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Paralegal Studies Pathways
Click on each paralegal studies pathway to view the quarter-by-quarter classes and other recommendations.
These pathways assume:
- You will be a full-time student.
- You will start in the fall.
- You are ready to take 100- and 200-level classes.
If not, you can still complete the pathway! You will just need to make adjustments. Talk with your advisor to customize your plan.
PARALEGAL STUDIES, ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE (AAS) (90 CREDITS)
This program provides students with the knowledge and skills for entry into paralegal careers in public or private law offices and law-related agencies.
A grade of "C" or higher is required for all PLS courses.
Click here to download a fillable, printable planning worksheet.
Scroll to the end for a list of recommended electives.
Quarter 1
PLS 111 Introduction to Law and The Legal Process (5 credits)
| Description | This course provides students with an overview of the American Legal System, and introduces students to various legal fields and topics. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Prior or concurrent enrollment in PLS 127 |
| Course Attributes |
|
PLS 127 Legal Terminology (3 credits)
| Description | This is an introductory course for law office personnel on the definition, use, and spelling of legal terms. Includes Latin-based words generally used in the legal profession. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
BTEC 121 Word Processing I (3 credits)
| Description | Formerly BIS 121. Introductory course in word processing. Covers basics of document creation, formatting, and editing; introduces 'styles', graphics, and various types of standard formats. Recommended preparation: BTEC 101. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
ENGL& 101 English Composition I (5 credits)
| Description | This course helps students become more effective writers in academic and professional settings. Students learn to enter ongoing academic conversations, analyze and use secondary sources to formulate, develop, revise, and communicate ideas in writing, and shape their message to different purposes, audiences, and media. (CC) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of ENGL 95 or placement in ENGL& 101. |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 16
Career exploration: Find your people! Attend area-of-study activities and connect with clubs related to your career goals.
Action item: Meet with your advisor to build your degree plan.
Action item: Have your transfer-in credits officially evaluated.
Action item: Visit the Intercultural Center, the Learning Center, and the library.
Quarter 2
PLS 120 Civil Procedure and Litigation (5 credits)
| Description | Principles and procedures used in the U. S. Court system with strong emphasis on Washington court rules and case law. Topics include venue, jurisdiction, pleading, discovery and trial, including the administrative process. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Prior or concurrent enrollment in BTEC121 or BTEC 122; and prior or concurrent enrollment in PLS 127; and Prior or concurrent enrollment in PLS 111; and placement in ENGL& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
BUS 100 Business Math (5 credits)
| Description | Formerly BUSAD 100. Mathematical applications in business involving word problems. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
or COMPUTATION click for list (5 credits)
ORAL COMMUNICATION click for list (5 credits)
Total credits this quarter: 15
Course note: Recommended oral communication courses are CMST& 101 or CMST& 210.
Quarter 3
PLS 112 Law Office Technology (3 credits)
| Description | This course will increase students' awareness of law office computer systems and software and other technological advances which are, or will be, used in law offices, and enhance the student's ability to effectively utilize these resources. The student should also gain the ability to critically analyze law office automation. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Prior or concurrent enrollment in BTEC121 or BTEC 122; and prior or concurrent enrollment in PLS 127 |
| Course Attributes |
|
PLS 130 Legal Interviewing and Investigating (3 credits)
| Description | Covers interviewing techniques and skills needed to work with clients and witnesses. Includes investigation procedures and a general understanding of the rules of evidence. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Prior or concurrent enrollment in PLS 111 and PLS 127; and placement in ENGL& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
BTEC 122 Business Document Design (5 credits)
| Description | Formerly BIS 122. Advanced word processing and business document design techniques. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of BTEC 121 |
| Course Attributes |
|
HUMANITIES click for list (5 credits)
Total credits this quarter: 14-16
Course note: Okay to choose another elective (3-5 credits) instead of BTEC 122.
Career exploration: Look for a summer job or internship related to your career goals.
