LEI 101 INTRODUCTION TO LAW 3 credits
An introduction to the legal system and an explanation of the legislative and judicial process, how a legal rule is generated and maintained by the judicial system. Emphasis will be placed on jurisdiction, the development of the law through the court systems, torts, criminal law and procedure, business law, property law, family law and contracts.
LEI 102 LEGAL RESEARCH & WRITING I 3 credits
This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of legal research. To begin, a general overview of the federal and state court systems will be provided. Next, students will learn to use and locate most primary legal authorities including cases, constitutions, and federal and state statutes. Attention will also be given to case analysis and the techniques of legal writing: citation form, cite checking, and the legal office memoranda. (Prerequisite: Intro to Law or Intro to Legal Nurse Consultant)
LEI 104 LEGAL RESEARCH & WRITING II 3 credits
This course is designed to continue teaching the fundamentals of legal research. Students will learn to use and locate primary sources not covered in Legal Research I, namely, administrative law and legislative history, and most secondary legal authorities including Digests, Annotated Law Reports, periodicals, and encyclopedias. Further attention will be given to case analysis and the techniques of legal writing which will culminate in a self-directed research project and office memoranda.
(Prerequisite: Intro to Law or Intro to Legal Nurse Consultant and Legal Research I)
LEI 212 ETHICS AND PARALEGALISM 3 credits
An introduction to paralegal studies and the fundamentals of paralegalism with a comprehensive survey of professional responsibility issues for legal assistants, including the study of the American Bar Association's Model Code and Model Rules of Professional Responsibility and various professional paralegal associations' codes of ethics. Students will also explore licensing and regulating issues as well as job opportunities for paralegals. (Prerequisite: Intro to Law)
LEI 203 REAL ESTATE 3 credits
A comprehensive survey of the modern real estate property transaction, covering the drafting of basic documents involved in transfer of land such as deeds, mortgages, sales agreements and options, and a review of federal and state regulation of land transfer. Emphasis is placed on ownership rights, survey and land descriptions, encumbrances, easements and licenses, financing, title examinations, real estate closings and leases. (Prerequisite: Intro to Law and Legal Research I)
LEI 135 ADVANCED RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE FOR PARALEGALS 3 credits
Students will learn how to prepare and/or complete all documents necessary for a residential and commercial real estate closing. Each document will be explained in detail, and students will learn how to obtain all necessary information to complete each document. Students will learn about HUD-1 settlement sheets, mortgages, promissory notes, deeds, affidavits of title, title insurance, surveys, legal descriptions, agreements of sale, etc. Students will also be involved in mock real estate settlements. Each student will prepare a real estate closing binder in connection with a real estate transaction, including the preparation and/or completion of all of the above listed documents. (Prerequisite: Real Estate, Intro to Law and Legal Research I)
LEI 106 CONTRACTS & COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS 3 credits
Survey of contract law providing students with analysis of the law of voluntary obligation with emphasis on commercial contracts. The law of sales, commercial paper, and secured transactions will be reviewed and explained. Emphasis will be placed on statutory concerns, breach of contract, discharge of contracts, remedies and defenses, commercial paper, and negotiable instruments.
(Prerequisite: Intro to Law and Legal Research I)
LEI 253 REAL ESTATE TITLE SEARCH & EXAMINATION 3 credits
Students will learn the fundamentals of a land title search utilizing both classroom sessions and practical applications in 2 separate courthouses. This is an advanced class that will emphasize traditional and computerized search techniques along with classroom sessions to enhance their understanding of the material they are searching and the legal implications of that information. The title examination process will also be reviewed as an extension of the search process. Students will be uniquely educated through this course and positioned for placement and advancement in the real estate industry. Introduction to Real Estate is a pre-requisite and Advanced Real Estate is recommended either prior to or in conjunction with this class. Students will receive a certificate from PA Land Title Institute upon successful completion of this course. (Prerequisite: Real Estate)