BURLINGTON COUNTY COLLEGE
PARALEGAL PROGRAM



LEX COURSE DESCRIPTIONS


The department code for the Paralegal program courses have been changed beginning with the 2001-2003 Catalog.  The LGT department code has been replaced with LEX.

(The 3/0/0 following the description means that there are three lecture hours per week.  The semester offered is indicated by "FA" for Fall, "SP" for Spring and "FA/SP" for both.)

LEX 110    Introduction to Paralegal Studies    3cr.
This course presents an overview of the legal system and focuses on basic legal concepts and paralegal skills.  Emphasis will be placed on careful reading for detail, developing analytical and critical thinking skills and written presentation of arguments.  Professional ethics and conduct, issues of confidentiality, conflicts of interest and unauthorized practice of law are discussed.
3/0/0 FA/SP

LEX  111    New Jersey Legal Systems    3cr.
(Formerly LGT 111)
New Jersey’s court system is studied, including an examination of the various types of legal practices as they relate to the courts.  Rules and procedure of appellate practice, including briefs, filings, petitions and motions covered.  Elements of the Federal court system are reviewed.
3/0/0 FA/SP

LEX 112    Legal Writing    3cr.
(Formerly LGT 104)
This is an introductory course in legal writing.  Paralegals are expected to prepare a variety of legal instruments.  This course will introduce the paralegal to the types of documents, forms, and use.
Prerequisite:  LEX 111
3/0/0 FA/SP

LEX 113    Legal Research and Library Use    3cr.
(Formerly LGT 103)
Students will study and gain practical experience in the techniques of legal research, references to citations, and use of a law library.  Includes practice in locating and using law forms.
Prerequisite:  LEX 111
3/0/0 FA

LEX 122    Family Law    3cr.
(Formerly LGT 222)
This course examines family law practice including complaints, interrogatories, depositions, motions and pleadings in the areas of divorce, separation and custody, annulment, adoption, name change, guardianship, legitimacy and other Family Court procedures are reviewed.
Prerequisite:  LEX 111
3/0/0 FA

LEX 123    Bankruptcy Law    3cr.
(Formerly LGT 224)
This course outlines basic debtor/creditor bankruptcy law and provides guidelines, practices and procedures that a paralegal in this field may utilize.  Topics covered include sources of law, consensual debt creation, creditor interest in real estate, general provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and case administration, Chapter 7, Chapter 11 and Chapter 13.
3/0/0 SP

LEX 124    Real Property    3cr.
(Formerly LGT 213)
This course will enable students to understand the legal and financial requirements of residential real estate transactions.  Students will become familiar with deeds, contracts, mortgages and other documents commonly associated with real estate.  Students will learn the historical background, which makes real estate unique, along with a practical understanding of the different local practices affecting its purchase and sale.  Some basic math skills will be helpful in order to facilitate understanding of surveys, the proper calculation of taxes and the settlement statement.
Prerequisite:  LEX 111
3/0/0 FA

LEX 125    Comparative Business Entities    3cr.
(Formerly LGT 219)
The sole proprietorship, partnership (general and limited), the limited liability company and the general business corporation, including an analysis of formation, operation, dissolution, financing and tax implications of each entity are covered.  Legal documents reviewed will include initial organizational documents, stock certificates, stock transfer ledger, by-laws and minutes, trade name certificates, and means of dissolution.  Law practice and procedure will be explored in buy-sell agreements, employment agreements and non-competition agreements.
3/0/0 SP

LEX 212    Civil Litigation Practice    3cr.
(Formerly LGT 211)
This course covers general rules governing lawyers, courts and civil practice.  Students will become familiar with the court rules, pre-trial procedure and common legal issues.  Special emphasis will be placed on understanding ethics rules and professional responsibility.  Students will also understand the requirements for filing complaints, answers and for pre-trial discovery, including interrogatories, depositions, subpoenas and motion practice.
Prerequisites:  LEX 111, BUA 205
3/0/0 FA

LEX 214    Administration of Decedents’ Estates    3cr.
(Formerly LGT 221)
Practice and procedures with respect to estates, wills and their legal effects, administration of estates, trusts, accountings, devises, bequests, distribution of estates, law of intestate distribution, obligations of fiduciaries, and the Probate Division of the courts are covered.  An examination of New Jersey inheritance tax and federal estate tax returns are included.
Prerequisites:  LEX 111, BUA 205, and ACC 110 or ACC 112
3/0/0 FA

LEX 225    Paralegal Skills and Practices    3cr.
(Formerly LGT 220)
The practical application of substantive law concerning civil litigation, personal and real property, probate practice, family law, administration of decedents’ estates and legal research.  Students will prepare and analyze documents simulating practice in offices where paralegals may serve, utilizing skills gained in the prerequisite courses.
Prerequisites:  LEX 110, LEX 111, LEX 112, LEX 113,
LEX 122, LEX 124, LEX 125, LEX 212, and LEX 214
3/0/0

LEX 235    Paralegal Internship    3cr.
The internship program provides an opportunity for students to gain workplace experience.  The student will be placed in a law office or other firm utilizing paralegals and be under the supervision of an attorney.  The internship is guided by prescribed learning outcomes that are specific to the type and orientation of the firm or business in which the student is placed.
Prerequisites:  LEX 110, LEX 111, LEX 112, LEX 113 and LEX 212
3/0/0 By Arrangement



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