor concerning other possible electives.

Keyboarding recommended at admission.

Paralegal Elective 1 – Select 3 credit hours: LEX 151, LEX 160, LEX 214, LEX 260

**Hours will vary depending on course selection.

A25380 REVISED