Paralegal Studies
Program Overview
The Paralegal Studies major is designed for those persons who wish to pursue a career as a paralegal/legal assistant. This baccalaureate program provides a unique academic curriculum, composed of legal and professional education built on a liberal arts foundation. It is the mission of this program to develop graduates who are competent to perform substantive legal work that requires knowledge of legal concepts, as well as skills for critical thinking, organization, legal research, legal writing, interviewing and investigation, technology, and oral communication.
Career Information
While some paralegals train on the job, employers increasingly prefer graduates of postsecondary paralegal education programs.
Paralegals are projected to grow faster than average, as law offices try to reduce costs by assigning them tasks formerly carried out by lawyers.
Paralegals are employed by law firms' corporate legal departments, and various government offices and they may specialize in many different areas of the law.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook 04-05
Required Courses
1. Paralegal Studies Courses
PLS 121 Legal Writing and Drafting
PLS 205 The American Legal System
PLS 221 Introduction to Legal Research
PLS 233 Litigation, Pleadings, and Arbitration
PLS 307 Family Law
PLS 315 Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning
PLS 330 Criminal Law
PLS 345 Real Property
PLS 354 Torts
PLS 412 Legal Research and Writing
PLS 425 Ethics and the Paralegal Profession
PLS 496 Senior Seminar in Paralegal Studies
2. Cognate Courses
BUS 331 Personnel Law
BUS 341 Business Law I
BUS 342 Business Law II
BUS 345 Business, Professional, and Consumer Negotiations
BUS 410 Regulatory Compliance
CMS 105 Fundamentals of Communication
CMS 334 Interviewing and Investigation
PHI 114 Informal Logic
3. Students must demonstrate competency or complete the following:
CSA 101Introduction to Word Processing
CSA 102Introduction to Spreadsheets
CSA 103Introduction to Database Software
About the Lincoln Campus
At Doane College, you will join an institution committed to academic excellence, community, innovation, and a unique learning environment. The Doane College Lincoln campus specializes in serving working adults. With flexible hours, students take classes in the evening, morning, or on the weekend. Instructors and staff encourage students to integrate their personal and professional experiences into the classroom.
Contact Us
If you are up for the challenge and would like to learn more about the Doane College Lincoln campus, contact us for more information.
Web: www.doane.edu
Phone: (402) 466-4774
E-mail: doanelincoln@doane.edu
Mail: 303 N. 52nd St., Lincoln, NE 68504