Interdisciplinary Legal Studies Major
Overview
It is possible for a student to build an individualized major with Legal Studies courses by utilizing the University's Interdisciplinary Studies Major.
Admission Requirements
- Admission to the University
- Discussion with the Director of Legal Studies as to the appropriateness of using this option and the nature of the courses to be included.
- Admission to the Individualized and Multidisciplinary Studies Program (after the completion of 15 semester hours but before the completion of 75 semester hours).
- Submission of a plan of study that is approved by both the Interdisciplinary Studies Major Advisor and the Director of Legal Studies.
Degree Requirements
Completion of the following six required courses:
- LGS 201: Introduction to Law for Paralegals
- LGS 203: Legal Research I
- LGS 204: Legal Research II
- LGS 313: Law Office Technology
- LGS 370: Litigation I
- LGS 371: Litigation II
Completion of six semester hours of Legal Studies electives, selected from among the following paralegal specialty courses:
- LGS 210: Introduction To Commercial Transactions For Paralegals
- LGS 216: Introduction to Torts
- LGS 311: Intellectual Property
- LGS 314: Investigative Techniques & Evidence
- LGS 315: Real Estate Law for Paralegals
- LGS 316: Immigration Law for Paralegals
- LGS 319: Probate Law
- LGS 322: Domestic Relations & Family Law
- LGS 360: Criminal Litigation
- LGS 372: Employment Law
- LGS 398.20: Paralegal Internship**
** Up to six semester hours of paralegal internship hours can be applied to the nine hour elective requirement. No more than 15 internship hours can be counted towards graduation.
Completion of additional law related courses as required by the plan of study approved by the Interdisciplinary Studies Advisor.
Completion of all University graduation requirements for B.A. or B.S. degree.
ABA Approved
Illinois State's Legal Studies program is a paralegal education program approved by the ABA. Illinois State has full institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
Illinois State's Legal Studies program has existed since 1975 and has graduated over 350 students. The program is a member in good standing of the American Association for Paralegal Education.
At the present time there are no licensing or mandatory certification requirements for paralegals. The National Association of Legal Assistants Inc. operates a voluntary certification program for legal assistants. Successful completion of Illinois State's Legal Studies program will meet the educational part of the eligibility requirements for the NALA certification exam.
The Legal Studies Program provides courses designed to provide specialized knowledge and skills to prepare students for employment as a paralegal. The learning objectives for the legal studies program are the following: apply critical thinking; strengthen professional communications skills; enhance legal research and writing skills; integrate computer skills in a legal setting; develop interviewing and investigation skills; and acquire an understanding of the paralegal profession and ethical obligations. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.