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Earn a Degree in Paralegal Studies
Law offices and courts don’t function without knowledgeable, trained paralegals and clerks.
The paralegal profession (also known as legal assistant) is dynamic and growing. The efficient law office of today is incomplete without the prudent use of paralegals, working under the supervision of lawyers. As a key fixture in the legal services landscape of the 21st Century, paralegals can generate profitability to law firms, lower bills for clients and contribute toward cost-effective management of law firms.
Paralegal Studies
Bachelor's Degree
Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies
General Education
24 semester hours. Includes Common Seminar and Areas of Study.
Common Seminar
6 semester hours.
ADED 301U Knowledge Management: Seminar Across the Disciplines I
Semester hours: 3
Description
ADED 301U develops advanced reading, writing, and research techniques, using a variety of disciplinary approaches. It will require students to read a range of primary and scholarly texts related to the content of the course, synthesizing them in assignments of varying medium, length, and purpose. It will also require them to locate, evaluate, and incorporate a wide range of research sources. Explicit writing instruction will be central to the course.Prerequisites
ENGL 203U with a grade of 'C' or better.
ADED 302U Knowledge Management: Seminar Across the Disciplines II
Semester hours: 3
Description
ADED 302U builds upon the skills developed in ADED 301U, culminating with a significant research project. It will require students to read a range of primary and scholarly texts related to the content of the course, synthesizing them in assignments of varying medium, length, and purpose - including a research-driven essay and presentation. Explicit research instruction will be central to the course.Prerequisites
Completion of ADED 301U with a grade of 'C' or better.Areas of Study
18 semester hours. At least one 3-hour course from each of the following areas: History, Literature, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences and Cultural Studies, MATH 103U Finite Mathematics (or higher), and the Arts.
General Distribution
66 semester hours. Coursework selected from across the curriculum. Minors may be drawn from this area.
Foundation Coursework
12-15 semester hours. If required, counts toward General Distribution requirements. ENGL courses represent the Communications Core. MATH 103U counts toward Area of Study.
ENGL 101U Strategic Reading and Writing
Semester hours: 3
Description
This course focuses on critical reading and writing, providing instruction in grammar and mechanics, organizational and paragraph development skills, rhetorical techniques, and basic research. It will provide a collaborative environment in which students will employ a range of comprehension strategies to a variety of assigned texts, and it will encourage students to approach writing as a process by requiring prewriting, editing, and revision. It will also introduce basic research skills.
ENGL 201U Critical Writing and Research I
Semester hours: 3
Description
This course focuses on academic writing, critical reading, and research. Throughout the semester, it will require students to write on a range of topics for a variety of purposes and audiences, emphasizing writing as a process. It will also introduce a broad array of texts that are intended to improve students' critical reading skills. Finally, it will include training in research and proper methods of documentation.Prerequisites
Satisfactory ACCUPLACER score or completion of ENGL 101U with a grade of 'C' or better.
ENGL 202U Critical Writing and Research II
Semester hours: 3
Description
This course focuses on academic writing, critical reading, and research, building on the skills developed in ENGL 201U. Throughout the semester, it will require students to write essays of varying length and purpose, culminating in a research-driven persuasive essay. It will also introduce a broad array of cultural texts that are intended to improve students' critical reading and analytical skills. Finally, it will include additional training in research and documentation.Prerequisites
Completion of ENGL 201U with a grade of 'C' or better.
ISYS 203U Collaborative Technologies
Semester hours: 3
Description
The application of information technologies in organizations to work collaboratively, facilitate decision-making, and achieve competitive advantage. Use of multimedia, storage, and mobile devices, networks, databases, and collaborative Internet technologies supporting work and academics.
MATH 103U Finite Mathematics
Semester hours: 3
Description
Logical thinking and problem-solving using sets, logic, numeration and mathematical systems, real number system, algebra, counting methods.Major in Paralegal Studies
Professional Core
9 semester hours.
LDSP 368U Leadership in the Global Environment
Semester hours: 3
Description
Explores leadership within a global context weighing issues such as culture, laws, language, and other differences. This course provides practical insights into leadership in the global environment. Topics covered include an analysis of global leading across cultures in modern societies.
