MPPG121 Introduction to Legal Assistants
The student will understand the concept, qualifications, and role of the paralegal. Selected topics include legal terminology, the levels of government, court structure of the American legal system, basic interviewing and investigative techniques, the ethical considerations governing the lawyer-paralegal-client-public relationships, and the role of the paralegal in several substantive law areas.
MPPG226 Business Associations
The student will examine the substantive law of business organizations, including the Uniform Partnership Act and the Model Business Corporation Act. The student will draft partnership agreements, corporate documents, and limited-liability company documents.
MPPG227 Estates and Trusts
The student will examine the substantive and procedural law of wills, trusts, and estate administration. The student will draft a will and a trust, and will prepare administration documents.
MPPG228 Real Estate Law
The student will examine the substantive law of real property. This course trains students to be knowledgeable in the study of the law of real estate transactions. Topics include general principles of real estate law, conveyancing, loan-closing procedure, sale of real estate and sales contracts, title examination, deed preparation, foreclosures, leasing of real estate, option contracts, and recordation of various instruments.
MPPG229 Litigation
The student will examine the process of litigation. Special emphasis will be placed on the pretrial stage including pleading and discovery. The student will perform tasks commonly performed by litigation paralegals.
MPPG300W Business Law for Legal Assistants
The student will become familiar with the legal environment of business; learn the law of contracts and its effects on business; become familiar with the law regarding personal property; prepare documents in connection with commercial paper and secured transactions under the Uniform Commercial Code; and prepare contracts for employment, business, and real property.
MPPG301 Employment Law
The student will become familiar with transactions and will prepare documentation for the state and federal laws with respect to employment, sexual harassment, employment discrimination under Title VII and state law, litigation in the state and federal courts regarding employment matters, the Americans with Disabilities Act and its effect on employment, and the Family and Medical Leave Act and its effect on employment.
MPPG304 Family Law
The student will examine the substantive law of domestic relations. Topics covered include annulment, divorce, custody, and adoption. The student will learn the procedures used in this area and will prepare commonly filed documents and pleadings.
MPPG306 Debtor/Creditor Law
The student will examine the most frequently occurring topics of Debtor-Creditor Law as they occur in a general law practice. Topics include Creditor Collection Devices, Article 9 of the UCC, and Bankruptcy.
MPPG307 Criminal Law
The student will learn the common law and statutory definitions of crimes (including crimes against persons and property), how to apply defenses to crimes, the application of the constitutional rights of the accused, and the procedures of criminal prosecution.
MPPG323 Legal Research and Writing
The student will acquire basic techniques and practical skills required in the use of legal materials. Problem assignments require the student to use many of the standard legal written authorities. Students will use the Cumberland School of Law Library in the preparation of case briefs, memoranda, and appellate briefs.