Paralegal Studies
PLS 101 (3 Credits) Fall, Spring
Introduction to Paralegal Studies (3+0)
A general survey of the skills required to work as a paralegal in today's job market. Focus on paralegal regulation, licensing and ethical considerations; use of law library to locate and research legal issues; use of interviewing, investigating and discovery techniques to develop facts of a case. Legal vocabulary of approximately 200 words is learned and discussed. Research project on topic selected by student replaces final exam.
PLS 203 (3 Credits) Spring
Torts (3+0)
Study of the basic essentials needed to effectively assist an attorney in the filing or defense of claims based on personal injury and property damage. A basic vocabulary of legal terminology associated with tort law is studied together with important statutes and case law. Emphasis on Alaska law. (Prerequisite: PLS 101 or instructor permission.)
PLS 210 (3 Credits) Fall
Civil Procedure (3+0)
Basic vocabulary and concepts essential to effectively assist an attorney with the procedural aspects of civil litigations. (Prerequisite: PLS 101 or instructor permission.)
PLS 213 (3 Credits) Spring
Criminal Law for Paralegals (3+0)
Study of both the substantive criminal law and the rudiments of criminal procedure, focusing on both Alaska law and procedure and important constitutional considerations associated with due process, search and seizure and Fifth Amendment rights. Learn and work with a basic vocabulary unique to criminal law and procedure. (Prerequisite: PLS 101 or instructor permission. Does not substitute for JUST 352.)
PLS 215 (3 Credits) Fall
Contracts/Real Property (3+0)
Basic vocabulary and concepts essential to effectively assist an attorney with the preparation of contracts and real property transactions. (Prerequisite: PLS 101 or instructor permission.)
PLS 240 (3 Credits) Spring
Family Law (3+0)
Basic vocabulary and concepts essential to understanding family law and assisting a practicing attorney. (Prerequisite: PLS 101 or instructor permission.)
PLS 242 (3 Credits) Spring
Employment and Administrative Law (3+0)
Legal principles which define the relationship between employers and employees. Includes obligations imposed by Federal and Alaska state statutes, and administrative regulations. Includes how administrative agencies are created, and how they provide administrative law through promulgation of rules and regulations and through quasi-judicial decisions.
PLS 250 (3 Credits) Fall
Probate Law (3+0)
Basics of probate law and the Uniform Probate code. Includes the preparation and interpretation of wills, administration of decedent's estates, intestate succession laws, guardianships, and other related probate matters. Focus on Alaska statutes and probate rules.
PLS 299 (3 Credits) Fall, Spring
Paralegal Studies Internship (3+0)
An internship involving a minimum of 150 hours of work under the supervision of an attorney, and, when available, a practicing paralegal for that attorney in a local law office or law related situation. Must seek approval of faculty advisor for admittance. (Prerequisites: Must have completed at least 75% of paralegal studies degree requirements with a minimum 2.8 cumulative grade point average or approval of UAF faculty advisor. Note: Students meet as a class only once. All subsequent classes or meetings with UAF faculty advisor are arranged by individual student(s) and advisor.)