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2020-2021 Catalog
2020-2021
  • Introduction
    • About the College
    • College Administrative Staff
    • District Executive Staff
    • District Board of Trustees
    • President's Message
    • Chancellor's Message
    • Non-​Discrimination Policy
  • College Profile
    • Mission
    • Strategic Initiatives
    • Student Learning Outcomes
    • Institutional/​General Education Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
    • Schedule
    • Accreditation
    • Code of Ethics
    • Civility Statement
  • Admissions/​Registration/​Fees/​Financial Aid
    • Academic Calendar
    • Eligibility for Admission
    • Application for Admission
    • Residency Requirements
    • International Students
    • Transcripts from Other Colleges
    • Advanced Placement Program
    • Transfer Credit
    • Credit for Military Service
    • Credit by Examination
    • Open Enrollment &​ Registration Priorities
    • Classification of Students
    • Student Status (Full-​Time/​Half-​Time)
    • Minimum Unit Requirements
    • Maximum Unit Load
    • Adding Classes
    • Dropping Classes
    • Student Success Policies
    • Student Success Support Program
    • Student Fees
    • Official Withdrawal from College
    • Refunds
    • Financial Aid Programs
    • Return to Title IV Aid Policy
    • Grades
  • Graduation/​Transfer/​General Education
    • Associate Degrees and Certificates
    • Institutional/​General Learning Outcomes
    • General Education Requirements for Associate in Science
    • General Education Requirements for Associate in Arts
    • CSU General Education Requirements
    • Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC)
    • General Education Reciprocity
    • Transferring to a Four Year College/​University
    • Identification Numbering System (C-​ID)
  • Degrees and Certificates
    • Accounting
      • Accounting -​ Associate in Science
      • Accounting -​ Certificate of Achievement
    • Administration of Justice
      • Administration of Justice -​ Associate in Arts
      • Administration of Justice -​ Associate in Science
      • Administration of Justice -​ Associate In Science for Transfer
    • Anthropology
      • Anthropology -​ Associate in Arts for Transfer
    • Art
      • Art -​ Design Emphasis -​ Associate in Science
      • Small Metal Arts -​ Certificate of Specialization
      • Studio Arts -​ Associate in Arts
      • Studio Arts -​ Associate in Arts for Transfer
    • Automotive Technology
      • American Honda -​ Certificate of Achievement
      • Auto -​ Drivetrain and Chassis -​ Associate in Science
      • Auto -​ Drivetrain and Chassis -​ Certificate of Achievement
      • Auto -​ Electrical-​Engine Performance -​ Associate in Science
      • Auto -​ Electrical-​Engine Performance -​ Certificate of Achievement
      • Automotive Technology Smog Specialist -​ Certificate of Achievement
      • Automotive Foundational Skills – Certificate of Achievement
      • Automotive Foundational Skills – Certificate of Specialization
      • Hybrid Electric Vehicle Maintenance and Repair – Certificate of Specialization
    • Biology
      • Biology -​ Associate in Arts
      • Biology -​ Associate in Science for Transfer
      • General Studies with Emphasis in Health Science -​ Associate in Arts
      • General Studies with Emphasis in Natural Science -​ Associate in Arts
    • Building Information Modeling
      • Building Information Modeling (BIM) -​ Certificate of Achievement
    • Business
      • Business Administration -​ Associate in Arts
      • Business Administration -​ Associate in Science for Transfer
      • Entrepreneurship -​ Certificate of Achievement
    • Business Information Systems
