Interviewing and Investigating Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Course

LGLA-2305-001 Interviewing and Investigating

Prerequisites

LGLA 1307 or Department Chair consent

Course Description

This course is a study of principles, methods and investigative techniques utilized to locate, gather, document and manage information. Emphasis on developing interviewing and investigative skills to prepare the paralegal to communicate effectively while recognizing ethical problems.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Interviewing and Investigating: Essential Skills for the Legal Professional, Stephen P. Parsons (4th ed., Aspen Publishers, 2010).
ISBN:  978-0-7355-8735-9

Supplies

Small binder or folder for presentation of Case Studies

Student Performance

GENERAL OBJECTIVES:

To provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to become an effective paralegal in assisting an attorney in interviewing and investigating.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:

1. To understand the ethical considerations and responsibilities of the lawyer and the paralegal in interviewing and investigating.
2. To identify the objectives of investigation, and concentrate on the evidence reflecting those objectives, including affirmative and rebuttal evidence.
3. To demonstrate the ability to analyze a set of facts relating to a legal dispute to determine what further information is required to prepare for resolution of the dispute and where this information can be obtained.
4. To demonstrate an understanding of how to prepare for and conduct an interview with a client and/or witness in preparation for the dispute resolution process.
5. To learn how to become an efficient paralegal through the drafting of interview checklists, forms, and other materials relevant to the interview and investigating process.
6. To succinctly summarize the information discovered during the interviewing and investigating process.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. To demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing. Each student will participate in an in-class practicum requiring the interview of a hypothetical client.
2. To demonstrate critical thinking skills. Each student will perform and print electronic non-legal research needed to obtain pertinent factual information relevant to a hypothetical legal problem.
3. To demonstrate effective organizational skills. Each student will create a method of discovery support and organization for a checklist for a complex litigation matter.
   

After studying the material presented in this course of study, the student will be able to do the following as evaluated by the faculty in the Paralegal Studies Program:

1. Describe and explain the duties, responsibilities, and ethical requirements of the paralegal. (SCANS* Information, Systems)
2. Understand, discuss, and identify the basic composition of the court/judicial systems. (SCANS* Information, Basic Skills)
3. Demonstrate knowledge and elementary procedures for scheduling, conducting and use of interviewing and investigation in the work place. (SCANS* Resources, Information)
4. Discuss the professional ethics and regulations for paralegals. (SCANS* Systems)
5. Demonstrate basic analytical skills in interviewing and investigation.
   (SCANS* Basic Skills, Systems, Interpersonal)
6. Complete projects requiring basic knowledge in legal research, legal writing, and computer literacy. (SCANS* Information, Technology)
7. Gain experience in and an understanding of litigation support and administrative advocacy. (SCANS* Technology)

*Meets Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS)

Technology:  Works with a variety of technologies. (Selects technology,
                    maintains, and troubleshoots equipment)

Systems:      Understands complex interrelationships. (Evaluates, monitors,
                    improves social, organizations, and technological systems)

Information:   Acquires and uses information.

Interpersonal: Works with others, serves clients, exercises leadership.

Resources:    Identifies, organizes, plans, and allocates resources (time,
                    money, material and facilities, human resources)


AAfPE Core Competencies for Paralegal Programs: IA6, IA7, IC1, IC2, IC3, ID1, ID2, ID3, IF3, IG1, IH2, IIA1, IIA2, IIA3, IIA4, IIB1, IIB2, IIC1, IIC2, IIC3, IIC4, IIC5, IIC6, IID1, IIE1, IIF1, IIG1, IIG

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

GROUND RULES:

1. Everyone is expected to be prepared for class and participate in class discussions.
2. Although students should arrive on time and stay for the entire class period, special circumstances arise. If you arrive late or leave early, please do so as quietly as possible.
3. Disruptive behavior in the classroom will not be permitted.
4. Please keep cell phones and pagers turned off during class. If an exception to this policy is necessary, please talk to the instructor before class.
5. Students are responsible for material in your reading assignments for tests regardless of whether or not it is specifically discussed in lecture.

Grading Criteria

Assignment and Testing Policy:  Specific due dates for assignments and tests are shown on the Course Schedule.  An extension of time to complete an assignment may be granted in special circumstances, but such extensions must be obtained from the instructor on or before the due date in order to receive full credit.  Failure to obtain an extension will result in a 10 point deduction from the grade for that assignment.  If any changes are made in the due date of an assignment or a test date, they will be announced in class. 

Testing:  The Midterm and Final will both be given on-line.  The test will be available at our class’s page at AC Online on the date indicated, and you will have 7 days to take the test.  The tests are 50 questions, objective type (True/False, Multiple Choice, etc.). 

Course Grade:           90-100 = A
                                    80- 89 = B
                                    70- 79 = C (Minimum grade required for all Paralegal Studies majors.)
                                    60- 69 = D
                                         <60 = F

Reading Assignments:  In addition to the text assigned, I may assign supplement readings in the form of articles or other short material when appropriate.  You are responsible for material in your reading assignments for tests regardless of whether or not it is specifically discussed in lecture. 

Case Study Binder:  Case Studies from the textbook are assigned as a whole, but should be completed during the semester as an at-home project.  The Case Study Binder (all the case studies in one folder or binder) is due at the beginning of class on May 1, 2012.

NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED ON THIS PROJECT!!!

Scavenger Hunt:  A Scavenger Hunt will be assigned during the semester.  You will be assigned to work in groups to accomplish this project.  Each group will be given a list of places to go where evidentiary information and/or case information may be obtained.  A digital photograph will be made of at least one member of the group at each location.  Your group will then put together a small presentation, either through MS Word or Powerpoint and submit the completed project through www.my.actx.edu.  The photographs must be clearly labeled where they were taken and who is appearing in the photograph.  This project will be due on March 20.

Grading:
            Case Study Binder                  =          10%
            Interview Role Play                =          20%    
            Scavenger Hunt                      =          10%
            Midterm Exam                                    =          20%
            Final Exam                              =          30%
            Class Participation                  =          10%

A Note on Class Participation:
            The class participation is determined according to the following criteria:
                        0 absences                   =          100%
                        1 absence                     =            90%
                        2 absences                   =            80%
                        3 absences                   =            70%
                        4 absences                   =            60%  
                        5 absences                   =            50%
                        6 or more                     =              0%

Attendance

Employees in the business world are expected to be at work each day; therefore, students in paralegal studies classes are expected to be in class promptly and routinely. A sign in sheet will be available at the beginning of each class. If you are late, it is your responsibility to sign in at break or before the end of class. I will check roll from the sign in sheet. Students with two or less absences, an "A" average, and who has turmed in all assignments will be exempted from the final exam.

Calendar

Additional Information

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