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DOCUMENT RESUMECE 057 677ED 330 869AUTHORTITLEIFSTITUTIONSPONS AGENCYPUB DATECONTRACTNOTEPUB TYPEEDRS PRICEDESCRIPTORSIDENTIFIERSHumphrey, Doris D.Paralegal Studies Program. Curriculum Utilization.Final Report.Delaware County Community Coll., Media, Pa.Pennsylvania State Dept. of Education, Harrisburg.Bureau of Vocational and Adult Education.Jun 8985-901749p.Reports - Descriptive (141)hF01/PCO2 Plus Postage.Associate Degrees; Community Colleges; CourseContent; Course Descriptions; *CurriculumDevelopment; Educational Certificates; *LegalAssistants; *Legal Education (Professions); *ProgramDevelopment; Student Certification; Two YearCollegesDelaware County Community College PAABSTRACTA program developed a paralegal studies program forDelaware County Community College in the Philadelphia (Pennsylvania)metropolitan area. Activities included gathering of information onparalegal studies as it related to curriculum content; advisory groupestablishment; curriculum development; training/educational materialdevelopment; and review of software needs. The project developed ninenew courses and created a 2-year paralegal studies degree. This10-page report contains course descriptions and programs for the4-semester associate degree in paralegal studies and two-semestercertificate in paralegal studies. Appendixes include information onthese courses developed by the project: introduction to paralegalstudies; legal communications and concepts; legal research andanalysis; family law; litigation; corporations and partnerships; realestate law; computer applications for the law office; and estates,trusts, and wills. These course summaries include some or all of thefollowing: general introduction, course competencies, contentoverview or outline, and reading list. **************************Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be madefrom the original ******************************
FINAL REPORTPARALEGAL STUDIES PROGRAMCURRICULUM UTILIZATION(Contract #85-9017)Dr. Doris D. HumphreyDELAWARE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGEMedia, Pennsylvania 19063June 1989U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONOtke of Educational Re Search and Improvement"PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THISMATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BYEPUCATrONAL RESOURCES INFORMATIONCENTER tERICI1 This document has been reproduced asreceived from the person or organization!originating ifMinor changes nave been made to improvereproduction dualityPoints ot view or opintonS staled ii this dorymenl do not necessarily represent officialTO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCESINFORMATION CENTER (ERIC)."0E111 position or policyPENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONBUREAU OF VOCATIONAL AND ADULT EDUCATIONCURRICULUM AND PERSONNEL DEVELOPMENT SECTION
CONTENTSRagsII.Final ReportA.B.III.B.1.Agency12.Statement of Purpose13.Objectives Planned24.Objectives Achieved2Financial Summary3Materials Reviewed41.Business/Industry Trends42.Philadelphia Area Employment Outlook4Advisory Committee4-5Project SummaryA.V.1-2Project Approach/MethodologyA.IV.AbstractProducts Produced6-101.Curriculum and Course Development2.Course Descriptions3.Paralegal Studies Program84.Associate in Paralegal Studies95.Certificate in Paralegal H66-710
-1-II.Final ReportA.Abstract1.Agency:Delaware County Community CollegeMedia, PA 19063Contract #: 85-9017Funding Period:July 1, 1988 - June 30, 1989Approved Funds: 8,556.00In January 1989, Dr. Doris Humphrey, Assistant Deanof Business and Office Management contacted Trudy Riddell, a DCCCinstructor to discuss program development for a Paralegal Studiesprogram.Some of the topics discussed were:2.*Need for an additional Paralegal training programin the greater Philadelphia area.*Employment outlook, including salary for graduates.*Formation of an advisory committee.*The number and overall content of required cnurses.Statement of PurposeThe paralegal profession is expanding rapidly acrossthe nation and, like so many other legal positions, is plagued bya shortage of properly trained professionals.At present, thereare approximately 10 paralegal programs in the Philadelphiametropolitanarea.Theprimarv goal of this wogram is toexpand the pool of paralegal professionals in Delaware Countv bycreating a paralegal studies Progra M and to ensure that ProgramParticipantsprofession.necessary
-2-3.Objectives PlannedThe goalofthiscontract wastoprepareacurriculum and syllabus for an associate degree program inParalegal Studies.Specific objectives were:To gather appropriate information on paralegalstudies as it related to curriculum content.To establish an advisory group from business, thelegal profession, and education to assist with the development ofa curriculum.To develop a curriculum in paralegal studies whichwould (1) meet identified employment needs of business/industryand (2) structure courses to address specific needs.Tocorrelate new]y-developed paralegalstudiescurriculum offerings with existing collegiate materials.To review software needs and make recommendationsfor purchase.To integrate curriculum development with requiredfacility plan.4.Objectives AchievedEach of the objectives were met.When the projectwas completed, nine new courses were developed and a two-yearParalegal Studies degree was created.The Paralegal Studiesprogram will be implemented following final, official approval byDCCC's College Advisory System.
