LEGAL 225 - Litigation Practice and Procedure

5.0 Credits
An advanced study of the civil litigation process from pretrial through trial and appeal, with an emphasis on preparing litigation-related documents and creating a trial notebook. Students should already have a working knowledge of the rules of civil procedure before taking this course. Emphasis will be placed on the practical aspects of a paralegal’s role working in a civil litigation practice. Recommend completion of LEGAL 200 and LEGAL 205 or instructor permission.
Course-level Learning Objectives (CLOs)
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Discuss the law office setting and procedures, courts and jurisdiction, and the stages of the civil litigation process.
Explain the role of paralegals on the litigation team interviewing clients and witnesses, filing court documents, serving papers, assisting in discovery, assisting at trial and other litigation processes.
Integrate substantive and procedural law in preparing documents and working with the various parties involved in the litigation process.
Use the relevant federal and state rules of civil procedure and evidence to ensure compliance in preparation of documents, time computation, docketing/calendaring, and other tasks related to the civil litigation process.
Demonstrate awareness of the ethical and professional responsibilities of the lawyer and the paralegal in civil litigation.
Prepare forms, checklists, pleadings, discovery documents, motions, and other materials relevant to the litigation process.
Create an organized professional-quality trial notebook.

Course Typically Offered
Fall, Spring