This course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of the role of the paralegal in private law firms, corporations, government offices, and nonprofit organizations.  Topics include billing, the Fair Labor Standards Act exemptions, regulation of the profession, and voluntary testing.  The student has an opportunity to meet practicing paralegals who represent a wide spectrum of the local legal community.

The student will also study the American Bar Association (ABA) code of ethics, the California Rules of Professional Conduct, the National Association of Legal Assistants guidelines, and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations guidelines.  Emphasis is placed on defining the unauthorized practice of law, confidentiality, conflicts of interest, fee arrangements, and professional responsibilities of the legal profession in general, particularly as they relate to paralegals.

This course is designed to help the student learn legal analysis and writing skills. Clarity, logical organization, precision, and conciseness are developed through lectures, class participation, practice materials, and writing assignments. The student learns how to read and analyze legal cases and materials. The process of legal writing, including planning, organization, and structure, is covered. The student composes interoffice memorandum and other applicable legal documents.

This course is designed to offer an in-depth view of the civil litigation process from both the California and federal viewpoints.  The class focuses on the role of the paralegal in civil litigation, the observance of the civil procedure process, the evidentiary requirements, and the practical application for paralegal participation in the case process through post-trial procedures.