IIIB.Financial rium for Curriculum Specialist 31692 2/870116501,600* Development/dissemination ofprogram materials; word processing 9.80/hr x 120 hrs and benefits@ 37.5%1/6171,739* Word processing and office supplies,telephone, aria for other consultantsand resource personsProgram Materials & Supplies/CommunicationsTravel215C0 miles @ 0.225/mileSUBTOTALINDIRECT @ 8%TOTAL
-4-III.Project Approach/MethodologyA.Materials Reviewed1.Business TrendsThe Paralegal profession is a rapidly growingStudies show that this career field will growcareer field.faster than the average for all occupations through the mid1900's.A report developed by the Pennsylvania Department ofLabor and Industry and the Office of Employment Securityindicates that employment in the paralegal profession willincrease by 108.1 percent between 1980 and 1990.Delaware County Community College has an OfficeAdministration program in the Career Educatio- Department.Therefore, the development of a Paralegal program becomes anatural progression in curriculum development.2.Philadelphia Area Empioyment OutlookSalaries range from 18,000 to 30,000 for suburbanfirms and from 17,000 to 50,000 in the Philadelphia area.B.Advisory CommitteeDelaware County Community College uses an advisorycommittee in the development of its programs.Individuals whoserve on the committee help to develop curriculum content.The Paralegal Studies advisory committee consisted of a commonpleas court judge,members,an attorney,one assistant dean,two paralegals,three facultytwo business executives,theExecutive Director of the Delaware County Bar Association, and atolegal secretary.The Paralegal Studies committee members are:
-5-PARALEGAL STUDIES ADVISORY COMMITTEEDr. Doris HumphreyOffice A-342DCCC19063Media, PA359-5198Ms. Trudy RiddellOffice A-305DCCC19063Media, PAMr. Joseph TrevelinoOffice A-303DCCC19063Media, PA359-5162Ms. Phyllis AndersonOffice A-305DCCC19063Media, PA359-5374Ms. Rebecca Grohlerc/o David R. Black, Esq.Front Street19063Media, PADavid R. Black, Esq.21 W. Front Street19063Media, PA566-8500The Honorable Frank T. HazelCourt of Common PleasDelaware County Courthouse19063Media, PA891-4081 or 5088Ms. Peggy Lawlerc/o Advanta-Bldg. 5300 Welsh Road19044Horsham, PAx5403657-4000Ms. Brenda CollinsPublic Defender's OfficeToal Building2nd & Orange Street19063Media, PA891-4081Ms. Elizabeth PriceExecutive DirectorDel. Co. Bar Assn.Front & Lemon Streets19063Media, PAMs. Joyce BreseeMarple Newtown High School120 Media Line RoadNewtown Square, PA 19073359-4224Ms. Linda Lee1803 Westfield CourtPANewtown Square,853-5905Ms. Chyllene Cattiec/o Dechert, Price & Rhoads3400 Centre Square West1500 Market Street19102Philadelphia, PA981-2373
-6-IV.Project SummaryA.Products ProducedCurriculum and Course Development1.Based on recommendations by the advisory committee,it was decided that nine courses were necessary to adequatelycover the proposed Paralegal Studies program.At its meeting on1989, the committee reviewed the planned curriculum,March 28,the nine Paralegal Studies courses in detail, and the recommendedtextbook selections.The final program of studies leading to theParalegal Associate's Degree was completed by mid-May, 1989.2.Course DescriptionsINTRODUCTION TO PARALEGAL STUDIES - This introductoryPAR 100course is designed to provide the student with an overview of theduties of a paralegal in the legal community, familiarizationwith basic legal concepts,and the fundamentals of legalresearch.PAR 101 LEGAL COMMUNICATIONS AND CONCEPTS - This course willprovide a sound foundation upon which students may pursue athorough and systematic course of paralegal studies.The coursewill emphasize six general areas that a paralegal should(1) general business principles; (2) general financeunderstand:(5) pre(4) law office management;(3) insurance;principles;Terms and terminologyparation for litigation; (6) litigation.will be specifically stressed, thereby enabling the student tomaster the "language" that affects or flows from the legalprofession.PAR 120 LEGAL RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS - This courseintroducesprospective paralegals to methods of finding the law applicableThis course will acquaint the studentto specific legal issues.with the principles of research, types of law books and theirscope, citation methods, interpreting case and statutory law andother legal authority, annotations, government publications andcorresponding kinds of legal writing, organization and format.Students learn how to locate cases and to organize researchfindings.
