Legal Studies

COME ON A JOURNEY THROUGH THE LEGAL WORLD!

The Wesley College Legal Studies program provides Legal Studies majors with education and learning experiences that will prepare them to function as paralegals.  Further, the program gives those students planning to attend law school a broad experience in substantive law courses as well as critical thinking, communication and theoretical and practical legal skills.  In addition, the program is built on a comprehensive liberal arts education that blends professional skills and legal theories and provides a basic foundation in the law to those students who want to gain fundamental knowledge of the legal profession.  To achieve the educational mission, the program provides the study and exchange of ideas and for the acquisition of professional skills so that students think and communicate with greater awareness of themselves and others, gain valuable professional skills and develop resources for future opportunities not only in the law but also, in allied fields.

Students who graduate from the Legal Studies program will be able to:

• Demonstrate proficiency in legal research and writing
• Gather information electronically using Lexis Nexis
• Read and analyze cases
• Demonstrate competency in investigating clients' cases
• Demonstrate competency in interviewing witnesses
• Draft pleadings
• Manage trial preparation and litigation support
• Prepare wills, demonstrate competency in drafting trusts and various estate and probate documents
• Draft contracts and real estate documents
• Demonstrate competency in oral arguments
• Demonstrate proficiency in drafting trial briefs and appellate briefs

DESCRIPTION

The Bachelor of Science degree in Legal Studies provides the theoretical and ethical concepts and practical skills required for career as a Paralegal and those students planning to attend law school with a broad experience in liberal arts as well as legal theory and practical legal skills. In addition, the program provides an education for those students who seek basic knowledge and experience in the law. Graduates work in many areas of the legal field including, but not limited to: private law firms, public and private corporations and government agencies. Paralegals are not attorneys and are not permitted to practice law or give legal advice. Paralegals are required to work under the supervision of an attorney. The Legal Studies program at Wesley College is approved by the American Bar Association. Academically, the Bachelor's degree in Legal Studies provides graduates with a firm foundation in the law and other related fields.

EXPLORE

Explore the world of the legal professional! Learn how to brief a case, prepare a trial brief, write appellate briefs, spot legal issues, apply legal principles and analyze legal issues. Enter the realm of legal research, writing and legal analysis. As a Legal Studies student at Wesley, you will journey into the realm of the Lexis Nexis database. As you enter this realm, you will learn to find cases both past and present. You will also learn how to investigate and interview clients and witnesses. Does this sound like an adventure? If so, allow the Legal Studies faculty to guide you on your journey. The Legal Studies faculty will be with you every step of the way! The Legal Studies department works as a team. The faculty and the students work together for a common purpose-your education. Are you ready for the challenge? If you are, please contact:

Professor Flora F. Hessling, J.D.
Department of Legal Studies, Chair
(302) 736-2451
or fax (302) 735-5779

WHY BEGIN THE JOURNEY?

• It is challenging
• The Legal Studies professional has unique skills
• More value in the marketplace
• Good starting salaries
• Many employment options after graduation

WESLEY SHOULD BE YOUR CHOICE!

• Unique 4 year option and post-baccalaureate certificate
• Use of Lexis Nexis
• ABA (American Bar Association) approved
• Internship options
• Legal Society on campus
• Small classes
• Special attention to transfer students
• Court observations and field trips

SAMPLE COURSES

• Evidence, Interviewing and Investigation
• Family Law
• Legal Research and Writing
• Criminal Law
• Real Estate
• Domestic Relations

WHAT ROUTE SHOULD YOU TAKE ON YOUR JOURNEY?

Bachelor Degree = 124 Credits
Certificate = 27 Credits in Legal Studies (approximately 1 1/2 yr)

Every journey begins with a plan!
Below, are some things you must bring:

1. A desire to learn
2. A good work ethic
3. An ability to accept a challenge
4. A desire to succeed

WHY NOT START YOUR JOURNEY TODAY?

LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN!!

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