      • BIS -​ Information Processing Specialist -​ Associate in Science
      • BIS -​ Information Processing Specialist -​ Certificate of Achievement
      • BIS -​ General Business -​ Associate in Science
      • BIS -​ General Business -​ Certificate of Achievement
      • Medical Assistant -​ Front Office -​ Certificate of Achievement
      • Patient Community Navigator -​ Certificate of Specialization
    • Chemistry
      • Chemistry -​ Associate in Arts
      • Chemistry – Associate in Science for Transfer
      • Foundational Chemistry – Certificate of Achievement
    • Communication Studies
      • Communication Studies -​ Associate in Arts for Transfer
    • Computer Aided Design and Drafting
      • CADD -​ AutoDesk -​ Certificate of Specialization
      • CADD -​ Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) -​ Associate in Science
      • CADD -​ Mechanical Modeling -​ Certificate of Specialization
      • CADD 3-​D -​ Certificate of Specialization
    • Computer and Information Technology
      • Enterprise Cybersecurity -​ Certificate of Specialization
      • Programming in C++ -​ Certificate of Specialization
      • Programming in JAVA -​ Certificate of Specialization
    • Counseling
      • CSU GE-​Breadth -​ Certificate of Achievement
      • IGETC -​ Certificate of Achievement
      • Liberal Studies with Emphasis in Elementary Teacher Preparation -​ Associate in Arts
    • Dance
      • Dance – Certificate of Achievement
      • Dance -​ Certificate of Specialization
    • Economics
      • Economics -​ Associate in Arts for Transfer
    • Engineering
      • Engineering -​ Associate in Arts
      • Engineering -​ Associate in Science
      • Robotics -​ Certificate of Specialization
    • English
      • English -​ Associate in Arts
      • English -​ Associate in Arts for Transfer
    • Ethnic Studies
      • Social Justice Studies-​African American Studies – Associate in Arts for Transfer
      • Social Justice Studies-​Asian American Studies – Associate in Arts for Transfer
      • Social Justice Studies-​Chicano Studies – Associate in Arts for Transfer
      • Social Justice Studies-​Ethnic Studies – Associate in Arts for Transfer
    • Family Consumer Studies
      • Child and Adolescent Development -​ Associate in Arts for Transfer
      • Nutrition and Dietetics-​Associate in Science for Transfer
    • Foreign Language
      • Translation and Interpretation -​ Certificate of Achievement
    • History
      • History -​ Associate in Arts for Transfer
    • Kinesiology
      • Kinesiology -​ Associate in Arts for Transfer
    • Legal Assistant
      • Paralegal Studies -​ Associate in Arts
      • Paralegal Studies -​ Associate in Science
      • Paralegal Studies -​ Certificate of Achievement
    • Mathematics
      • Mathematics -​ Associate in Science for Transfer
    • Music
      • Music -​ Associate in Arts for Transfer
    • Nursing
      • Nursing -​ Associate in Science
    • Physical Science
      • General Studies with Emphasis in Astronomy -​ Associate in Arts
    • Physics
      • Physics -​ Associate in Science for Transfer
    • Psychology
      • Psychology -​ Associate in Arts for Transfer
    • Sociology
      • General Studies with Emphasis in Sociology -​ Associate in Arts
    • Surveying and Geomatics
      • Surveying and Geomatics -​ Associate in Arts
      • Surveying and Geomatics -​ Associate in Science
      • Surveying and Geomatics -​ Certificate of Achievement
    • Women's Studies
      • General Studies with Emphasis in Women and Gender Studies -​ Associate in Arts
  • Course Descriptions and Information
    • Course Information Keys
    • Course Numbering
    • Repeating Courses
    • Course Descriptions
