Spring 2025 Course Syllabus
Course: LGLA-2388 (Section: 1, CRN: 10261)
Internship - Legal Assistant-Paralegal 		LSCPA Logo Image
Instructor Information
Instructor Tieranny Decuir
Email decuirts@lamarpa.edu
Phone (409) 984-6548
Office Student Center - Room: 415
Office Hours
  • Monday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM 
  • Tuesday: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM 
  • Wednesday: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM 
  • Thursday: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM 
  • Friday: By appointment only   
    		•
    Additional Contact Information None
    Course Information
    Description A work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized theory, skills and concepts. A learning plan is developed by the college and the employer. Two mandatory on-campus class meetings will be held.
    Required Textbooks Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

    None
    Additional Materials/Resources Reports will be available on Blackboard.
    Corequisites/Prerequisites
    • LGLA-1351 Contracts
    • LGLA-1401 Legal Research and Writing
    • LGLA-2303 Torts and Personal Injury Law
    • LGLA-2313 Criminal Law and Procedures
    Learning Outcomes 1. Work effectively in an office environment (1)
    2. Deal appropriately with fellow employees (3)
    3. Respond properly to work assignments (3)
    4. Develop camaraderie with work associates (3)
    5. Avoid annoying habits in the office (3)
    6. Effectively mold positive opinion for ideas (3)
    7. Act appropriately in unfamiliar workplace settings (1)
    8. Dress properly on the job (3)
    9. Develop good rapport with supervisors (1)
    10. Use the document production software utilized by the law office to draft documents for the supervising attorney (2, 4
    Program Student Learning Outcomes PSLO 1: understand legal terms and the paralegal's role in the legal environment.
    PSLO 2: apply correct drafting procedures to transactional and court documents.
    PSLO 3: demonstrate appropriate ethics and professionalism in the legal environment.
    PSLO 4: exhibit the ability to use computer skills.
    Lecture Topics Outline
  • Introduction to Internships
  • Preparing for Your Internship
  • Internship Documentation and Requirements
  • Effective Communication in the Workplace
  • Time Management and Organization
  • Navigating Workplace Challenges
  • Professional Development During Your Internship
  • Ethics and Confidentiality in Internships
  • Evaluating Your Internship Experience
  • Preparing for Post-Internship Success
  • Final Presentations and Internship Reports
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    Major Assignments Schedule
    Week Assignment Due Date
    Week 2 Internship Handbook Forms (Initial) End of Week 2
    Week 3 Weekly Hourly Report (Week 1) Every Monday (for the prior week)
    Week 4 Weekly Hourly Report (Week 2) Every Monday (for the prior week)
    Week 5 Weekly Hourly Report (Week 3) Every Monday (for the prior week)
    Week 6 Weekly Hourly Report (Week 4) Every Monday (for the prior week)
    Week 7 Weekly Hourly Report (Week 5) Every Monday (for the prior week)
    Week 8 Mid-Semester Check-In Report End of Week 8
    Week 9 Weekly Hourly Report (Week 6) Every Monday (for the prior week)
    Week 10 Weekly Hourly Report (Week 7) Every Monday (for the prior week)
    Week 11 Weekly Hourly Report (Week 8) Every Monday (for the prior week)
    Week 12 Weekly Hourly Report (Week 9) Every Monday (for the prior week)
    Week 13 Weekly Hourly Report (Week 10) Every Monday (for the prior week)
      Student Self-Evaluation End of Week 13
    Week 14 Weekly Hourly Report (Week 11) Every Monday (for the prior week)
    Week 15 Weekly Hourly Report (Week 12) Every Monday (for the prior week)
      Final Employer Evaluation End of Week 15 (due date posted)
    Week 16 Final Internship Report Last day of classes
      Final Internship Presentation Last week of classes
    Final Exam Date May 12, 2025 - 8:0 AM   Through  May 14, 2025 - 11:59 PM
    Grading Scale  90 - 100=A 80 - 89=B  70 - 79=C   60 - 69=D  Below 59 = F
    Determination of
    Final Grade
    Attendance and professionalism: 10%
    Required paperwork and Hourly Reports: 50%
    Employer Evaluation: 40%
    Course Policies
    Instructor Policies
    At the beginning of the semester, you will receive a handbook containing several required forms to be completed by you and your internship supervisor. I will guide you on which forms are necessary.
     
