Course Number and Title:
PLG 285 Law Office Management & Procedures
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: PLG 170
Course Credits and Hours
3 credit(s)
3 lecture hours/week
0 lab hours/week
Course Description
This course studies all phases of law office procedures and the management and organization of a law office, the various software used, and filing principles. Development and usage of systemization within the law office are emphasized. Principles and legal theory are demostrated through practical application.
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
- Use basic legal terminology encountered in legal documents and correspondence. (CCC 1, 4; PGC 1, 3)
- Complete a variety of law office production assignments. (CCC 2, 5; PGC 2, 4, 5)
- Explain calendaring and billing requirements in a legal setting. (CCC 4; PGC 4, 5)
- Describe the general law firm accounting procedures and corresponding ethics. (CCC 4; PGC 1, 3, 5)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- Use basic legal terminology encountered in legal documents and correspondence.
- Use correct terminology in the preparation of legal documents.
- Explain terms frequently encountered in various areas of legal practice.
- Complete a variety of law office production assignments.
- Apply legal concepts of various areas of law to law office production assignments.
- Draft various legal documents independently.
- Explain calendaring and billing requirements in a legal setting.
- Explain how to make docketing entries.
- Discuss how to calculate court deadlines.
- Explain why a poor docket system is harmful to a law office and how it can lead to ethical and malpractice claims.
- Differentiate between manual and computerized docket systems.
- Differentiate between timekeeping and billing.
- Describe major types of legal fee agreements.
- Describe differences between billable and non-billable time.
- Describe the general law firm accounting procedures and corresponding ethics.
- Describe the purpose and importance of trust/escrow accounts.
- Discuss the ethics rules regarding safeguarding client funds.
- Identify strategies for maintaining strong financial internal controls.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
| 90-100 |
= |
A |
| 80-89 |
= |
B |
| 70-79 |
= |
C |
| 0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Final Course Grade
Calculated using the following weighted average
|
Evaluation Measure
|
Percentage of final grade
|
|
Summative: Tests (3) (equally weighted)
|
30%
|
|
Summative: Final Exam
|
20%
|
|
Summative: Written Report
|
15%
|
|
Formative: Project Assignment
|
25%
|
|
Formative: Homework/Participation (equally weighted)
|
10%
|
|
TOTAL
|
100%
|
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
PLGAASPLG
- Explain the present and potential role of the paralegal within the legal system.
- Produce documents necessary for a functioning law office.
- Comply with the profession's Code of Ethics within the legal system.
- Use a range of research methods and information necessary to complete a variety of legal activities.
- Apply acquired knowledge of legal specialty areas in the workplace.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.