WORD PROCESSING--CORE
This course provides information and training on the use of microcomputer software for word processing. Students will use a word processing software package to produce a variety of documents from various application exercises.
PRESENTATION DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT
In this course students are introduced to presentation techniques and to the use of a specialized presentation graphics program. Students will be able to create, edit, present, and distribute a presentation.
ELECTRONIC SPREADSHEETS
This course is an introduction to electronic spreadsheet applications. Through the use of predesigned spreadsheets, students apply the basic functions and concepts of entering, editing, saving, retrieving, and printing. Additionally, students begin to design and structure their own spreadsheets.
INTRODUCTION TO DATABASE MANAGEMENT
In this course students learn the basic principles of filing using the ARMA-recommended unit-by-unit method and are introduced to a relational database management system. They learn to use database commands to build and modify tables and forms and to create reports.
BUSINESS ORGANIZATION
In this course the students are introduced to the basic functions of business, the legal forms of business ownership, and the internal organization and structure of business. Government regulation of business, labor-management relations, and business strategies are also discussed.
ELECTRONIC OFFICE SYSTEMS
This course is an overview of computer information systems. The students learn about computer hardware and software concepts, procedures, and systems. Applications in business and other segments of society are explored.
SUPERVISION
This course provides an introduction to the basic responsibilities of a supervisor including problem solving and decision making; planning, organizing, and controlling work; appraising employee performance; and training and developing employees.
INTRODUCTION TO LAW AND THE LEGAL SYSTEM
This course provides a detailed overview of the American legal system: its structures, its substance, and its terminology. The nature and function of the legal process as well as the roles of the paralegal and legal secretary are also examined. Additionally, discussion focuses on the ethics of the legal profession based largely on principles promulgated by the American Bar Association.
LEGAL RESEARCH AND LEGAL WRITING I
This course provides the students with a working knowledge of the major resource books available in a law library. Students are taught the practical approach to finding and interpreting administrative regulations and statutes and to researching and analyzing case law. This course lays the foundation for the intensive case analysis and research that are to follow in Legal Research and Legal Writing II.
LITIGATION
This course offers a basic understanding of civil litigation and the functions and operations of the state and federal court systems. Students learn the basic principles of pleading, discovery, motions, court orders, and judgments. Drafting of the necessary litigation documents is emphasized.
LEGAL COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
This course provides the students with the essential background and knowledge they need to understand computer technology and applications. The course examines how computers are utilized in law offices, as well as hardware and software. Special attention is given to time-management software and billing software.
ETHICS
This course provides the students with a clear understanding of the concepts and rules that govern the practice of legal ethics. Topics include the unauthorized practice of law, advocacy, the duty of confidentiality, conflicts of interest, advertising and solicitation, and competency. The four major ethical codes applicable to legal assistants are analyzed. A conscious quest for professionalism is emphasized.
CLIENT INTERVIEW AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS
The focus of this course is on learning techniques that can be used to become an effective interviewer and communicator when dealing with clients. Students have the opportunity to practice the techniques and receive and give constructive feedback.
ESSENTIALS OF ACCOUNTING
This course presents an introduction to the fundamental principles of accounting including the theory of debit and credit, the accounting cycle, and the end-of-year procedures. Also discussed are such specific topics as payroll procedures and bank statement reconciliations. A review of fundamental math principles is included as well.
LEGAL TRANSCRIPTION
Through the use of specially prepared text and tape materials, students are exposed to the technicalities of legal terminology, collocations, Latin and French phrases, legal correspondence, and formatting and preparing court and noncourt documents. Heavy emphasis is placed on machine transcription.
LEGAL OFFICE PROCEDURES
This course prepares the students to handle legal secretarial procedures, to exercise judgment, to take independent action when necessary, and to cope with interruptions. Students transcribe from rough drafts; type legal documents, forms, and case reports; keep court and office calendars up to date; handle telephone situations; prepare clients’ ledger cards for fees and expenses; write checks for filing and recording fees; and file and record legal documents.
BUSINESS LAW
In this course, students develop an understanding of contracts, negotiable instruments, wills, trusts, insurance, real and personal property, bailments, and court procedures as they apply to business.
KEYBOARDING I
In this course, students learn the proper use of the keyboard, including the alphabetic keys, figures and symbols, and special marks of punctuation. Techniques and procedures for acquiring stroking accuracy and speed, as well as error identification, are emphasized. A brief introduction of the current operating system will be included.
KEYBOARDING II
This course is designed to improve the students’ keyboarding speed and accuracy through the use of various methods and drills. Errors are analyzed and individual prescriptive methods are assigned. A production unit on basic business correspondence and one-page reports is included.
DOCUMENT FORMATTING
This course continues development of document production skills as well as keyboarding speed and accuracy. The students produce business correspondence, tables, and reports.
DOCUMENT PRODUCTION
This course is designed to develop expertise in producing a variety of business documents utilizing word processing software. Students begin to use decision-making techniques to produce acceptable business communications. Greater emphasis is placed on keyboarding speed and accuracy.
ADVANCED DOCUMENT PRODUCTION
Emphasis in this course is placed on using word processing software to create documents containing statistical copy, such as complex tables, specialized correspondence, and financial reports. This course continues to build the students’ keyboarding speed and accuracy and formatting skills.
