Course Description: In this course we will discuss the evolving paralegal profession. It's roots, progress and future. We will discuss issues facing the profession and ethical issues affecting paralegals.

Textbook(s): Paralegals in American Law, Schneeman, Angela

Class Attendance: You are expected to attend all classes. University policy stipulates: "Attendance at all classes and laboratory sessions . . . is expected of all students and all courses are conducted with this understanding. A student's grades are based upon the general quality of work performed in each course and by such factors as prompt completion of all assignments, papers, and readings, by presence for all examinations, and by participation in class discussion. The faculty has no obligation to provide special consideration of any kind to students who are absent from classes or examinations unless in the judgment of the faculty members the reason for the absence warrants such consideration. Assignments and examinations missed are graded as failures.

Class attendance can be mandated by a faculty member and can affect the grade given provided that students are notified through the course syllabus at the beginning of the semester. Students are advised that class attendance or nonattendance can have a substantial influence on the quality of performance and completion of assignments, in class participation, in laboratory work, in preparation for and success in examinations, and in any other factors that may be used as criteria in determining the grades that will be received.

Freshmen who are absent from a particular course in excess of twice the number of credit hours assigned to that course may be dismissed from the course upon recommendation by the faculty member to the Dean of the Student's Division. Mission an 80-minute period is considered as one and one-half absences."

Assignments: There will be two compositions, a midterm exam, mentor report, career checklist, and a "ethics" research paper. Due dates are listed on the outline.

Grading:

1. Class overview. Review Syllabus and Course Outline - Assignment: Composition "Why I Choose to be a Paralegal" - Read Chapter 1
2. Paralegal Specialties, Salaries - Composition Preparation, Developing a Forms File.
3. Career Planning, goals, developing a checklist. - Read Chapter 2
4. Professional Associations - National, Statewide, Local - Assign Ethics research paper.
5. Paralegal Regulation - Read Chapter 3.
6. Attorney/Paralegal Ethics - Assign 2^nd composition "What is the paralegals role in the delivery of legal services?"
7. Mid-term exam - Read Chapter 4.
8. Opening a New file. - Interviewing Clients.
9. Timekeeping & Billing - Computerized Systems.
10. Pro-bono paralegal/duty or good deeds?
11. Finding a paralegal mentor. Assign Project.
12. Mentor Assign due - Career planning checklist due. - 2^nd composition due. - Students discussion of mentor development.
13. Ethics project due. - Students verbal interview reports.
14. Students verbal interview reports.