-7-PAR 200 FAMILY LAW - This course surveys basic issues arising ina matrimonial case and procedures by which marital issues areProvides skills and methods of securing essentialresolved.documentation, litigate or settle divorce, alimony, propertyEnables the studentdivision, support and child custody claims.to prepare court documents, examines the anatomy of acomprehensive marriage settlement agreement.PAR 201LITIGATION - This course introduces students tolitigation as the process for resolving disputes through the useProvides an overview of the litigationof the court system.process and a basic understanding of court procedures necessaryto prepare students for assisting lawyers in a lawsuit. Areas ofcivil actions, including breach of contract and related lawsuitsare cavered.PAR 203 REAL ESTATE LAW - The purpose of the Real Estate courseis to provide the student with skills necessary to assist theattorney with a variety of residential and commercial real estateThe student will learn to draft various realtransactions.estate related documer*.s including Agreements of Sale, EasementAgreements, Financing Documents and Deeds.COMPUTER APPLICATIONS FOR THE LAW OFFICE - This courseprovides the student with a general knowledge of how computersLegal applications covered willcan be used in the law office.litigation,estateadministration,docket control, andinclude:research programs. Software programs for the business operationsof the law firm, such as, word processing, calendar, and billing,will also be introduced.PAR 204ESTATES, TRUSTS AND WILLS - This course is designed toPAR 205show the prospective paralegal how to prepare documents relatedto the administration of trusts and estates and the distributionStudents will learn to identify basic issuesof their assets.related to estate planning. Students will also acquire an understanding of the formal requisites of will drafting and execution.Procedures for probate and administration of estates are coveredas are related tax issues, such as, state inheritance, federalestate and fiduciary income taxes.I0
-8-3.Paralegal Studies ProgramThe Paralegal Studies curriculum is designed toprepare students to work in the legal field.communication and management skills,Computer skills,language arts skills,office procedures concepts are stressed.andThe curriculum allowsstudents to specialize for careers in legal offices.Upongraduation from this curriculum the stmdent is prepared for aposition as a paralegal in a law-related position.Two programs of study will be available.The four-semesterprogram will yield an Associate in Paralegal Studies.The two-semester program will yield a Certificate in Paralegal Studies.Coursework completed in the certificate program can be appliedtoward the associate degree program.
-9-PARALEGAL STUDIES1stSemesterCreditsEnglish Composition IENG 100Business MathMATH 105KeyboardingOFF 100Introduction to Paralegal StudiesPAR 100Legal Communications & ConceptsPAR 10133233142nd SemesterEnglish Composition IIENG 112Business Law IIBUS 242Word Processing IOFF 151Legal Research & AnalysisPAR 120Science Elective33433/416/17eerFamily LawPAR 200Word Processing IIOFF 152LitigationPAR 201Corporations & PartnershipsPAR 202Social Science Elective34333164th SemesterReal Estate LawPAR 203Computer Applications for the Law OfficePAR 204Estates, Trusts & WillsPAR 205Humanities ElectivePAR/ADJ/INS/OFF Elective333316/89t2
-10-PARALEGAL STUDIES CERTIFICATEThe demand for paralegals in the legal field increasesyearly.Today's 'successful paralegal requires skillfulperformance in a variety of areas:legal research,litigation, real estate law, etc.The Certificate Programprovides a year's training in these skills plus liberal artscourses, which ara transferable to a Paralegal Associate'sDegree at a later time.EiNgt ยง.P11111tAKEnglish Composition IENG 100Introduction to Paralegal StudiesPAR 100Legal Communications & ConceptsPAR 101Word Processing IOFF 151Social Science ElectiveCredits3334316Second SemesterEnglish Composition IIENG 112Word Processing IIOFF 152Business Law IIBUS 242LitigationPAR 201PAR/ADJ/INS/OFF Elective3433316s.
APPENDIX A
PARALEGAL STUDIES PROGRAM COURSE COMPETENCIESINTRODUCTION TO PARALEGAL STUDIES (PAR 100)This introductory course is designed to provide the studentwith an overview of the duties of a paralegalcommunity,in the legalfamiliarization with basic legal concepts,fundamentals of legal research.and zheUpon successful completion ofthe course, the student should be able to:Demonstrate the history of our modern legal system and applythe workings of the current Federal and State systems.Assess how the various bodies of law have evolved throughcaselaw and statutes.Identify the State and Federal Reporter systems and conductbasic legal research.Identktl, legal terminology which will be used throughout thecourse of the paralegal program.Assess the role of the paralegal in the modern law office.
