Spring 2026 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: 1:30pm-4:30pm
Tuesday: 9:30am - 4:30 pm
Wednesday: 1:30pm-4:30pm
Thursday: 9:30 am - 4:30 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.

Internship handbook

No Textbook Required   
Additional Materials/Resources None
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
Major Assignments Schedule

Week 1

  • Internship Handbook Forms (Initial)

  • Due: End of Week 1

Week 2

  • Weekly Hourly Report (Week 1)

  • Due: Every Monday (for the prior week)

Week 3

  • Weekly Hourly Report (Week 2)

  • Due: Every Monday (for the prior week)

Week 4

  • Weekly Hourly Report (Week 3)

  • Due: Every Monday (for the prior week)

Week 5

  • Weekly Hourly Report (Week 4)

  • Due: Every Monday (for the prior week)

Week 6

  • Mid-Semester Check-In Report

  • Weekly Hourly Report (Week 5)

  • Due:

    • Mid-Semester Check-In Report: End of Week 6

    • Weekly Hourly Report: Every Monday (for the prior week)

Week 7

  • Weekly Hourly Report (Week 6)

  • Due: Every Monday (for the prior week)

Week 8

  • Weekly Hourly Report (Week 7)

  • Due: Every Monday (for the prior week)

Week 9

  • Weekly Hourly Report (Week 8)

  • Student Self-Evaluation

  • Final Employer Evaluation

  • Due:

    • Weekly Hourly Report: Every Monday (for the prior week)

    • Student Self-Evaluation: End of Week 9

    • Final Employer Evaluation: End of Week 9

Week 10

  • Final Internship Report

  • Final Internship Presentation

  • Due: Last day of class / Final week
Final Exam Date May 11, 2026 - 8:00 AM   Through  May 11, 2026 - 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, students will receive an Internship Handbook that contains all required forms necessary to initiate and complete the internship. The instructor will provide guidance regarding which forms must be completed.

Internship Forms & Submission

  • All required forms to begin the internship must be submitted via Blackboard Ultra by the end of the second full week of classes.

  • Forms must be uploaded to Blackboard Ultra only.
    Do not scan, email, or text internship documents to the instructor.

  • Failure to submit required forms by the deadline may delay or prevent participation in the internship.

Internship Handbook Components

The Internship Handbook includes:

  • Weekly Hourly Log

  • Student Self-Evaluation

  • Supervisor Evaluation

Hourly Logs & Evaluations

  • Weekly Hourly Reports are due every Monday for the previous week.

  • Students are responsible for accurately tracking and maintaining their own hours.
    The instructor will not calculate internship hours.

  • Students are strongly encouraged to keep personal copies of all submitted hourly reports.

  • To remain on track, students should complete a minimum of 10 internship hours per week, unless otherwise approved.

  • Student Self-Evaluations and Supervisor Evaluations must be completed and submitted at the end of the semester.

Attendance & Professional Responsibility

  • Internship schedules are arranged in coordination with the internship supervisor to accommodate academic and personal obligations.

  • If a student is unable to attend a scheduled internship shift, the student must:

    1. Notify the internship supervisor immediately, and

    2. Email the instructor to report the absence.

  • While emergencies and illness are understood, consistent attendance and professionalism are expected.

Supervisor Communication & Workplace Concerns

  • The instructor will meet with each internship supervisor at the beginning of the semester, either in person or via Zoom, and will maintain communication throughout the term by phone or email.

  • If any workplace issues arise—especially concerns involving the supervisor or staff—the student must contact the instructor immediately.

  • Hostile or unsafe work environments will not be tolerated, and the instructor will take prompt action if necessary.

Final Evaluation Requirement

  • The Final Employer Evaluation must be submitted by the posted deadline.

  • No extensions or exceptions will be granted for late or missing final evaluations.

Communication & Course Updates

  • Students are responsible for regularly checking their student email and Blackboard Ultra for course updates, announcements, and important deadlines.

Technical Issues

  • Any technical issues related to Blackboard Ultra must be addressed through the appropriate IT support services.

  • Students must notify the instructor immediately if technical problems interfere with required submissions.
Attendance Policy

Students are required to attend all scheduled internship conferences, which may be held online or in person. Conference dates and times will be provided by the instructor and are considered a required component of the course.

In addition, students must complete a minimum of 160 internship hours with their approved internship employer during the 10-week term. To remain in compliance with this requirement, students are expected to complete at least 16 hours per week throughout the internship period.

Failure to meet attendance expectations or required hourly commitments may result in course penalties and/or unsuccessful completion of the internship.
Additional Information None
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
Commercial Music, Visual and Performing Arts
Chair:CASP
Email:CASP
Phone:(409) 983-4921