HUM 300U Applied Ethics
Semester hours: 3
Description
Examination of ethical choices, omissions, dilemmas and crises faced by individuals and organizations in the nonprofit, government, corporate, media, technology, environmental, and sports sectors. Use of ethics theories and the law as a framework to analyze case studies. This course will foster skills in ethical reasoning by encouraging students to analyze critically the consequences of individual and collective actions.
MATH 300U Critical Thinking and Analysis
Semester hours: 3
Description
Analysis of quantitative and qualitative data for decision-making in the business, law, governmental, and non-profit sectors. Application of common algebra, statistics, and basic calculus to solve common classes of problems.Prerequisites
MATH 103U, Finite Mathematics, or college algebra or higher.Required Core
12 semester hours.
LA 301U Introduction to Paralegal Studies
Semester hours: 3
Description
The role of the paralegal and how law offices are managed. Introduction to the judicial system, contract law, torts, criminal law, corporate law, real property, family law, estate planning, legal research, legal writing, litigation, and paralegal ethics.
LA 302U The Judicial System
Semester hours: 3
Description
Structure and meaning of courts and their jurisdiction, procedure, and appeal; history and introduction to judicial process.
LA 303U Legal Research
Semester hours: 3
Description
Law libraries and basic legal research methods; where and how to gather information.
LA 304U Legal Writing
Semester hours: 3
Description
Legal terminology and writing styles, case analysis, development of analytical skills, exercises in legal composition and drafting.Focus Courses
9 semester hours selected from the following courses.
LA 306U Litigation
Semester hours: 3
Description
It is NOT like television! A reality check on what real litigation looks like, this course provides an introduction to the field of litigation. Covers organization of the generic law office, fact investigation, flow of litigation, court system, commencement and defense of a law suit, discovery, evidence, motions practice, trial and trial preparation. Also touches on settlement and post-trial practice.
LA 310U Real Estate
Semester hours: 3
Description
Land and its elements; law of fixtures; types of easements and how they are created; acquisition of title and other interest in real estate property by deed, will, inheritance and adverse possession; co-ownership and marital rights; the legal and practical matters of real estate contracts for residential, commercial and construction transactions; plats of survey and legal descriptions; form and substance of deeds; recording priorities; and title examination and title insurance.
LA 312U Family Law
Semester hours: 3
Description
This course will cover all areas of family law, including marriage, divorce, annulment, division of property, child custody and support, spousal support and adoption.
LA 315U Torts
Semester hours: 3
Description
Rooted in the blood feud, tort law remains one of the most active areas in the law. Provides an overview of tort law, the tort case, and the three broad areas of intentional torts, negligence, and strict liability (with a focus on the elements of negligence). Also explores products liability, defamation, misrepresentation, malpractice and nuisance.
LA 316U Contract Law
Semester hours: 3
Description
Law of formation, legal construction, execution, and enforcement of and remedies under contracts.
LA 319U Paralegal Ethics
Semester hours: 3
Description
This course will provide the tools to understand the ethical requirements governing both attorneys and paralegals. Classes will use 'real world' experiences with studies and hypotheticals addressing, to name a few, the unauthorized practice of law, confidentiality, conflicts of interest, law firm management, attorney advertising, and maintaining the integrity of the paralegal profession.
LA 320U Environmental Law
Semester hours: 3
Description
Survey of issues involved in the field through examination of major cases that have shaped the implementation of major federal environmental statutes since their passage beginning in the 1960s. Topics covered include the common law basis for environmental protection, constitutional and statutory authority to protect the environment, standing to bring environmental cases, the rules of judicial review, and substantive issues involving major environmental statutes and their implementing regulations. The cases are predominantly federal, but Virginia cases are used where appropriate.
LA 321U Criminal Law
Semester hours: 3
Description
Addresses substantive knowledge, practical skills and competencies and ethical guidelines needed to work in criminal law area.
LAW 300U Business Law
Semester hours: 3
Description
Principles of law relating to legal problems encountered in work environment, including contracts, business organizations, and secured transactions.
LAW 303U Constitutional Law
Semester hours: 3
Description
Examination of the U.S. Constitution, the U.S. Supreme Court and the major decisions of the Court rendered on issues including free speech, search and seizure and other police powers, war powers, property rights, civil rights, right to bear arms, separation of church and state, separation of powers among branches of the federal government, impeachment and other significant areas.