      • Accounting (ACCTG)
      • Administration of Justice (AJ)
      • Anthropology (ANTH)
      • Art (ART)
      • Astronomy (ASTRO)
      • Athletics (ATH)
      • Athletics Intercollegiate Men (ATHM)
      • Athletics Intercollegiate Women (ATHW)
      • Automotive Technology (AUTO)
      • Biology (BIOL)
      • Building Information Modeling (BIM)
      • Business (BUS)
      • Business Information Systems (BIS)
      • Chemistry (CHEM)
      • Communication Studies (COMS)
      • Computer &​ Information Technology (CIT)
      • Computer Aided Design &​ Drafting (CADD)
      • Computer Science (COMSC)
      • Computerized Individual Instruction (CII)
      • Counseling (COUNS)
      • Dance (DANCE)
      • Economics (ECON)
      • Education (EDUC)
      • Educational Instructional Technology (EDIT)
      • Engineering (ENGR)
      • Engineering Technology (ENGRT)
      • English (ENGL)
      • English As a Second Language (ESL)
      • Environmental Science (ENVIR)
      • Ethnic Studies (ETH)
      • Family and Consumer Studies (FCS)
      • French (FREN)
      • Geography (GEOG)
      • Health Education (HED)
      • History (HIST)
      • Humanities (HUMNT)
      • Individualized Instruction (II)
      • Interdisciplinary Studies (IDIS)
      • Journalism (JOURN)
      • Kinesiology (KINS)
      • Legal Assistant (LA)
      • Library Studies (LIB)
      • Manufacturing Technology (MFGT)
      • Mathematics (MATH)
      • Music (MUSIC)
      • Nursing (NURS)
      • Oceanography (OCEAN)
      • Philosophy (PHIL)
      • Photography (PHOTO)
      • Physical Education (PED)
      • Physical Science (PHYSC)
      • Physics (PHYS)
      • Political Science (POLSC)
      • Psychology (PSYCH)
      • Service Learning (SERV)
      • Sign Language (SL)
      • Sociology (SOC)
      • Spanish (SPAN)
      • Surveying and Geomatics (SG)
      • Theatre Arts (THEAT)
      • Vietnamese (VIET)
      • Water/​Wastewater Technology (WWT)
      • Women's Studies (WOMS)
      • Work Experience (WE)
  • Academic Policies
    • Awards of Distinction
    • Grades
    • Auditing
    • Units
    • Pass/​No Pass Grading
    • Attendance
    • Class Conflicts
    • Academic Renewal
    • Academic Leave (Leave of Absence)
    • Student Records
    • Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
    • Student Success Policies
    • Academic Probation, Dismissal and Reinstatement
    • Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
    • Lost and Found
  • Student Life, Student Success, Student Services and Special Academic Programs
    • Office of Student Life
    • CalFresh Program
    • CalWORKs Program
    • Campus Tutoring Program
    • Counseling
    • Disabilities Support Program (DSP)
    • Extended Opportunity Program and Services (EOPS)
    • Health Services
    • International Programs and Services
    • Learning Resource Center
    • Library Services
    • OASISS
    • Student Success Center
    • Student Success Ambassador Program
    • Transfer &​ Career Center
    • TRiO Talent Search
    • TRiO Upward Bound Program
    • Veterans Freedom Center (VFC)
    • Youth Empowerment Strategies for Success (YESS)
    • Special Academic Programs
  • College and District Policies
    • Academic Freedom Policy
    • Academic Senate
    • Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Information
    • Drug-​Free Workplace Policy
    • Non-​Smoking Policy
    • Parking Information
    • Policy on Consensual Relationships
    • SJECCD Public Safety
    • Maxient Reporting Forms/​Community Concern Reporting Forms
    • Standards of Student Conduct
    • Nondiscrimination and Harassment
    • Student Grievance
    • Student-​Right-​To-​Know Act
    • Distance Education
  • College Personnel

