Grand Valley State University

Legal Studies, B.A., B.S.

Subject Overview

Legal studies is an emerging area of study and practice in the field of law. The discipline involves the study of civil and criminal law, including litigation, contracts, torts, property, business organizations, legal research and writing, ethics, factual investigation, and interviewing.

Program Description

The Legal Studies major is designed to prepare students for careers as legal assistants by providing a liberal education and the practical skills needed for success in this field. The Legal Studies program also provides its graduates with skills and knowledge necessary for study at law schools and other graduate programs, including criminal justice, social justice, and related programs. The program's mission is accomplished through courses which focus on:

1. Mastery of substantive knowledge critical to the legal profession, including principles of legal ethics and legal restrictions on the unauthorized practice of law.
2. Critical thinking skills.
3. Mastery of basic investigative and legal research techniques.
4. Proficiency in oral and written communication.
5. Development of appropriate professional behavior and job-seeking skills.

A legal assistant, also known as a paralegal, performs substantive legal work under the supervision of an attorney. While legal assistants play an important role in the delivery of legal services, they are not permitted to practice law, which means they cannot give legal advice, represent a client in court, establish a fee, or accept a case on behalf of a law firm.

The Legal Studies program has an advisory board consisting of attorneys and legal assistants representing a broad cross-section of employers, including small and large law firms, the courts, and public sector legal departments. The advisory board plays an important role by giving guidance to the program on matters such as curriculum, internship and employment opportunities, and trends in the legal field.

Legal studies majors not employed in the field are required to enroll in an internship class which allows them to learn by doing, gain practical experience, and network with lawyer and legal assistants.

Career Opportunities

The continued growth and complexity of the law, the demand for affordable, quality legal services, and the increased use of computer technology have created an increased demand for legal assistants. Legal assistants are employed by law firms, corporations, federal, state, and local government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Legal assistants also work for banks and companies in various industries, such as insurance, real estate, retail, and manufacturing. Public sector employers include district attorneys, public defenders, attorney generals, and legal aid offices.

Regardless of the employer, legal assistants typically work in one or two specialty areas. Examples include civil litigation, criminal law, business law, labor and employment law, real estate law, environmental law, probate and estate planning, family law, intellectual property, employee benefits, and bankruptcy.

Legal assistants have used their education and experience to enter other law-related careers such as court and legal administration, arbitration, mediation, computer consulting, and sales. Some legal assistants decide to continue their education and pursue careers as attorneys. Regardless of the setting in which they work, legal assistants need to be able to think logically and analytically, to present facts and conclusions in a clear, concise manner, to write effectively, to utilize ingenuity during fact-finding, and to demonstrate good judgment and ethical behavior. All of these skills are supported by the academic offerings of the Legal Studies program.

The Grand Valley School of Criminal Justice and the Michigan State University College of Law have partnered to offer a 3+3 program called LEAP which provides Legal Studies majors with the opportunity to earn a B.S. or B.A. and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) in approximately six years of study. See the Grand Valley State University catalog for further details regarding LEAP.

Degree Requirements

Students majoring in legal studies may earn either a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. The B.A. requires third-semester proficiency in a foreign language. The B.S. requires the completion of statistics, research methods, and case studies in criminal justice.

A legal studies major requires a minimum of 36 credits. Majors must take the following core courses:
LS 201 Introduction to Law
LS 324 Legal Research and Writing
LS 420 Property and Probate Law
LS 422 Commercial Law
LS 426 Civil Litigation
LS 428 Factual Investigation
LS 490 Legal Studies Internship
LS 495 Legal Thought

In addition, majors must take
ACC 212 Principles of Financial Accounting

And three of the following courses:
CS 150 Introduction to Computing
CJ 302 Criminal Law
CJ 305 Constitutional Rights and Civil Liberties
CJ/LS 408 White-Collar and Corporate Crime
CJ 444 Forensic Behavior and Law
LS 350 Family Law
LS 370 Women and the Law
LS 380 Special Topics in Legal Studies
LS 399 Independent Reading in Legal Studies
LS 499 Independent Study and Research
WRT 350 Business Communication

Minor in Legal Studies
Minors are required to complete 21 credit hours including
LS 201 Introduction to Law
LS 324 Legal Research and Writing
LS 420 Property and Probate Law
LS 422 Commercial Law
LS 426 Civil Litigation
LS 428 Factual Investigation
And either
LS 490 Legal Studies Internship
or LS 495 Legal Thought

Legal studies majors should regularly discuss all of their course selections and related academic matters with both their advisors in legal studies and the College of Community and Public Service Advising Center. Please visit the web site of the CCPS Service Advising Center at www.gvsu.edu/ccpsadvising four-year curriculum plan for the Legal Studies major.

For courses, curriculum, other degree related information, and faculty listings, please visit the Grand Valley State University catalog online at www.gvsu.edu/catalog.

For More Information

School of Criminal Justice
Grand Valley State University
401 Fulton Street West
289 C DeVos Center
Grand Rapids, MI 49504-6431
Telephone: (616) 331-7130
Web: www.gvsu.edu/cj/legalstudies
or
Admissions Office
Grand Valley State University
1 Campus Drive
Allendale, MI 49401-9403
Telephone: (616) 331-2025 or (800) 748-0246
Email: admissions@gvsu.edu
Web: www.gvsu.edu/admissions