4.00 Credits
This course is designed for the day/full-time students that need to satisfy the internship requirement for the Paralegal Studies Program. There are two components to this course. The first component involves an internship with a local law firm, corporate law department, government agency, or non-profit. With the assistance of the Director of Paralegal Studies and the Office of Student Employment Services and Coops, students will need to secure an internship. Students are required to intern a minimum of 180 hours in the paralegal field. The second component requires students to meet one hour per week to discuss job related issues and cover the fundamental principles governing the ethical practice of law for both lawyers and paralegals. In addition, this segment of the course provides students with the necessary tools to identify and resolve ethical problems as well as provide practical tips to implement in everyday practice. Students will also examine the rules of ethics peculiar to the practice of law and the crucial role they play in the profession of a paralegal. This course covers the regulation of the legal profession, the unauthorized practice of law, client confidentiality, conflicts of interest, advertising and solicitation, client fees and fee sharing, and specific examples of PennsylvaniaAs Rules of Professional Conduct. NOTE: Prerequisites: PLG 110 and PLG 120 with grades "C" or better, PLG 140, PLG 210, and PLG 240. Need to obtain Director of Paralegal Studies approval. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to: Develop professional level skills in oral and written communications. Develop a first-hand understanding of law-related office organizations and their internal systems, such as for timekeeping, billing, and file management. Acquire a sound, contextual understanding of legal and professional ethics, including, but not limited to, regarding client confidentiality, conflict of interest, and the unauthorized practice of the law. Create a portfolio of work samples (or writing samples).
Prerequisite:
Prerequisites: PLG 110 and PLG 120 with grades of C or better, PLG 140, PLG 210, and PLG 240. Approval of Director required.