Introduces various areas of law in which a legal assistant may be employed. Includes study of court system (Virginia and federal) as well as a brief overview of criminal law, torts, domestic relations, evidence, ethics, the role of the legal assistant and other areas of interest. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Studies elements of a valid marriage, grounds for divorce and annulment, separation, defenses, custody, support, adoptions, and applicable tax consequences. Includes property settlement, pre- and ante-nuptial agreements, pleadings, and rules of procedure. May include specific federal and Virginia consumer laws. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Provides an understanding of various components of a law library, and emphasizes research skills through the use of digests, encyclopedias, reporter systems, codes, Shepards, ALR and other research tools. May include overview of computer applications and writing projects. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Studies proper preparation of various legal documents, may include case and appellate briefs, legal memoranda, letters and pleadings. Involves practical applications. Requires competence in English grammar. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Introduces management principles and systems applicable to law firms, including record keeping, disbursements, escrow accounts, billing, and purchasing. May include accounting methods and software packages applicable to law firms. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Examines general principles of ethical conduct applicable to legal assistants. Includes the application of rules of ethics to the practicing legal assistant. Lecture 1 hour per week.

Examines the trial process, including the preparation of a trial notebook, pretrial motions, and orders. May include preparation of interrogatories, depositions, and other discovery tools used in assembling evidence in preparation for trial or an administrative hearing. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Focuses on major crimes: their classification, elements of proof, intent, conspiracy, responsibility, parties, and defenses. Emphasizes Virginia law. Gives general principles of applicable constitutional law and criminal procedure. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Teaches students how to administer an estate efficiently. Includes instruction on substantive areas of law and preparation of forms and provides samples for the efficient administration of decedent's estates. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Focuses on methods and practices in administrative area of real estate closings, back title information, preliminary report from attorney's title notes, lender's requirements, payoffs, HUD-1 settlement statement, real estate taxes, interest, escrow, disbursement and release of liens of record. Lecture 3 hours per week.