Quarter 4
PLS 175 Contracts, Consumer Law and Access to Justice (3 credits)
| Description | This course is an introduction to the principles of contract law. In addition to discussion of the basic substantive law of contracts and consumer law, the course will provide practical information for the paralegal, legal assistant, or Limited License Legal Technician (LLLT) inproviding access to justice. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Prior or concurrent enrollment in BTEC121 or BTEC 122; and prior or concurrent enrollment in PLS 111 and PLS 127; and placement in ENGL& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
BUS& 201 Business Law (5 credits)
| Description | Principles of law as they apply to business, including history, contracts, law of agencies, rights and duties of employer and employee, negotiable instruments, insurance, personal property, bailments, conditional sales, partnerships, corporations, real property and security relations. Recommended preparation: BUS& 101. (SS) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
or PLS 240 Practice Family Law I (5 credits )
| Description | Covers the fundamental issues of family law and providing services to family law clients under attorney supervision or as a Limited LicenseLegal Technician (LLLT) or other non-lawyer practitioner. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Prior or concurrent enrollment in BTEC121 or BTEC 122; and prior or concurrent enrollment in PLS 111 and PLS 127; and placement in ENGL& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
SOCIAL SCIENCE click for list (5 credits)
Optional: ELECTIVE (3-5 credits) - Check the total credits you will have earned by the end of Quarter 6. If they don't add up to at least 90, add some elective credits to this quarter.
Total credits this quarter: 14-18
Course note: Okay to choose another elective (3-5 credits) instead of BUS& 201 or PLS 240.
Career exploration: Listen to podcasts about the law or the kind of career you're aiming for.
Quarter 5
PLS 152 Intro to Legal Research, Writing and Analysis (5 credits)
| Description | This course is an introduction to a variety of legal resources, the use of the law library, and computerized legal research. Focus is on effective legal writing. Designed for law office staff, legal assistants, and Limited License Legal Technicians to develop skills in the process of legal research, writing, and analysis. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Prior or concurrent enrollment in PLS 111 and PLS 127; and placement in ENGL& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
PLS 241 Practice Family Law II (5 credits)
| Description | This course focuses on economic and child custody family law issues and providing services to family law clients supervised by an attorney and as a Limited License Legal Technician (LLLT) or other non-lawyer practitioner. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of PLS 240 with a minimum grade of C |
| Course Attributes |
|
MATH/SCIENCE click for list (5 credits)
Total credits for this quarter: 13-15
Course note: Okay to choose another elective (3-5 credits) instead of PLS 241.
Career exploration: Work on your resume through the Career and Transfer Center.
Action item: Meet with the internship coordinator about your Quarter 6 PLS internship.
Action item: Apply to graduate by week 3 of this quarter.
Quarter 6
PLS 151 Law Office Procedures and Ethics (5 credits)
| Description | Designed to help students preparing for or to enhance their careers as paralegals, Limited License Legal Technicians (LLLT) and legal secretaries. Topics include law office management, non-litigation, and litigation responsibilities. Emphasis on ethics, client interactions, business practices and understanding, formatting, and preparation of legal documents. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Prior or concurrent enrollment in BTEC121 or BTEC 122; and prior or concurrent enrollment in PLS 111 and PLS 127; and placement in ENGL& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
PLS 190 Paralegal Studies Internship (5 credits)
| Description | This course is designed for PLS students to work in a law office or agency in an internship capacity in order to gain experience in paralegal practice and to learn the daily operations of the office. Course maybe repeated for credit. Recommended preparation: completion of core and paralegal field requirements for paralegal studies degree. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
PLS 160 Administrative Law (5 credits)
| Description | This course covers the history of administrative agencies, administrative law procedures, use of expert witnesses, law of evidence, and constitutional limitations of judicial review. Designed for professional practice of paralegal staff and individuals working with law-related agencies. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Prior or concurrent enrollment in BTEC121 or BTEC 122; and prior or concurrent enrollment in PLS 111 and PLS 127; and placement in ENGL& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
or another ELECTIVE (3-5 credits)
Total credits this quarter: 13-15
Action item: Attend the spring job fair.
