Revised 8/2023

LGL 200 - Ethics for the Paralegal (1 CR.)

Course Description

Examines general principles of ethical conduct applicable to paralegals. Includes the application of rules of ethics to the practicing paralegal. Lecture one hour per week.

General Course Purpose

Serves as a course requirement for the Paralegal Studies AAS degree. Familiarizes students with the Rules of Professional Conduct and their application to the paralegal.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

None.

Course Objectives

  • Identify ethical rules and guidelines that apply to paralegals and attorneys.
  • Identify what constitutes the unauthorized practice of law and how to avoid it.
  • Identify conflicts of interest issues and how to disclose conflicts of interest.
  • Identify unethical conduct in various situations akin to the legal profession
  • Identify appropriate strategies for responding to unethical conduct in the workplace.

Major Topics to Be Included

  • Regulation of Lawyers and Paralegals
  • The Unauthorized Practice of Law
  • Confidentiality and Conflict Checks
  • Advertising and Solicitation
  • Fees and Client Funds
  • Competency
  • Professionalism and Special Issues