    All required forms to initiate your internship must be submitted by the end of the second full week of classes. These forms should be uploaded to Blackboard.
     
    The handbook also includes a weekly hourly log, as well as the student and supervisor evaluations, which are to be completed at the end of the semester. All required paperwork must be uploaded to Blackboard—DO NOT scan, email, or text these to me. Weekly hourly reports are due every Monday for the preceding week. It is crucial that you submit your hours weekly and stay on top of your total hours throughout the semester.
     
    Please retain a copy of your hourly reports for your own records, so you can always track your total hours. I WILL NOT calculate your total hours for you. It is your responsibility to maintain a running total and avoid falling behind. If you work at least 10 hours per week, you should be on track.
     
    Your internship supervisor will assist you in creating a schedule that accommodates other commitments (such as on-campus classes or part-time work). If you need to miss a scheduled internship session, you MUST inform your supervisor as soon as possible and also email me to notify me of your absence. Make every effort to attend your scheduled internship days. While I understand that emergencies and illness can occur, please remain diligent in fulfilling your schedule.
     
    I will meet with your supervisor at the start of the semester, either in person or via Zoom, and will check in periodically by phone and email to monitor your progress. If you experience any issues with your supervisor or other staff members, please contact me immediately. I will not tolerate any hostile work environment for my interns. If any issues arise, notify me right away.
     
    The written employer evaluation is due on the posted deadline. No exceptions will be made!


    It is student's responsibility to check their email and blackboard ultra for any updates to class schedules or class work. 

    Blackboard Issues:
    Any log in, passwords, or software problems needs to be resolved by the IT department.  Please inform your instructor of any delays resulting for IT problems that can't be solved by class work deadlines.

    Pearson Issues: If you have issues with Pearson, student is to call Pearson Tech support.  Please inform your instructor of any delays resulting with Pearson issues. 
    Attendance Policy The student is required to attend scheduled conferences, either online or in person, throughout the semester (dates and times will be provided by the instructor). Additionally, the student must complete a minimum of 160 hours with the internship employer during the regular semester. The student must work at least 10 hours per week for the internship.
    Additional Information TimelyCare

    FREE 24/7 Virtual Care For Students

    Lamar State College Port Arthur students have FREE, 24/7 access to virtual care services with TimelyCare — the virtual health and well-being platform from TimelyCare, designed for college students. Students do not need insurance to access TimelyCare services. Download the app here. As part of Lamar State College Port Arthur’s partnership with TimelyCare, students have access to services in TimelyCare, including:

    • TalkNow: 24/7, on-demand emotional support to talk about anything, including anxiety, relationships, depression, and school-related stressors.
    • Scheduled Counseling: Choose the day, time, and mental health provider that best works for you. (9 visits per year)
    • Health Coaching: Develop healthy lifestyle behaviors, including nutrition, sleep habits, time management, and mindfulness.
    • Psychiatry: Appointments are available through referrals.
    • Self-Care Content: Visit the “Explore” page within TimelyCare for guided self-care content, including yoga and meditation sessions, as well as group conversations with our providers on a variety of health and well-being topics.
    • Basic Needs Support: Access to low or reduced-cost community resources, including food and housing assistance, transit support, childcare, and finances.
    Students have access to TimelyCare services 365 days a year. That means you have access during breaks, after-hours, and any time you need support! Visit timelycare.com/LSCPA to get started.
    Institutional Policies
    MyLSCPA Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.
    Academic Honesty Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
    ADA Considerations The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Room 117, in the Student Sucess Center. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
    COVID 19 Information The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition directly to their local health department. Students should also contact their course faculty to report their quarantine status. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings when directly exposed to COVID 19 in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website.
    Facility Policies No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
    HB 2504 This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.
    Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.
    Title IX and Sexual Misconduct LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.
    Clery Act Crime Reporting For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.
    Grievance / Complaint / Concern If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.
    Department Information
    Business and Industrial Technology
    Chair:Sheila Guillot
    Email:guillsr@lamarpa.edu
    Phone:(409) 984-6381