Recommended paralegal studies electives
- BTEC 122 Business document design (5 credits) (if not used as a core course)
- BUS& 201 Business law (5 credits)
- PLS 160 Administrative law (5 credits)
- PLS 190 Paralegal studies internship (1-5 credits)
- PLS 210 Legal documents, administrative processes, probate, wills (3 credits)
- PLS 220 Real estate legal procedures (3 credits)
- PLS 240 The practice of family law I (5 credits)
- PLS 241 The practice of family law II (5 credits)
- Any other PLS course not used as a core course
PARALEGAL STUDIES, CERTIFICATE (45 CREDITS)
The paralegal studies program provides students with the knowledge and skills for entry into paralegal careers in public or private law offices and law-related agencies.
- This certificate is for students who have already earned a bachelor's degree. You must provide documentation of your degree.
- A grade of "C" or higher is required for all PLS courses.
- Planning tip: To lighten the heavy quarter 1 course load, take PLS 127 and/or BTEC 121 ahead of time.
Click here to download a fillable, printable planning worksheet.
Scroll to the end for a list of recommended electives.
Quarter 1
BTEC 121 Word Processing I (3 credits)
| Description | Formerly BIS 121. Introductory course in word processing. Covers basics of document creation, formatting, and editing; introduces 'styles', graphics, and various types of standard formats. Recommended preparation: BTEC 101. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
PLS 111 Introduction to Law and The Legal Process (5 credits)
| Description | This course provides students with an overview of the American Legal System, and introduces students to various legal fields and topics. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Prior or concurrent enrollment in PLS 127 |
| Course Attributes |
|
PLS 127 Legal Terminology (3 credits)
| Description | This is an introductory course for law office personnel on the definition, use, and spelling of legal terms. Includes Latin-based words generally used in the legal profession. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
PLS 175 Contracts, Consumer Law and Access to Justice (3 credits)
| Description | This course is an introduction to the principles of contract law. In addition to discussion of the basic substantive law of contracts and consumer law, the course will provide practical information for the paralegal, legal assistant, or Limited License Legal Technician (LLLT) inproviding access to justice. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Prior or concurrent enrollment in BTEC121 or BTEC 122; and prior or concurrent enrollment in PLS 111 and PLS 127; and placement in ENGL& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
PLS 240 Practice Family Law I (5 credits)
| Description | Covers the fundamental issues of family law and providing services to family law clients under attorney supervision or as a Limited LicenseLegal Technician (LLLT) or other non-lawyer practitioner. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Prior or concurrent enrollment in BTEC121 or BTEC 122; and prior or concurrent enrollment in PLS 111 and PLS 127; and placement in ENGL& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
or another ELECTIVE (3-5 credits)
Total credits this quarter: 17-19
Career exploration: Find your people! Attend area-of-study activities and connect with clubs related to your career goals.
Action item: Meet with your advisor to build your program plan.
Action item: Visit the Intercultural Center, the Learning Center, and the library.
Quarter 2
PLS 120 Civil Procedure and Litigation (5 credits)
| Description | Principles and procedures used in the U. S. Court system with strong emphasis on Washington court rules and case law. Topics include venue, jurisdiction, pleading, discovery and trial, including the administrative process. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Prior or concurrent enrollment in BTEC121 or BTEC 122; and prior or concurrent enrollment in PLS 127; and Prior or concurrent enrollment in PLS 111; and placement in ENGL& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
PLS 152 Intro to Legal Research, Writing and Analysis (5 credits)
| Description | This course is an introduction to a variety of legal resources, the use of the law library, and computerized legal research. Focus is on effective legal writing. Designed for law office staff, legal assistants, and Limited License Legal Technicians to develop skills in the process of legal research, writing, and analysis. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Prior or concurrent enrollment in PLS 111 and PLS 127; and placement in ENGL& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
BUS& 201 Business Law (5 credits)
| Description | Principles of law as they apply to business, including history, contracts, law of agencies, rights and duties of employer and employee, negotiable instruments, insurance, personal property, bailments, conditional sales, partnerships, corporations, real property and security relations. Recommended preparation: BUS& 101. (SS) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
or PLS 241 Practice Family Law II (5 credits )
| Description | This course focuses on economic and child custody family law issues and providing services to family law clients supervised by an attorney and as a Limited License Legal Technician (LLLT) or other non-lawyer practitioner. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of PLS 240 with a minimum grade of C |
| Course Attributes |
|
or another ELECTIVE (3-5 credits)
Total credits this quarter: 13-15
Career exploration: Work on your resume through the Career Center.
