Course Catalog

Legal Office Management - AAS

Legal Office Management - AAS

The Legal Office Management Pathway includes a strong foundation of legal specialty courses and other career topics including leadership, computer applications, communication, teamwork, project development, social media and developing your professional image.

Coursework in this option prepares you for Microsoft Office Specialist® certification. You also have the opportunity to participate in Business Professionals of America with the chance to attend state and national conferences.

Office Technology certificate awarded after ADM-103, ADM-117, ADM-181, SMM-108.

Office Support certificate awarded after CSC-110, ADM-117, ADM-120 or ESL-105, ADM-162, ADM-181 or ESL-102, ADM-230 or ESL-108, WBL-155.

Office Professional diploma awarded after completion of all courses listed in Fall l and Spring I of Business Office Management or Legal Office Management pathway.

*Certificates and diploma can be earned one time.

Summary Sheet

The summary sheet provides a program overview and other information.

Download the Summary Sheet.

Curriculum Sequence


Fall Semester I Course Title Credit
ADM-162 Office Procedures 3
CSC-110 Introduction to Computers 3
ENG-131 Business English 3
MAT-712 Business Math 3
ADM-103 Office Technology 2
Take WBL-155 as 1 credit
WBL-155 Job Shadowing: Job Shadowing: Business, Finance, Marketing, and Management 1-2
TOTAL CREDITS 15 - 16

Spring Semester I Course Title Credit
ADM-117 Keyboarding and Document Production 3
ADM-181 Records and Database Management 3
LGL-173 Legal Assistant Litigation 3
ADM-198 Legal Terminology 2
ACC-102 Workplace Accounting 3
HUM-287 Leadership Development Studies 3
TOTAL CREDITS 17

Fall Semester II Course Title Credit
SOC-114 Conflict Resolution in the Workplace 3
SPC-101 Fundamentals of Oral Communication 3
ADM-188 Project and Event Management 3
ADM-186 Legal Documents 2
PRL-284 Legal Ethics 2
ADM-120 Advanced Document Production 3
BUS-119 Entrepreneurial Mindset 1
TOTAL CREDITS 17

Spring Semester II Course Title Credit
ADM-172 Remote Office Management 3
BUS-290 Employment Search/Workplace Success 1
BUS-932 Business Internship 3
ADM-230 Integrated Office Projects 3
BCA-152 Comprehensive Spreadsheets 3
ADM-297 Certification Preparation 1
TOTAL CREDITS 14

ADM-162 - Office Procedures

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course provides an understanding of the concepts, skills, procedures and professional image needed for employment in an office environment. Introductory topics include operational and supervisory functions, telephone and teleconference procedures, scheduling, travel arrangements, meeting and event planning, mail and shipping procedures and ethics and professionalism. Students use problem solving techniques and decision making experiences in a team environment.

CSC-110 - Introduction to Computers

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course provides an introduction to computer concepts. The student will use the Windows operating system, presentation software, electronic spreadsheet software, database management software and word processing software. Microcomputer hardware and software as well as the processing concepts associated with each will be discussed. The course will also include information on file management, the Internet, virus protection and e-mail basics as applicable to the academic world as well as the business environment. Lab time outside of class is required to complete projects.

ENG-131 - Business English

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course teaches the fundamentals of written communication with focus on the elements of effectively written business documents. The emphasis is on the development of writing skills through a) exercises in grammar, mechanics, usage and spelling and b) application of these skills in a variety of written business documents. Prerequisite: Meet minimum placement test score requirements or a minimum grade of C- in ENG-013. No Waivers.

MAT-712 - Business Math

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course provides a study of math fundamentals and their application to business situations. Topics covered include banking procedures, payroll and taxes, weights and measurements, fractions and percentages, commissions, discounts, mark-ups/mark-downs, borrowing and interest, and insurance copays and deductibles. Microsoft Excel and traditional methods will be used to make common business decisions.

ADM-103 - Office Technology

Lecture: 1

Lab: 2

Credit: 2

This course provides in-depth and practical use of calendaring/scheduling systems, voice recognition software, advanced email functions and the Internet as a research tool. Common office technology including video conferencing, projection, copiers, faxing, scanning, transcription, 10-key calculating and multi-line phone systems will be presented and practiced in multiple settings.

WBL-155 - Job Shadowing: Job Shadowing: Business, Finance, Marketing, and Management

Lecture: 0.5-1

Lab: 1-2

Credit: 1-2

Students in this course will explore the fields of Business, Finance, Marketing and Management while developing research skills, professionalism and building occupational knowledge. Students will visit workplaces in this employment sector to learn about specific jobs, professional requirements and develop a basic knowledge of an organization's structure and values.

ADM-117 - Keyboarding and Document Production

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

A fundamental course in developing keyboarding skills for business and personal use. Students use Microsoft Word to learn proper formatting of office letters and memos, business and academic reports, tables, newsletters, flyers and graphics. Proper keyboarding technique, accuracy and speed building are emphasized.

ADM-181 - Records and Database Management

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

This class emphasizes the principles and practices of effective records handling. Management of records is performed according to the Generally Accepted Recordkeeping Principles of ARMA International. The record life cycle is covered including creation, storage, retrieval, maintenance and disposition of both manual and computerized database systems.

LGL-173 - Legal Assistant Litigation

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course prepares legal administrative assistant students to aid an attorney in litigation procedures. Students receive instruction regarding the detail necessary for trial preparation from the instant the dispute requires the services of an attorney.

