This course is designed to introduce the student to the American legal system, the profession of law, and the evolving roles of today’s paralegal. Additionally, this course provides an overview of the legal terminology, concepts, and principles specific to various fields of law, including contracts, torts, criminal law, real property, and family law - with a designed focus on the paralegal’s roles relative to each. Students are introduced and instructed on how to approach a variety of administrative and technical skills necessary to succeed as a paralegal, including legal research (using subscription-based and free legal resources), critical reading and analysis and various forms of legal writing. Students are also introduced to the life cycle of a typical case, including the paralegal’s role at each stage, including the initial client interview, investigation, case management, pretrial matters, and the basics of trial preparation. The course also provides an overview of law office administration and legal technologies. Underlying each component of this course is a focus on legal ethics and professional responsibility.