A legal assistant or paralegal is a person, qualified by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible. Legal assistants I paralegals are prohibited from the practice of law except when allowed by law or court rules.
The Paralegal Studies program is a practice-oriented course of study designed to prepare students as paralegals to undertake highly responsible positions in the United States legal system. Students receive education in many different facets of law, including the use of computers and legal database, and alternative dispute resolution. In 1998, the Paralegal program was approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).
Courses are taught by experienced professors and attorneys. Graduates are qualified to assume positions in many different areas. Some pursue careers as assistants to practicing attorneys or work for corporate legal departments. Others work for administrative agencies, government agencies, law enforcement or other social services agencies.
As a part of the School of Justice Studies, the Paralegal Studies program emphasizes the importance of the Core Curriculum and the development of students’ analytical, critical thinking, and writing abilities. Upon completion of the program, graduates possess the integral skills needed to work effectively in a modem legal environment. The objective of the program is to develop the following skills;
- the ability to interview clients and witnesses;
- the ability to prepare legal pleadings, including discovery motions;
- the ability to conduct detailed legal research and write legal memoranda;
- the ability to prepare probate forms, including Federal and State Estate Tax Forms;
- the ability to assist or participate in administrative hearing where permitted by law,
- the ability to conduct real estate title examinations; and
- proficiency in basic law office procedures. The Paralegal Studies Program offers many innovative approaches to paralegal education, including:
- the use of computers and computer database including Westlaw, Lexis, and CD ROM collections;
- internship programs with law firms and government agencies;
- publication of the paralegal student newsletter;
- participation in the Mock Trial program using the University’s law school facilities;
- an extensive continuing education program for paralegals, lawyers, and judges;
- membership in the Lambda Epsilon Chi Paralegal Honor Society;
- membership in the Paralegal student club.
The program emphasizes the rules of ethical conduct by both lawyers and legal assistants I paralegal as established by various states and the National Paralegal Association (NALA and NFPA).
Additionally, students are encouraged to advance the legal and ethical rules learned by enrolling in pro bono public and continuing education programs. The roles of legal assistants I paralegals in delivering legal services in both the public and private sectors are discussed together with the increasing role in the area for legal assistants I paralegals.
Degree Requirements
Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science degree in paralegal studies must satisfy University Core Curriculum requirements, 13 required major courses, 3 additional paralegal studies electives, 1 required course from another department, and a sufficient number of electives to total 122 credits.
Students are encouraged to apply electives toward a minor or second major.
Requirements in Other Departments
COMM 210 Intro to Speech Communications
PLS 100 Introduction to Law
PLS 101 Criminal Law for the Paralegal
PLS 110 Emerging Technologies and the Legal
Environment
PLS 120 Law in Contemporary Society
PLS 210 Legal Research and Writing I
PLS 211 Legal Research and Writing II
PLS 221 Law of Contracts
PLS 222 Law of Business Organizations
PLS 310 Litigation I
PLS 311 Litigation II
PLS 400 Legal Ethics (1 credit)
CJS 401 Internship I
PLS 420 Legal Capstone Course Elective
Requirements
Any three Paralegal Studies course electives listed below:
PLS 235 Torts
PLS 236 Medical and Legal Malpractice
PLS 240 Domestic Relations
PLS 250 Worker’s Compensation
PLS 260 Bankruptcy Law
PLS 320 Administrative Law
PLS 340 Uniform Commercial Code
PLS 345 Estates and Trusts
PLS 360 Real Estate Conveyancing/Title Search
PLS 435 Law in Everyday American Life
This program is open to students who have previously earned a baccalaureate degree. Under exceptional circumstances, this requirement may be waived. The applicant must petition the Paralegal Studies Department and submit supporting documents which must include evidence of a significant combination of college achievement and law-related work experience.
Of the following requirements, nine must be completed at the University. New students may begin during any semester. However, the following is the usual sequence of courses. This program is approved by the American Bar Association.
PLS 100 Intro to Law and Legal Studies
PLS 210 Legal Research and Writing I
PLS 211 Legal Research and Writing II
PLS 221 Law of Contracts
PLS 222 Law of Business Organizations
PLS 235 Torts
PLS 310 Litigation I
PLS 311 Litigation II
PLS 400 Legal Ethics (1 credit)
PLS Electives (2 courses)
This program is designed for registered nurses interested in training in performing legal tasks and the application of nursing knowledge to legal services. It is open to registered nurses who have previously earned 60 hours of credit or a baccalaureate or associate degree, and who have at least 4000 hours of nursing experience. Ten courses are required for the certificate, with at least eight of the courses taken at Roger Williams University. Studies for this certificate program may be combined with courses in the bachelor degree programs in Paralegal Studies or Social and Health Services, for those interested in either of these degree options. This program is approved by the American Bar Association.
Required Courses:
PLS 100 Introduction to Law
PLS 210,211 Legal Research and Writing I, II
PLS 235 Torts
PLS 236 Medical and Legal Malpractice
PLS 310,311 Litigation I, II
S&HS 413 Moral and Ethical Issues in Health Care
S&HS 415 Health Care Administration I
And one of the Following:
PLS 250 Worker’s Compensation
S&HS 416 Health Care Administration II
S&HS 418 Mental Health Issues and the Law