PARALEGAL STUD/ES PROGRAM COURSE CONTENT111PAR 100INTRODUCTION TO PARALEGAL STUDIESUnit 1.History of the Modern United States Legal System:Week1.The roots of the modern legal system and the concept ofstare decisis.2.The modern court system - Federal.3.The modern court system - State.4.Review of Unit 1.5.Examination - Unit 1.Unit 2.Caselaw Versus Statutory Law:Week6.The concepts of statutory and common law as applied inthe Federal Court system.7.The concepts of statutory and common law as applied inthe State Court system.8.Review of Unit 2.9.Examination - Unit 2.Unit 3.Legal Terminology:Weels10.Unit 4.Introduction to legal terminology.Ih e rldnctrALttelgteiitgri Aystgalv.,Weels11.Introduction to the Federal and State reporter system(may include a trip to the Delaware County law library,including a tour of the Courthouse).12.Basics of legal research.
PAR 100INTRODUCTION TO PARALEGAL STUD/ES (Continued)Unit 5,The Role of the Paralegal in the Modern Law Office:Week13.Role of the paralegal in the modern law office.14.Review of Units 3 through 5.15.Final examination focusing on Units 3 through 5.
PARALEGAL STUDIESREADING LISTINTRODUCTION TO PARALEGAL STUDIES (PAR 100)IIPSkills. Third Edition, William P. StatskyFALA Manual for Len], Assistants, 1979 HardcoverEsiontillEja p exilmligin, 1988 Paperback, William P. StatskyEssentials of paralegalism, William P. StatskyL.s
6APPENDIX B4)e
LEGAL COMMUNICATIONS AND CONCEPTS (PAR 101)This course will provide a sound foundation upon whichstudents may pursue a thorough and systematic course of paralegalstudies.The course will emphasize six general areas that a paralegalshould understand:Finance Principles;5.1.3.General Business Principles; 2.Insurance; 4.Preparation for Litigation;6.GeneralLaw Office Management;Litigation.Terms andterminology will be specifically stressed, thereby enabling thestudent to master much of the "language" that effects upon orflows from the legal profession.Upon successful completion ofcourse requirements, the student should be able to:Demonstratl an understanding of the concepts and terminologyinherent in business transactions.Assess the wide variety of insurance products utilized withinthe industry.Identify the day-to-day operations of a legal practice.Organize the litigation process.
PAR 101LEGAL COMMUNICATION AND CONCEPTSSession1.Introduction to the course with a preview of theareas to be discussed.Session2.Complete review of the systems of adjudicationincluding federal and state court systems,administrative proceedings, and private courtsystems.Session3.Preparation for trial/hearing/conference or settlement.Session4.Preparation for trial/hearing/conference or settlement.Session5.Filing court documents, rules of service, etc.Session6.Rules and procedures during trial, administrativehearings, and conferences.Session7.General business principals and terminology.Session8.General finance principals and terminology.Session9.Fundamental concepts and terminology in insurance.Session 10.Topic left open; time period to be utilized eitherto complete instruction begun in prior/forthcomingweeks and/or for additional discussion on priorweeks' topics,Session 11.Law office management and operations.Session 12.Review the basic legal principals; (torts vs.crimes, contracts, real property, etc).Session 13.Principals of trusts, estates and probates.Session 14.Professional responsibility.Session 15.Course review, questions and answers prior to finalLIexam/paper.
LEGAL COMMUNICATIONS & CONCEPTS (PAR 101)Editim, William P. Statsky and R. John Wernet, Jr.e s at veIa s sWilliam P. StatskyLegal Research and Writing:Edition, William P. StatskyI.SecoSome Starting Points; Third
APPENDI X C
LEGAL RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS (PAR 120)This course introduces prospective paralegals to methods offinding the law applicable to specific legal issues.This coursewill acquaint the student with the principles of research, typesof law books and their scope, citation methods, interpreting caseand statutory law and other legal authority,annotations,government publications and corresponding kinds of legal writing,organization and format.Students learn how to locate cases andto organize research findings.Upon successful completion ofthis course a student should be able to:statutes,.Demonstrate various sources of legal authority:Studentscases, and administrative codes and commentators.should be familiar with standard citation formats for eachauthoritative study.Apply the uniform West reporter system (both state andfederal) to locate specific cases.DeYgonstrate the ability to cross-reference cases (by citationand by subject) using standard sources such as Shepherds,West Law Digests, A.L.R. and the like.Identify authoritative treastises and major commentators insuch areas as contracts,
of Business and Office Management contacted Trudy Riddell, a DCCC instructor to discuss program development for a Paralegal Studies program. Some of the topics discussed were: * Need for an additional Paralegal training program in the greater Philadelphia area. * Employment outlook, inclu