ADM-198 - Legal Terminology

Lecture: 1

Lab: 2

Credit: 2

This course is a study of the basic terminology used in a legal office. Emphasis will be placed on legal terminology definitions and on a study of court cases that pertain to the topics being covered.

ACC-102 - Workplace Accounting

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course serves as an introduction to accounting that is used directly in the operation of small to mid-sized businesses. Topics covered will include an introduction to general ledgers, payroll accounting, computerized accounting, and tax accounting as well as inventory management and cost accounting.

HUM-287 - Leadership Development Studies

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course is designed to provide emerging and existing leaders the opportunity to explore the concept of leadership and to develop and improve their leadership skills. The course integrates readings from the humanities, experiential exercises, films/videos and contemporary readings on leadership.

SOC-114 - Conflict Resolution in the Workplace

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Conflict Resolution in the Workplace will study conflict resolution theories and applications in the workplace. The course will provide students with the opportunity to develop their own effective interpersonal conflict resolution skills as well as skills needed to help employees resolve their conflicts with one another and the skills needed to negotiate contracts. Students will also be introduced to theories and skills needed to apply culturally sensitive principles to conflict resolution.

SPC-101 - Fundamentals of Oral Communication

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Explores communication in a variety of contexts including interpersonal relationships, the workplace, small groups and public speaking. Emphasis on the application and practice of communication theories and skills, particularly public speaking.

ADM-188 - Project and Event Management

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

Using a project-based approach, this course is designed for business and management/marketing majors, entrepreneurs, administrative staff, and those that are organized, resourceful and enjoy multitasking. Project management, business/event promotion and critical thinking skills will be developed. Technology will be used to coordinate essential activities including travel and event logistics, budgeting, video conferencing, scheduling and the creation of promotional materials.

ADM-186 - Legal Documents

Lecture: 1

Lab: 2

Credit: 2

This is a specialized course in which legal documents are studied.  Emphasis is on creating and completing legal documents electronically.  Transcription skills are refined with a concentration on legal documents.  Legal terminology is applied throughout the course.

PRL-284 - Legal Ethics

Lecture: 2

Credit: 2

This course covers legal ethics with an emphasis on how the rules affect legal administrative assistants. Students learn about the regulation of the legal profession, including the rules of conduct that govern both attorneys and legal administrative assistants. Topics include the meaning and importance of the unauthorized practice of law, the attorney-client privilege and its related work product doctrine, confidentiality, the rules governing conflicts of interest, and other topics relative to ethics in law.

ADM-120 - Advanced Document Production

Lecture: 1

Lab: 4

Credit: 3

Students use Microsoft Word to create office documents and apply advanced formatting and production techniques including mail merge, header/footer manipulation, report generation and custom formatting. Standard formats of advanced tables, agendas, minutes, itineraries, news releases, resumes and medical and legal documents are learned, and online collaboration is introduced. This class continues to emphasize proper keyboarding technique, accuracy and speed building. Prerequisite: ADM-117.

BUS-119 - Entrepreneurial Mindset

Lecture: 1

Credit: 1

This course points students toward a mindset of motivational thinking that is useful in any career. Course activities are used to practice creative problem solving, turn circumstances into advantage, and see possibilities where others see problems. Learn the benefits of actively engaging in your workplace to make things happen.

ADM-172 - Remote Office Management

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course practices concepts and skills needed for remote office management. The course will focus on the roles and responsibilities of both the remote employee and the remote manager. Topics learned include virtual meeting management, mobile communications, and time management. The technical aspects of the course includes the use of secure cloud storage, online collaboration and production of ADA compliant documents and fillable forms.

BUS-290 - Employment Search/Workplace Success

Lecture: 1

Credit: 1

A discussion of field experience problems and study of new occupational information will be presented. An internship paper covering the experience will be submitted. Corequisite: BUS-932.

BUS-932 - Business Internship

On Job Training: 12

Credit: 3

This course is designed to provide the Administrative Professional student with practical experience in a business office prior to completion of the Associate of Applied Science degree. The internship is an extension of the curriculum and provides meaningful experience related to the student's area of interest. The student is overseen by the program coordinator and by an appointed supervisor at the internship worksite. Corequisite: BUS-290.

ADM-230 - Integrated Office Projects

Lecture: 1

Lab: 4

Credit: 3

This course is designed to enhance and reinforce software skills through project-based activities by extensive use of integrating applications. Students complete projects that represent what is required in an actual business environment. This class will develop teamwork, creativity, decision making and critical thinking skills as will be experienced in the office setting. Software used includes Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher and the Internet. Continued emphasis on proper keyboarding technique, accuracy and speed building. Prerequisite: ADM-120.

BCA-152 - Comprehensive Spreadsheets

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

This course covers concepts of spreadsheets and their applications to business. Introductory topics include spreadsheet creation, data manipulation, file sharing and protection, formatting, use of functions and formulas, and charts. Advanced topics will include creating macros, filtering, importing and exporting data and numerical and trend analysis. Application to business situations will be emphasized. Prerequisite: CSC-110.

ADM-297 - Certification Preparation

Lab: 2

Credit: 1

Students will prepare for certification in Microsoft Office applications using online tutorials and practice designed to simulate the certification process. Certification exams will be offered as part of this class.

Trisha Hopper - Professor - Business

Email: thopper@scciowa.edu
AA, Carl Sandburg College
BA, Western Illinois University
MBA, Quincy University

Renee Smith - Professor - Business

Email: rsmith1@scciowa.edu
AA & AAS, Southeastern Community College
BA, Buena Vista University
MBA, Grand Canyon University