CCOG for PL 103 archive revision 201701

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Effective Term:
Winter 2017 through Spring 2019

Course Number:
PL 103
Course Title:
Introduction to Law - Ethics
Credit Hours:
3
Lecture Hours:
30
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Covers Oregon ethics rules and their practical application for the paralegal. Includes application of rules via systems and procedures used in law practice. Audit available.

Addendum to Course Description

Also relates the Oregon ethics rules to the ABA Model Guidelines For the Utilization of Legal Assistant Services, the NALA Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility, and the NFPA Affirmation of Responsibility. A core course, required for a Paralegal Certificate or an Associate of Applied Science degree.
 

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

  1. Apply and utilize fundamental concepts of professional legal ethics as applied to human interactions within the firm and with clients.
  2. Utilize analytical skills when applying professional legal ethics to fact situations involving attorney-client and other situations.
  3. Avoid malpractice and violations of professional ethical rules for law firms, lawyers, paralegals and other employees
  4. Apply mathematical computation and analysis in common fact patterns using relevant ethics legal principles.
  5. Use resources available to paralegals for addressing and resolving ethical issues

Course Activities and Design


 

Outcome Assessment Strategies

Grades will be based upon student performance on assignments including: in-class assignments; out-of-class assignments; exams, attendance, participation and other projects. 
 

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

Recognize the potential for and institute procedures to avoid ethical problems such as conflicts of interest, commingling funds, communicating with a represented party and unlawful practice of law.
Apply given rules to novel fact situations involving such ethical issues as lawyer advertising, zealously representing a client's interests within the bounds of the law, preserving confidentiality, and malpractice.  
 

Related Instruction

Computation
Hours: 3

  1. Apply mathematical computation and analysis in common fact pattern using relevant ethics legal principles.

computations involving use and management of client trust accounts in law offices or comparable exercises.

Communication

.

Human Relations
Hours: 80

  1. Apply and utilize fundamental concepts of professional legal ethics as applied to human interactions within the firm and with clients.
  2. Utilize analytical skills when applying professional legal ethics to fact situations involving attorney-client and other situations.
  3. Avoid malpractice and violations of professional ethical rules for law firms, lawyers, paralegals and other employees
  4. Use resources available to paralegals for addressing and resolving ethical issues

Content and activities include:

  • assignments and class discussion regarding licensing or certification of paralegals;
  • written assignment and analysis involving Unauthorized Practice of Law;
  • written assignments and analysis of witnesses who commit perjury;
  • analysis of potential ethical violations of misleading attorney advertisements;
  • and/or comparable activities involving the Oregon Rules of Professional Conduct.