General Law Office Certificate (C25380)

To be eligible for the Paralegal Technology, General Law Office Certificate, students must have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in any discipline from any institution of post-secondary education that is accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.

For a student to be eligible to sit for the North Carolina Certified Paralegal exam, nine hours of LEX courses must be taken as seated, in-person courses consisting of live, real-time, or simultaneous broadcast.

Fall Semester 1

Course	LEX 120 - Legal Research/Writing I LEX 120 - Legal Research/Writing I This course introduces the techniques of legal research and writing. Emphasis is placed on locating, analyzing, applying, and updating sources of law; effective legal writing, including proper citation; and the use of electronic research methods. Upon completion, students should be able to perform legal research and writing assignments using techniques covered in the course. Class: 2.00 Lab: 2.00 Credits: 3.00
Class Hours	2.00
Lab Hours	2.00
Credits	3.00
Course	LEX 140 - Civil Litigation I LEX 140 - Civil Litigation I This course introduces the structure of the legal system and the rules governing civil litigation. Topics include jurisdiction state and federal rules of civil procedure and evidence. Upon completion, students should be able to assist an attorney in pre-litigation matters and preparation of pleadings and motions. Class: 3.00 Credits: 3.00
Class Hours	3.00
Credits	3.00
Course	LEX 250 - Wills, Estates, & Trusts LEX 250 - Wills, Estates, & Trusts This course covers various types of wills, trusts, probate, estate administration, and intestacy. Topics include types of wills and execution requirements, caveats and dissents, intestate succession, inventories and accountings, distribution and settlement, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to draft simple wills, prepare estate forms, understand administration of estates including taxation, and explain terms regarding trusts. Class: 2.00 Lab: 2.00 Credits: 3.00
Class Hours	2.00
Lab Hours	2.00
Credits	3.00
Course
Credits	Total: 9

Course	Class Hours	Lab Hours	Credits
LEX 120 - Legal Research/Writing I LEX 120 - Legal Research/Writing I This course introduces the techniques of legal research and writing. Emphasis is placed on locating, analyzing, applying, and updating sources of law; effective legal writing, including proper citation; and the use of electronic research methods. Upon completion, students should be able to perform legal research and writing assignments using techniques covered in the course. Class: 2.00 Lab: 2.00 Credits: 3.00	2.00	2.00	3.00
LEX 140 - Civil Litigation I LEX 140 - Civil Litigation I This course introduces the structure of the legal system and the rules governing civil litigation. Topics include jurisdiction state and federal rules of civil procedure and evidence. Upon completion, students should be able to assist an attorney in pre-litigation matters and preparation of pleadings and motions. Class: 3.00 Credits: 3.00	3.00		3.00
LEX 250 - Wills, Estates, & Trusts LEX 250 - Wills, Estates, & Trusts This course covers various types of wills, trusts, probate, estate administration, and intestacy. Topics include types of wills and execution requirements, caveats and dissents, intestate succession, inventories and accountings, distribution and settlement, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to draft simple wills, prepare estate forms, understand administration of estates including taxation, and explain terms regarding trusts. Class: 2.00 Lab: 2.00 Credits: 3.00	2.00	2.00	3.00
			Total: 9

Spring Semester 1

Course	LEX 130 - Civil Injuries LEX 130 - Civil Injuries This course covers traditional tort concepts and the evolving body of individual rights created by statute. Topics include intentional and non-intentional torts with emphasis on negligence, strict liability, civil rights, workplace and environmental liability, remedies, and damages. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize, explain, and evaluate elements of civil injuries and related defenses. Class: 3.00 Credits: 3.00
Class Hours	3.00
Credits	3.00
Course	LEX 160 - Criminal Law & Procedure LEX 160 - Criminal Law & Procedure This course introduces substantive criminal law and procedural rights of the accused. Topics include elements of state/federal crimes, defenses, constitutional issues, pre-trial and trial process, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to explain elements of specific crimes and assist an attorney in preparing a criminal case. Class: 2.00 Lab: 2.00 Credits: 3.00
Class Hours	2.00
Lab Hours	2.00
Credits	3.00
Course	LEX 240 - Family Law LEX 240 - Family Law This course covers laws governing domestic relations. Topics include marriage, separation, divorce, child custody, support, property division, adoption, domestic violence, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to interview clients, gather information, and draft documents related to family law. Class: 3.00 Credits: 3.00
Class Hours	3.00
Credits	3.00
Course
Credits	Total: 9

Course	Class Hours	Lab Hours	Credits
LEX 130 - Civil Injuries LEX 130 - Civil Injuries This course covers traditional tort concepts and the evolving body of individual rights created by statute. Topics include intentional and non-intentional torts with emphasis on negligence, strict liability, civil rights, workplace and environmental liability, remedies, and damages. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize, explain, and evaluate elements of civil injuries and related defenses. Class: 3.00 Credits: 3.00	3.00		3.00
LEX 160 - Criminal Law & Procedure LEX 160 - Criminal Law & Procedure This course introduces substantive criminal law and procedural rights of the accused. Topics include elements of state/federal crimes, defenses, constitutional issues, pre-trial and trial process, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to explain elements of specific crimes and assist an attorney in preparing a criminal case. Class: 2.00 Lab: 2.00 Credits: 3.00	2.00	2.00	3.00
LEX 240 - Family Law LEX 240 - Family Law This course covers laws governing domestic relations. Topics include marriage, separation, divorce, child custody, support, property division, adoption, domestic violence, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to interview clients, gather information, and draft documents related to family law. Class: 3.00 Credits: 3.00	3.00		3.00
			Total: 9