LEA 1013 LEGAL SYSTEM AND ETHICS (3-3-0). The introductory course in the Legal Assistant Program. Students will examine the history, structure and effect of our legal system and the expanding role of paralegals within that system. The legal and ethical constraints that bind lawyers and paralegals will be studied as well as an introduction to legal analysis, interviewing, legal research, the structure of our court systems, and various substantive areas of the law. Skills: E Prerequisites: LEA 1003 or one year documented law office or law environment experience.
LEA 1023 CONTRACTS (3-3-0). An in-depth course on contractual relationships designed to prepare the student for a better understanding of the many areas of the law in which contracts play a vital part. This course will introduce the student to the case method of law study and to the processes involved in drafting binding contracts. Prerequisites: LEA 1013 must be taken either prior to, or concurrently with this course.
LEA 1033 CIVIL LITIGATION AND EVIDENCE I (3-3-0). A study of the structure of the Federal and Texas court systems, as well as jurisdiction, venue, parties, pleadings and pre-litigation fact gathering. Skills: E Prerequisites: LEA 1023.
LEA 1043 CIVIL LITIGATION AND EVIDENCE II (3-3-0). A study of the Texas and Federal Rules of Evidence as they apply to civil trials, as well as the practical aspects of assisting an attorney during the periods immediately before, during, and after jury and bench trials. Skills: E Prerequisites: LEA 1033.
LEA 1053 LEGAL RESEARCH (3-3-0). A study of the mechanics and craft of legal research. Familiarization with the organization and structure of the standard law library and the proper use of the various tools available to legal assistants when performing legal research. Application of legal research tools to practical legal questions. Skills: E Prerequisites: LEA 1023; ENG 1613.
LEA 1063 CRIMINAL LAW (3-3-0). A study of criminal responsibility and the elements of federal and state common law and statutory crimes and defenses. Impact of the U.S. and Texas Constitutions upon investigations and preliminary proceedings in criminal matters. Prerequisites: LEA 1013.
LEA 1073 ADMINISTRATIVE LAW AND PROCEDURE (3-3-0). A study of the origins of administrative law as well as the nature of administrative discretion, informal and formal administrative proceedings, and the rules governing those proceedings. Prerequisites: LEA 1013 (or at least one year of documented active practice as a legal assistant).
LEA 1083 LAW OFFICE OPERATIONS (3-3-0). A study of the technology, organization systems, and management theories and systems currently used, proposed, or applicable to the modern legal office. Skills: R Prerequisites: LEA 1013 (or at least one year of documented active practice as a legal assistant).
LEA 2013 LEGAL ASSISTANT INTERNSHIP I (3-1-20). Students will be employed at least 20 hours per week in a law office or legal office of a government agency. Concurrent enrollment in another Legal Assistant Course is required. The student's internship objectives will be established by the instructor and internship supervisor. Instruction on computer-aided legal research and various other aspects of research and drafting will be given. Skills: P Prerequisites: LEA 1053.
LEA 2023 PRINCIPLES OF FAMILY LAW (3-3-0). A study of marriage, annulment, divorce, adoption, legitimation, change of name, guardianship, and support. Students will become familiar with the documents and court proceedings required to accomplish the objectives of family law as well as the counseling skills required. Skills: E Prerequisites: LEA 1023.
LEA 2033 LAW OF REAL PROPERTY (3-3-0). A study of the law of real property and of the most common types of real estate transactions, as well as the documents necessary to accomplish those transactions, to include leases, contracts, deeds, deeds of trust, and mortgages. Students will become familiar with the system of recording and title searches. Skills: E Prerequisites: LEA 1023.
LEA 2043 WILLS TRUSTS AND PROBATE (3-3-0). A study of wills and trusts and the fundamental principals of law applicable to each. Review of the organization and jurisdiction of probate courts in Texas and analysis of procedures in the administration of estates as well as the impact of estate and inheritance taxes. Skills: E Prerequisites: LEA 1023.
LEA 2053 TRIAL PRACTICE (3-3-0). A study of the effects of prior adjudication, attacks on final judgments, pleadings, discovery, and the disposition of cases without trial. Skills: E Prerequisites: LEA 1043.
LEA 2063 CRIMINAL PROCEDURE AND EVIDENCE (3-3-0). A study of the Texas and Federal rules of procedure and evidence as they apply to criminal trials, as well as the practical aspects of assisting an attorney during the periods immediately before, during, and after jury and bench trials. Prerequisites: LEA 1063.
LEA 2073 TORTS (3-3-0). A study of the fundamental principals of the law of torts and personal injury. Examination of the techniques of fact gathering and investigation necessary to the successful handling of tort and personal injury claims. Skills: E Prerequisites: LEA 1023.
LEA 2083 LEGAL PHILOSOPHY (3-3-0). A study of the theories of law underlying the structure of our legal system as well as those systems found in other times and nations. Examination of moral and ethical issues as they apply to social justice considerations and other aspects of the modern legal practice. Prerequisites: LEA 1013 (or at least one year of documented active practice as a legal assistant).
LEA 2113 LEGAL ASSISTANT INTERNSHIP II (3-1-20). Students will be employed at least 20 hours per week in a law office or legal office of a government agency. Concurrent enrollment in another Legal Assistant Course is required. The student's internship objectives will be established by the instructor and internship supervisor. Additional instruction on computer-aided legal research and various other aspects of research, drafting and trial practice will be given. Skills: P Prerequisites: LEA 2013 and Instructor approval.
LEA 2123 LEGAL DRAFTING (3-3-0). An in-depth study of the techniques and tools used in drafting the various documents and pleadings required in a law practice. Skills: X Prerequisites: LEA 1053; LEA 2023; LEA 2033; LEA 2043; ENG 1613; TCM 1603.
LEA 2133 LEGAL RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS (3-3-0). An in-depth study of the application of legal research methods and analysis to legal issues and problems. Skills: X Prerequisites: LEA 1053; ENG 1613; TCM 1603.
LEA 2143 SECURED TRANSACTIONS & BANKRUPTCY (3-3-0). A study of personal property and secured transactions as they apply to personal property. Also, an examination of Federal bankruptcy law as applied to corporations and individuals and the practical aspects of working as a legal assistant in a bankruptcy practice. Skills: E Prerequisites: LEA 1013 (or at least one year of documented active practice as a legal assistant).
LEA 2153 NEGOTIATION, AND MEDIATION (3-3-0). A study of the techniques of fact gathering and application, with a view toward resolution of cases without trial. Examination of the methods of non-trial dispute resolution. Prerequisites: LEA 1013 (or at least one year of documented active practice as a legal assistant).
LEA 2163 CONSTITUTIONAL LAW (3-3-0). A study of the fundamental issues of law arising out of decisions construing the U.S. and Texas Constitutions. Emphasis on civil rights in both civil and criminal litigation and the impact upon the handling of clients' cases where constitutional issues are involved. Skills: E Prerequisites: LEA 1013 (or at least one year of documented active practice as a legal assistant).
LEA 2214 LEGAL ASSISTANT INTERNSHIP III (4-1-18). Students will be employed at least 20 hours per week in a law office or legal office of a government agency. Concurrent enrollment in another Legal Assistant Course is required. The student's internship objectives will be established by the instructor and internship supervisor. Additional instruction on various aspects of the law will be given. Skills: P Prerequisites: LEA 2113 and Instructor approval.
LEA 2223 CURRENT LEGAL ISSUES (3-3-0). Seminar course highlighting current issues of significant importance to legal assistants and law office or legal agency practice. Prerequisites: LEA 1043 (or at least two years of documented active practice as a legal assistant).