Career exploration: Meet with the internship coordinator about your Quarter 3 PLS internship.
Action item: Apply to graduate by week 3 of this quarter.
Quarter 3
PLS 112 Law Office Technology (3 credits)
| Description | This course will increase students' awareness of law office computer systems and software and other technological advances which are, or will be, used in law offices, and enhance the student's ability to effectively utilize these resources. The student should also gain the ability to critically analyze law office automation. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Prior or concurrent enrollment in BTEC121 or BTEC 122; and prior or concurrent enrollment in PLS 127 |
| Course Attributes |
|
PLS 130 Legal Interviewing and Investigating (3 credits)
| Description | Covers interviewing techniques and skills needed to work with clients and witnesses. Includes investigation procedures and a general understanding of the rules of evidence. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Prior or concurrent enrollment in PLS 111 and PLS 127; and placement in ENGL& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
PLS 151 Law Office Procedures and Ethics (5 credits)
| Description | Designed to help students preparing for or to enhance their careers as paralegals, Limited License Legal Technicians (LLLT) and legal secretaries. Topics include law office management, non-litigation, and litigation responsibilities. Emphasis on ethics, client interactions, business practices and understanding, formatting, and preparation of legal documents. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Prior or concurrent enrollment in BTEC121 or BTEC 122; and prior or concurrent enrollment in PLS 111 and PLS 127; and placement in ENGL& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
PLS 160 Administrative Law (5 credits)
| Description | This course covers the history of administrative agencies, administrative law procedures, use of expert witnesses, law of evidence, and constitutional limitations of judicial review. Designed for professional practice of paralegal staff and individuals working with law-related agencies. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Prior or concurrent enrollment in BTEC121 or BTEC 122; and prior or concurrent enrollment in PLS 111 and PLS 127; and placement in ENGL& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
or another ELECTIVE (3-5 credits)
and/or PLS 190 - Paralegal Studies Internship (1-5 credits)
and/or PLS 190 - Paralegal Studies Internship (1-5 credits)
Total credits this quarter: 12-17
Action item: Attend the spring job fair.
Recommended paralegal studies electives
- BTEC 122 Business document design (5 credits) (if not used as a core course)
- BUS& 201 Business law (5 credits)
- PLS 160 Administrative law (5 credits)
- PLS 190 Paralegal studies internship (1-5 credits)
- PLS 210 Legal documents, administrative processes, probate, wills (3 credits)
- PLS 220 Real estate legal procedures (3 credits)
- PLS 240 The practice of family law I (5 credits)
- PLS 241 The practice of family law II (5 credits)
- Any other PLS course not used as a core course
Legal interpretation, certificate (45 credits)
The legal interpretation certificate program is designed to develop participants' skills necessary to provide accurate, ethical, and culturally competent interpretation in courtrooms, legal aid organizations, and government agencies and to assist in preparing students for state credentialing exams.
- This certificate is for students have proficiency in English and at least one additional language.
- A grade of "C" or higher is required for all PLS courses.
Click here to download a fillable, printable planning worksheet.
Quarter 1
PLS 111 Introduction to Law and The Legal Process (5 credits)
| Description | This course provides students with an overview of the American Legal System, and introduces students to various legal fields and topics. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Prior or concurrent enrollment in PLS 127 |
| Course Attributes |
|
PLS 127 Legal Terminology (3 credits)
| Description | This is an introductory course for law office personnel on the definition, use, and spelling of legal terms. Includes Latin-based words generally used in the legal profession. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
ENGL& 101 English Composition I (5 credits)
| Description | This course helps students become more effective writers in academic and professional settings. Students learn to enter ongoing academic conversations, analyze and use secondary sources to formulate, develop, revise, and communicate ideas in writing, and shape their message to different purposes, audiences, and media. (CC) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of ENGL 95 or placement in ENGL& 101. |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 13
Career exploration: Find your people! Attend area-of-study activities and connect with clubs related to your career goals.
