Paralegal Studies
12 courses · Allan Hancock College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
PLGL 101 Intro to Paralegal Studies
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- N/A
Acquire the basic knowledge needed to begin your career as a paralegal. This course provides an in-depth overview of the legal system with special emphasis on the duties and responsibilities of a paralegal.
PLGL 102 Criminal Law & Procedure
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- N/A
Introduction to criminal law and procedure for the paralegal. This course includes crimes against persons, habitation, property, order, justice, and morals. Defenses to criminal activity, search and seizure, confessions, pretrial, trial, and sentencing are also covered
PLGL 103 Civil Litigation
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- N/A
Introduction to civil litigation for the paralegal. This course is a survey of litigation, from the initial client interview to post-trial appeals. Complaint drafting, filing, service motions, answers, and discovery are covered. Settlement and trial are also included.
PLGL 104 Legal Research & Writing
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- N/A
This course covers the sources and methods of legal research as related to cases, statutes, and secondary materials. Students will engage in objective legal writing based upon their research.
PLGL 105 Legal Analysis & Writing
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- N/A
Designed to expose paralegal students to written advocacy and discovery requests. Emphasizes persuasive writing techniques, writing for a purpose, and discovery mechanics. Students will complete substantial writing assignments.
PLGL 106 Case Management
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- N/A
This course is designed to help students develop the conceptual and technical skills necessary to manage cases in a law office environment. The course includes interaction with case management software, databases, and word processing.
PLGL 107 Ethics for Paralegals
- Units
- 1
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- N/A
Ethics are the standards that regulate the integrity of the legal profession. This course will improve your understanding of how paralegals are affected by ethical issues.
PLGL 108 Wills and Trusts
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- N/A
This course introduces the law governing wills, trusts, and estate planning. It emphasizes practical applications for paralegals and exposes students to forms and procedures used in a law office.
PLGL 109 Family Law
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- N/A
This course introduces the basic concepts of California Family Law and emphasizes the development of practical drafting skills used by paralegals. The course examines terminology, procedures, and legal document preparation involved in family law matters.
PLGL 110 Intellectual Property Law
- Units
- 3
- C-ID
- N/A
This course provides review of intellectual property law including patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Applied techniques for conducting patent searches, conducting research, and creating legal documents and forms will be emphasized.
PLGL 111 Tort Law for Paralegals
- Units
- 3
- Advisory
- PLGL 101
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- N/A
Under tort law, an injured party can bring a civil lawsuit to seek compensation for a wrong done to the party or to the party's property. This course provides an overview of tort law, tort remedies, and drafting of basic documents.
PLGL 112 Corporations, Partnership, LLC
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- N/A
An entrepreneur must make a choice as to which type of business to form and operate. Corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, and sole proprietorships are among the different types of business organizations. This course reviews the law regarding the formation and operation of various forms of business organizations. It provides guidance on drafting original documents to form a business.