Metropolitan School of Professional Studies

Course Descriptions

Metro: Legal Assistant (MLA)

To view the complete schedule of courses for
each semester, go to Cardinal Station.

MLA 101: Introduction to Legal Asst Work

3.00 Credits

Examines the process of litigation through both the Federal and State court systems.

MLA 200: Techniques of Legal Research

3.00 Credits

Covers the basic techniques of legal research. Emphasizes the location and use of statutes, judicial opinions, and secondary sources such as encyclopedias, treatises, and digests. Students acquire the techniques of legal research through assignments designed to develop effective strategies for defining a program and locating relevant resources. Instruction focuses on both manual and computerized methods of research. Requires extensive use of a law library.

MLA 201: Legal Writing

3.00 Credits

A review of techniques of legal writing, including the drafting of legal memoranda and pleadings and correct citation form. Assignments include preparation of a legal memorandum, basic correspondence, and draft pleadings.

MLA 204: Law Office Systems/Legal Ethics

3.00 Credits

This course discusses the acceptance of a case, including review, letter of acknowledgment, review of litigant, and letter of agreement. It also addresses the work product, including preparation of trial, motions, jury instructions, verdicts, judgments, enforcement of judgments, and motions to enforce or attach.

MLA 205: Administrative Law

3.00 Credits

no description available

MLA 206: Real Property

3.00 Credits

no description available

MLA 230: Criminal Law

3.00 Credits

no description available

MLA 312: Torts

3.00 Credits

Deals with civil wrongs (or injuries) and the remedies for those wrongs. Covers intentional torts, negligence, defamation, and product liability.

MLA 325: Litigation

3.00 Credits

Covers the fundamentals of bringing and defending against a lawsuit, with emphasis on the role played by legal assistants. Covers jurisdiction of federal and state courts, investigative techniques, understanding basic pleadings, the discovery process, trial, preparation, and assistance during trial. Students will be given a number of projects in which they will develop skills involved with gathering information, organizing complex materials, and drafting pleadings.

MLA 340: Contract Law

3.00 Credits

Common Law contracts oral and written, statutory changes required in writing. Real Estate property and the different types of estates, the requirement of a writing: deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages and title work.

MLA 360: Computer Applications in Law

3.00 Credits

An overview of uses of the computer in the legal environment. Explains the concepts and theory of computer operations in the context of need analysis for law firms.

MLA 400: Advanced Legal Research

3.00 Credits

A thorough study of effective methods and techniques for planning and completing a complex legal research project. Presents the introductory to on-line sources for both primary and secondary legal authority. Prerequisite: MLA 101 or MLA 202 or equivalent.

MLA 411: Consumer Protection Law

3.00 Credits

A general overview of consumer protection law and the roles of Federal, State, and local agencies. Specific concepts and topics include warranties, strict liability, the regulation of consumer credit, determination of damages, restrictions on advertising, credit reporting, the obligations of insurers, and the writings involved in consumer law litigation.

MLA 414: Introduction to Immigration and Nationality Law

3.00 Credits

Areas covered include the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952; procedures at United States land, sea, and airports of entry; detention and removal from the U.S. of noncitizens. Intended for students with an interest in immigration matters but little or no experience.