College Catalog

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  • Home/
  • Degrees and Certificates/
  • Legal Assistant

Legal Assistant

  • Degrees/Certificates
  • Courses

Associate Degrees

  • Paralegal Studies - Associate in Arts
  • Paralegal Studies - Associate in Science

Certificate

  • Paralegal Studies - Certificate of Achievement

LA 010     Introduction to Law, Legal Research, the Constitution, and Ethics     3 Units

This course provides an introduction to law, legal research, constitutional law, legal ethics, litigation, and the legal process while helping students build the foundational skills necessary to succeed in advanced paralegal courses and in professional careers. The course includes an overview of constitutional law and court systems, a survey of legal ethics, an introduction to legal research methods, and an examination of current careers for legal professionals. Course objectives include the development of a working knowledge of the legal system, acquisition of basic legal research skills, and an understanding of current ethical guidelines in the law.

Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: No  Grading: L

Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None

Transfer Status: CSU     Degree Applicable: AA/AS

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

LA 011     Overview of Contracts, Property, and Tort Law     3 Units

This course provides an essential overview of the three main areas of civil law: contracts, property, and tort law. Students will learn the legal requirements of valid contracts and the functions of commonly used provisions as they gain experience drafting and customizing various contracts. Students will also receive an introduction to property law, including the basic concepts involved in the ownership and use of personal property and real property. The class will also cover the fundamentals of tort law, including intentional torts, negligence, strict liability torts, and the policies and procedures of a personal injury law office.

Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: No  Grading: L

Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None

Transfer Status: CSU     Degree Applicable: AA/AS

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

LA 014     Civil Litigation     3 Units

This course provides students with an understanding of the fundamental principles and preparation of civil cases for trial. Students will learn how to access and utilize appropriate Judicial Council forms, draft pleadings and motions, conduct pre-trail discovery, prepare trial notebooks, and handle other responsibilities that are typical for paralegals in a litigation-oriented law office.

Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: No  Grading: L

Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None

Transfer Status: CSU     Degree Applicable: AA/AS

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

LA 016     California Courts and Litigation Practice     3 Units

This course serves as an introduction to courts of law in this state, including the California Supreme Court, Courts of Appeal, Superior Courts, and California-based federal District Courts. The course covers the structure, institutions, jurisdiction, and rules of the court system. In addition, students will gain practical knowledge of the various stages of litigation practice that involve the courts, including the filing/e-filing of cases, preparation of court documents, proper use of discovery, and readiness for trial.

Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: No  Grading: L

Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None

Transfer Status: CSU     Degree Applicable: AA/AS

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

LA 033     Tort and Personal Injury Law     3 Units

This course prepares the student to assist attorneys and corporations in tort and personal injury law. Students gain substantive knowledge of tort law and will be trained in the use of specific forms and procedures utilized in personal injury work. Course content includes intentional torts, negligence, strict liability, professional malpractice, causation, proximate cause, employer's liability, nuisance, misrepresentation, product liability, and complex litigation.

Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: No  Grading: L

Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None

Transfer Status: CSU     Degree Applicable: AA/AS

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

LA 034     Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning     3 Units

The course provides students with a practical understanding of the laws of estate planning in California. Students will learn the appropriate procedures for drafting and interpreting will and trust documents, and will become familiar with the initial planning and preparation necessary for a comprehensive estate plan. Also discussed are techniques for drafting estate planning documents, estate administration, probate practice, the closing of an estate, relevant gift tax laws, and the role of the probate courts in estate planning.

Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: No  Grading: L

Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None

Transfer Status: CSU     Degree Applicable: AA/AS

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

LA 036     Real Estate and Property Law     3 Units

This course covers real property law, purchase and sales agreements, mortgages, leases, easements, deeds, closings, recordings of documents, and title searches. Emphasis will be placed upon interpreting the law and completing documents that are typically used for property transactions in a law office environment.

Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: No  Grading: L

Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None

Transfer Status: CSU     Degree Applicable: AA/AS

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

LA 038     Family Law     3 Units

This course covers the substantive law in the area of family law or domestic relations. Subjects covered will include dissolution of marriage, adoptions, guardianship, child/spousal/family support, child custody, and paternity. The class will train the student in the skills necessary to work as a paralegal in the area of family law. Content will include the use of Judicial Council forms, the preparation of pleadings, drafting of declaration, preparation of Income and Expense Declaration Form, the drafting of property settlement agreements, and the use of interviewing checklists.

Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: No  Grading: L

Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None

Transfer Status: CSU     Degree Applicable: AA/AS

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

LA 040     Criminal Law     3 Units

This course provides the student with a comprehensive understanding of the provisions of criminal law and procedure. Content will include the criminal court system and how it functions, the criminal justice system from arrest to trial and sentencing, elements of and defenses to all major crimes, and an overview of the criminal procedure from the arrest through the appeal.

Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: No  Grading: L

Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None

Transfer Status: CSU     Degree Applicable: AA/AS

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

LA 042     Corporate and Partnership Law     3 Units

This course provides students with a general understanding of the various legal structures of businesses and the laws governing business transactions. Students learn the basic laws of corporations, partnerships, sole proprietorships, and modern limited liability entities. The course will emphasize finding and utilizing proper business forms and drafting appropriate documents related to the creation and operation of the various business organizations.

Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: No  Grading: L

Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None

Transfer Status: CSU     Degree Applicable: AA/AS

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

LA 044     Intellectual Property Law     3 Units

This course introduces students to the law of patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets. Course content will include nature of these protected rights, what is protected, the requirements for protection, who may be protected, the duration of protection ownership, transfer of ownership, infringement, and remedies. Additionally, the course will cover trade protection, licensing, false advertising, and unfair competition.

Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: No  Grading: L

Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None

Transfer Status: CSU     Degree Applicable: AA/AS

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

LA 046     Immigration Law     3 Units

Students will study basic immigration law for paralegals. This is a hands-on approach to identification of people eligible to immigrate, types of visas, citizenship eligibility and application, and special conditions. Course topics include United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) structure, procedures, and filings; factual, country, and legal research; and immigration case management and technology.

Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: No  Grading: L

Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None

Transfer Status: CSU     Degree Applicable: AA/AS

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

LA 050     Constitutional Law     3 Units

This course presents a basic overview of the U. S. Constitution, from its development to present-day applications. Topics covered include the formation of the three branches of government, state's rights and responsibilities, the Bill of Rights, and the rights afforded individual citizens such as the freedoms of speech, religion, assembly, equal protection, due process, and the right to privacy. The course also covers the rights of persons accused of a crime, which are guaranteed by the Constitution and subsequent statutes.

Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: No  Grading: L

Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None

Transfer Status: CSU     Degree Applicable: AA/AS

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

LA 071     Legal Research     3 Units

This course provides the student with a working knowledge of the essential techniques used to research legal issues. Students will learn to find, select, and begin utilizing appropriate sources of law in the library and in online databases such as Westlaw and Lexis. The course covers primary sources of law such as federal and state constitutions, statutes, cases, and regulations, as well as secondary sources that include legal dictionaries, encyclopedias, digests, summaries, and articles. Students will learn how to update statute and case law using tools such as KeyCite and Shepard's citation indices. The course will include basic legal analysis and writing assignments which draw upon research results.

Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: No  Grading: L

Prerequisite: LA 010 with a C or better

Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write:3 Math: None

Transfer Status: CSU     Degree Applicable: AA/AS

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

LA 072     Advanced Legal Analysis & Writing     3 Units

This course provides students with advanced skills training in legal analysis, legal writing, and the use of electronic legal research using databases such as Westlaw and Lexis. Students will be presented with complex legal problems and will learn how to analyze them using the IRAC method (Issue, Rule, Analysis, Conclusion). Students will learn to present their legal analyses in professional quality written documents, including trial court pleadings, research memoranda, motions, client opinion letters and demand letters.

Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: No  Grading: L

Prerequisite: LA 010 with C or better.

Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None

Transfer Status: CSU     Degree Applicable: AA/AS

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

LA 138     Work Experience     1-8 Units

Occupational Work Experience is designed for students who work or volunteer in a field related to their career major. Students are required to provide evidence that they are enrolled in a career program (e.g., education plan or coursework in a career/occupational subject area). Students can earn one unit of credit for each 60 hours of unpaid volunteer time or 75 hours of paid work during the semester. Students can repeat Career/Occupational Work Experience, combined with General Work Experience, or alone, up to a maximum of 16 units. Internship/job placement is not guaranteed.

Lecture Hours: None  Lab Hours: 2.07  Repeatable: Yes  Grading: O

Corequisite: Be employed or a volunteer at an approved work-site for the minimum number of hours per unit as stipulated for paid and unpaid status.

Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None

Transfer Status: CSU     Degree Applicable: AA/AS

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

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Evergreen Valley College
3095 Yerba Buena Road, San Jose, CA 95135
(408) 274-7900
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