LAW 325U CyberLaw
Semester hours: 3
Description
Overview of federal and state laws, regulations and policies regarding operation and security of the Internet. Includes copyright, e-commerce and privacy issues.
LAW 326U Intellectual Property
Semester hours: 3
Description
Focus on building an understanding of trademarks, copyrights, patents and trade secrets and ownership thereof.Minor
Minor in Paralegal Studies
Core Courses
12 semester hours.
LA 301U Introduction to Paralegal Studies
Semester hours: 3
Description
The role of the paralegal and how law offices are managed. Introduction to the judicial system, contract law, torts, criminal law, corporate law, real property, family law, estate planning, legal research, legal writing, litigation, and paralegal ethics.
LA 302U The Judicial System
Semester hours: 3
Description
Structure and meaning of courts and their jurisdiction, procedure, and appeal; history and introduction to judicial process.
LA 303U Legal Research
Semester hours: 3
Description
Law libraries and basic legal research methods; where and how to gather information.
LA 304U Legal Writing
Semester hours: 3
Description
Legal terminology and writing styles, case analysis, development of analytical skills, exercises in legal composition and drafting.Focus Courses
6 semester hours from the courses listed.
LA 306U Litigation
Semester hours: 3
Description
It is NOT like television! A reality check on what real litigation looks like, this course provides an introduction to the field of litigation. Covers organization of the generic law office, fact investigation, flow of litigation, court system, commencement and defense of a law suit, discovery, evidence, motions practice, trial and trial preparation. Also touches on settlement and post-trial practice.
LA 307U Corporate Law
Semester hours: 3
Description
Types of businesses or organizations, formation and structure of corporations, shareholders' and directors' meetings, bylaws, corporate distributions and securities.
LA 308U Estate Planning
Semester hours: 3
Description
The study of the laws governing wills, trusts, gifts, intestacy, probate administration, Federal and state taxation, insurance, property and employee benefits with the purpose of estate planning being to identify, preserve, and expand or increase the assets owned by an individual and to provide for distribution of those assets, with the least possible tax expense, to those persons and charities the owner wishes to benefit during life and after death. Course content also includes an overview of crucial aspects of elder law.
LA 309U Administration of Decedents' Estates
Semester hours: 3
Description
Probate and administration of decedents' estates, preparation of federal and state death tax returns, and maintenance of fiduciary records.
LA 310U Real Estate
Semester hours: 3
Description
Land and its elements; law of fixtures; types of easements and how they are created; acquisition of title and other interest in real estate property by deed, will, inheritance and adverse possession; co-ownership and marital rights; the legal and practical matters of real estate contracts for residential, commercial and construction transactions; plats of survey and legal descriptions; form and substance of deeds; recording priorities; and title examination and title insurance.
LA 312U Family Law
Semester hours: 3
Description
This course will cover all areas of family law, including marriage, divorce, annulment, division of property, child custody and support, spousal support and adoption.
LA 313U Evidence
Semester hours: 3
Description
In-depth study of selected Rules of Evidence and overview of Code of Professional Responsibility (Ethics).Prerequisites
LA 306U.
LA 314U Bankruptcy and Creditor's Rights
Semester hours: 3
Description
Legal processes for enforcing creditors' rights including warrants-in-debt, motions for judgment, liens, levies, attachments and garnishments. Debtor exemptions such as homestead. Bankruptcy law including Chapter 7 (Liquidation), Chapter 11 (Business Reorganization), and Chapter 13 (Wage Earner Plans).
LA 315U Torts
Semester hours: 3
Description
Rooted in the blood feud, tort law remains one of the most active areas in the law. Provides an overview of tort law, the tort case, and the three broad areas of intentional torts, negligence, and strict liability (with a focus on the elements of negligence). Also explores products liability, defamation, misrepresentation, malpractice and nuisance.
LA 316U Contract Law
Semester hours: 3
Description
Law of formation, legal construction, execution, and enforcement of and remedies under contracts.