Action item: Meet with your advisor to build your degree plan.
Action item: Visit the Intercultural Center, the Learning Center, and the library.
Quarter 2
PLS 152 Intro to Legal Research, Writing and Analysis (5 credits)
| Description | This course is an introduction to a variety of legal resources, the use of the law library, and computerized legal research. Focus is on effective legal writing. Designed for law office staff, legal assistants, and Limited License Legal Technicians to develop skills in the process of legal research, writing, and analysis. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Prior or concurrent enrollment in PLS 111 and PLS 127; and placement in ENGL& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
PLS 250 Legal interpretation (5 credits)
| Description | This course is designed to cover the fundamentals of court interpreting, language-neutral interpretation skills, legal terminology, court interpreter ethics and how to prepare for the state credentialing exam. Additionally, the class will include a section on how court systems contract with legal interpreters. By the end of this program, students will be able to effectively perform various modes of interpretation, understand the role of court interpreters and be prepared for various language interpretation opportunities. Recommended preparation: proficiency in English and one additional language. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Prior or concurrent enrollment in PLS 111 and PLS 127; proficiency in English and one additional language. |
| Course Attributes |
|
BUS 100 Business Math (5 credits)
| Description | Formerly BUSAD 100. Mathematical applications in business involving word problems. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 15
Career exploration: Work on your resume through the Career Center.
Career exploration: Meet with the internship coordinator about your Quarter 3 PLS internship.
Action item: Apply to graduate by week 3 of this quarter.
Quarter 3
PLS 130 Legal Interviewing and Investigating (3 credits)
| Description | Covers interviewing techniques and skills needed to work with clients and witnesses. Includes investigation procedures and a general understanding of the rules of evidence. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Prior or concurrent enrollment in PLS 111 and PLS 127; and placement in ENGL& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
PLS 260 Access to justice (5 credits)
| Description | This course examines the intersection of race, poverty, and the legal system through the lens of legal empowerment and community-based advocacy. Key frameworks such as community lawyering and holistic advocacy will be integrated into practical exercises, allowing students to apply race equity principles in real-world contexts. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
CMST& 101 Introduction to Communication (5 credits)
| Description | This course surveys theories and research from the field of Communication Studies. Students will explore a variety of areas of specialization within the field of Communication Studies, such as: Interpersonal, Intercultural, Small Group, Organizational and Public Address. This course will inform both those students interested in improving communication skills in general, as well as a beginning Communication Studies student. Recommended preparation: placement in ENGL& 101. (OC) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
or CMST& 220 Public Speaking (5 credits )
| Description | This course is designed to provide students with basic theories and skills essential to public speaking. Topics include audience analysis, assessing research, organizing ideas and modes of delivery. Students will learn how to analyze their own and others' speeches. Recommended preparation: placement in ENGL& 101. (OC) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
or CMST& 230 Small Group Communication (5 credits )
| Description | This course provides students with a comprehensive survey of small group communication theory and practice. Upon finishing the course students will understand how groups function and how they can adapt their communication behaviors to enhance group effectiveness and satisfaction. Emphasis is on communication skills including conflict management, problem solving, decision making, participant observation, leadership, listening and group presentations. Recommended preparation: placement in ENGL& 101. (OC) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
or CMST 245 Introduction to Organizational Communication (5 credits )
| Description | Formerly CMST 145. This course surveys theories and research from the field of organizational communication. A variety of topics are explored (e.g., leadership, communication ethics, interviewing, professional presentations, managing difficult conversations) with a focus on assessing and demonstrating communication competency within the organizational/workplace setting. Recommended preparation: placement in ENGL& 101. (OC) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
PLS 190 Paralegal Studies Internship (4 credits)
Total credits this quarter: 17
Action item: Attend the spring job fair.