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Paralegal Studies Certificate Program Courses

PLS125 Introduction to Law

An overview of the legal system, basic legal terminology, and the paralegal profession. (30 hours)

PLS130 Litigation and Trial Preparation

Students develop skills in file management, and trial preparation. Analysis of New York’s CPLR. (52 hours)

PLS135 Legal Research & Writing

Students become familiar with manual research systems used by attorneys and paralegals. In addition, students work on practical writing assignments. (45 hours)

PLS145 Probate, Trusts & Estates

Students learn the fundamentals of will and trust law as well as how to administer an estate. Drafting exercises familiarize the student with appropriate probate forms. (30 hours)

PLS150 Business Organizations

Course covers procedures involved with business entities such as sole proprietorships, general partnerships, limited partnerships, and corporations. (12 hours)

PLS155 Real Estate

Students will become acquainted with substantive real property concepts and practical skills, enabling them to act as legal assistants in the area of real estate law. (30 hours)

PLS160 Contracts

This course covers the law of contacts. Course examines issues related to contract formation, remedies, and damages. Students are familiarized with contract language and issues that arise in contract drafting. (12 hours)

PLS165 Criminal Law

Students are exposed to the New York State penal code and related statutes as well as various motions and court procedures encountered in a criminal practice. (12 hours)

PLS170 Matrimonial Law

Matrimonial causes of action are discussed as well as equitable distribution, child custody and child support. (12 hours)

PLS185 Ethics

This component is designed to help the student understand the standards for conduct for lawyers and their legal assistants, and recognizes potential ethical problems that may arise for paralegals. (12 hours)

PLS200 Computer Aided Legal Research

This course will acquaint students with the fundamental concepts of locating and accessing legal information using computer technology. During this course, students will utilize Westlaw and Lexis Nexis. In addition, students will learn how to conduct legal research via various online search engines and internet resources. (45 hours)

PLS205 Bankruptcy Law

This course will review both law and the procedure as it relates to bankruptcy and will provide students with the basics in bankruptcy matters from the point of view of creditors, debtors, and trustees. The course explains how bankruptcy cases are commenced, converted, dismissed, and closed. (24 hours)

PLS210 Intellectual Property

This course is a survey of the four primary areas of intellectual property — patents, trademarks, copyright, and trade secrets. This course will focus on the paralegal’s role in securing and enforcing these rights. The content of this course is appropriate as a general overview for non-specialists and a foundation course for those who intend to specialize in intellectual property. (12 hours)