LA 320U Environmental Law
Semester hours: 3
Description
Survey of issues involved in the field through examination of major cases that have shaped the implementation of major federal environmental statutes since their passage beginning in the 1960s. Topics covered include the common law basis for environmental protection, constitutional and statutory authority to protect the environment, standing to bring environmental cases, the rules of judicial review, and substantive issues involving major environmental statutes and their implementing regulations. The cases are predominantly federal, but Virginia cases are used where appropriate.
LA 321U Criminal Law
Semester hours: 3
Description
Addresses substantive knowledge, practical skills and competencies and ethical guidelines needed to work in criminal law area.Certificate
Certificate in Applied Studies in Paralegal Studies
An earned bachelor's degree is prerequisite to enrollment in this certificate program.
Core Courses
18 semester hours.
LA 301U Introduction to Paralegal Studies
Semester hours: 3
Description
The role of the paralegal and how law offices are managed. Introduction to the judicial system, contract law, torts, criminal law, corporate law, real property, family law, estate planning, legal research, legal writing, litigation, and paralegal ethics.
LA 302U The Judicial System
Semester hours: 3
Description
Structure and meaning of courts and their jurisdiction, procedure, and appeal; history and introduction to judicial process.
LA 303U Legal Research
Semester hours: 3
Description
Law libraries and basic legal research methods; where and how to gather information.
LA 304U Legal Writing
Semester hours: 3
Description
Legal terminology and writing styles, case analysis, development of analytical skills, exercises in legal composition and drafting.
LA 306U Litigation
Semester hours: 3
Description
It is NOT like television! A reality check on what real litigation looks like, this course provides an introduction to the field of litigation. Covers organization of the generic law office, fact investigation, flow of litigation, court system, commencement and defense of a law suit, discovery, evidence, motions practice, trial and trial preparation. Also touches on settlement and post-trial practice.
LAW 303U Constitutional Law
Semester hours: 3
Description
Examination of the U.S. Constitution, the U.S. Supreme Court and the major decisions of the Court rendered on issues including free speech, search and seizure and other police powers, war powers, property rights, civil rights, right to bear arms, separation of church and state, separation of powers among branches of the federal government, impeachment and other significant areas.Elective
3 semester hours from LA and LAW courses.
LA 307U Corporate Law
Semester hours: 3
Description
Types of businesses or organizations, formation and structure of corporations, shareholders' and directors' meetings, bylaws, corporate distributions and securities.
LA 308U Estate Planning
Semester hours: 3
Description
The study of the laws governing wills, trusts, gifts, intestacy, probate administration, Federal and state taxation, insurance, property and employee benefits with the purpose of estate planning being to identify, preserve, and expand or increase the assets owned by an individual and to provide for distribution of those assets, with the least possible tax expense, to those persons and charities the owner wishes to benefit during life and after death. Course content also includes an overview of crucial aspects of elder law.
LA 309U Administration of Decedents' Estates
Semester hours: 3
Description
Probate and administration of decedents' estates, preparation of federal and state death tax returns, and maintenance of fiduciary records.
LA 312U Family Law
Semester hours: 3
Description
This course will cover all areas of family law, including marriage, divorce, annulment, division of property, child custody and support, spousal support and adoption.
LA 313U Evidence
Semester hours: 3
Description
In-depth study of selected Rules of Evidence and overview of Code of Professional Responsibility (Ethics).Prerequisites
LA 306U.
LA 314U Bankruptcy and Creditor's Rights
Semester hours: 3
Description
Legal processes for enforcing creditors' rights including warrants-in-debt, motions for judgment, liens, levies, attachments and garnishments. Debtor exemptions such as homestead. Bankruptcy law including Chapter 7 (Liquidation), Chapter 11 (Business Reorganization), and Chapter 13 (Wage Earner Plans).
LA 315U Torts
Semester hours: 3
Description
Rooted in the blood feud, tort law remains one of the most active areas in the law. Provides an overview of tort law, the tort case, and the three broad areas of intentional torts, negligence, and strict liability (with a focus on the elements of negligence). Also explores products liability, defamation, misrepresentation, malpractice and nuisance.
LA 316U Contract Law
Semester hours: 3
Description
Law of formation, legal construction, execution, and enforcement of and remedies under contracts.
