Course Descriptions
MPPG 121 Introduction to Legal Assistant (3) - Examination of the concept, qualifications, and role of the legal assistant. Selected topics include legal terminology, the levels of government, court structure and operation, the structure of the American legal system, basic interviewing and investigative techniques, the ethical considerations governing the lawyer/legal assistant-client-public relationships, and the role of the legal assistant in several substantive law areas.
MPPG 226 Business Associations (3) - Examination of the substantive law of business organizations, including the Uniform Partnership Act and the Model Business Corporation Act. Student drafts partnership agreements, corporate documents, and limited-liability company documents.
MPPG 227 Estates and Trusts (3) - Examination of the substantive and procedural law of wills, trusts, and estate administration. The student drafts a will and a trust, and prepares administration documents. (Formerly MCPG 227)
MPPG 228 Real Estate Law (3) - Examination of the substantive law of real property. Training in the study of the law of real estate transactions. Topics include general principles of real estate law, conveyancing, loan-closing procedure, sale of real estate and sales contracts, title examination, deed preparation, foreclosures, leasing of real estate, option contracts, and recordation of various instruments. (Formerly MCPG 228)
MPPG 229 Litigation (3) - Examination of the process of litigation. Special emphasis is placed on the pretrial stage including pleading and discovery. The student performs tasks commonly performed by litigation legal assistants.
MPPG 300 Business Law for Paralegals (3) - Introduction to the legal environment of business; learn the law of contracts and its effects on business; become familiar with the law regarding personal property, prepare documents in connection with commercial paper and secured transactions under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), prepare contracts for employment, business, and real property.
MPPG 301 Employment Law (3)* - The student will become familiar with transactions and will prepare documentation for the state and federal laws with respect to employment, sexual harassment, employment discrimination under Title VII and state law, litigation in the state and federal courts regarding employment matters, the Americans with Disabilities Act and its effect on employment, and the Family and Medical Leave Act and its effect on employment.
MPPG 304 Family Law (3) - Examination of the substantive law of domestic relations. Topics covered include annulment, divorce, custody, and adoption. The student will learn the procedures used in this area and will prepare commonly filed documents and pleadings.
MPPG 306 Debtor/Creditor Law (3) - Examination of the most frequently occurring topics of debtor-creditor law as they occur in a general law practice. Topics include creditor collection devices, Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), and bankruptcy.
MPPG 307 Criminal Law (3)* - The student will learn the common law and statutory definitions of crimes (including crimes against persons and property), how to apply defenses to crimes, the application of the constitutional rights of the accused, and the procedures of criminal prosecution.
MPPG 323 Legal Research and Writing (3) - The student will acquire basic techniques and practical skills required in the use of legal materials. Problem assignments require the student to use many of the standard legal written authorities. Students will use the Cumberland School of Law library in the preparation of case briefs, memoranda, and appellate briefs.
*Either Employment Law or Criminal Law may be taken to satisfy the program requirements