Legal Practicum and Ethics

Catalog description

(Formerly PLG 197) This course is designed for students who work full time in other than a legal field and need to satisfy the internship requirement to complete the Legal Paralegal Studies Program. As with the traditional internship, there are two components to this course. The first component involves a practicum where students work directly under the direction and supervision of an attorney or experienced paralegal in a traditional classroom setting. In a controlled environment, students will learn how to interview clients, prepare and monitor client files, set up interview schedules, and perform various administrative duties relating to practical work operations in a legal office. The second component covers the fundamental principles governing the ethical practice of law for both lawyers and paraprofessional legal staff, including paralegals and interns. 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 legal profession. 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 Pennsylvania's Rules of Professional Conduct. NOTE: Need to obtain Director of Paralegal Studies approval.