LA 320U Environmental Law
Semester hours: 3
Description
Survey of issues involved in the field through examination of major cases that have shaped the implementation of major federal environmental statutes since their passage beginning in the 1960s. Topics covered include the common law basis for environmental protection, constitutional and statutory authority to protect the environment, standing to bring environmental cases, the rules of judicial review, and substantive issues involving major environmental statutes and their implementing regulations. The cases are predominantly federal, but Virginia cases are used where appropriate.
LA 321U Criminal Law
Semester hours: 3
Description
Addresses substantive knowledge, practical skills and competencies and ethical guidelines needed to work in criminal law area.
LAW 300U Business Law
Semester hours: 3
Description
Principles of law relating to legal problems encountered in work environment, including contracts, business organizations, and secured transactions.
LAW 304U First Amendment Law
Semester hours: 3
Description
An overview and analysis of the laws protecting freedom of speech, religion, the press and privacy.
LAW 305U Consumer Law
Semester hours: 3
Description
Overview of consumer protection, privacy, credit and banking laws. Special focus on Internet/E-commerce issues and the elderly, disabled and military as the 'special classes of consumers.'
LAW 321U Land Use Law
Semester hours: 3
Description
A study of comprehensive plans and the planning process of land. Topics will include land use control by zoning, including history, power and purposes of zoning, types of zoning and uses. Types of zoning relief, historic and agricultural preservation, private land use controls and eminent domain will also be discussed. Particular emphasis will be placed on Virginia law and procedure and field trips to local Planning Commission and Board of Zoning hearings may be included.
LAW 322U Employment Law and Policy
Semester hours: 3
Description
Survey of federal and state statutes and laws that govern the employment relationship. Covers topics such as establishing the employment relationship, discharge of employees, employee discrimination, wages, hours, and benefits, conditions of employment, occupational safety and health, and other topics.
LAW 325U CyberLaw
Semester hours: 3
Description
Overview of federal and state laws, regulations and policies regarding operation and security of the Internet. Includes copyright, e-commerce and privacy issues.
LAW 326U Intellectual Property
Semester hours: 3
Description
Focus on building an understanding of trademarks, copyrights, patents and trade secrets and ownership thereof.Admissions
Admission to the Paralegal Studies program is competitive. The School offers rolling admission decisions around priority deadlines for fall, spring and summer terms.
Non-native English speakers may also be required to submit valid TOEFL scores.
Certificate in Paralegal Studies
Admission to the Certificate in Paralegal Studies requires an earned bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited four-year college or university with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Additional requirements are a completed certificate application (including the application fee) and official transcripts for all college-level work attempted.
Bachelor's Degree in Paralegal Studies
Minimum requirements include an earned high school diploma or GED and a 2.0 average on all attempted college-level work. Admission pathways are available for transfer and non-transfer admissions.
Additional admission requirements include a completed online application (with application fee) and original transcripts from all college-level work attempted (or evidence of high school graduation or GED).
Admission placement requires ACCUPLACER Reading Comprehension and Sentence Skills test scores and an admission decision meeting with a student advisor.
Degree Highlights
Bachelor's Degree in Paralegal Studies
Our major in Paralegal Studies provides you with the skills necessary to perform specifically delegated substantive legal work under the supervision of a lawyer and the verbal and written communication skills required by the profession. You’ll gain invaluable skills through courses like The Judicial System, Legal Research, Legal Writing, Litigation, Real Estate and Contract Law.
Certificate in Paralegal Studies
Our post-baccalaureate certificate in applied studies provides a credential for individuals changing careers or preparation for those planning to attend law school. Certificate students get a feel for law as a general subject and gain invaluable skills.
Careers in Paralegal Studies
While lawyers assume ultimate responsibility for legal work, they often delegate many of their tasks to paralegals. In fact, paralegals are continuing to assume a growing range of tasks in legal offices and perform many of the same tasks as lawyers. Paralegals work in a variety of legal settings including law offices, courthouses, legal departments and insurance companies.
Professional & Continuing Studies
Special Programs Building
28 Westhampton Way
University of Richmond, VA 23173
Phone: (804) 289-8133
Fax: (804) 289-8138
spcs@richmond.edu
Front Desk Hours
Monday–Thursday: 8:30 am–7:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 am–5:00 p.m.
The office is closed for all University holidays unless otherwise noted.
Contact a faculty or staff member.