2005-2006
Legal Admin: B.B.A-BL and B.A. Paralegal Studies
Executive Summary
For the 2005-2006 academic year, the Legal Administration programs for undergraduates include the B.B.A. with the specialty in
Business Law and the B.A. in Paralegal Studies. Both programs are approved by the program’s accrediting agency, the American
Bar Association (ABA). Currently, the re-approval process is underway for the program. This year also reflects a transition in
leadership within the program. The director of the Legal Administration programs of seven years retired in August 2005, and the
academic year began with a new director.
One goal of a paralegal program, as detailed by ABA, is for the students to develop professional competence. For the 2005 -2006
academic year, the outcomes assessed helped to determine if the program met this goal. The outcomes include:
1. Explain sources of law, federal & state courts and their powers
2. Prepare legal forms used in areas of general practice
3. Demonstrate ability to effectively communicate in an oral & written format
Overall, the expected results were achieved and the program appears to have sound foundation. Although the details for each result
are included in this packet, a quick review follows. The first outcome fell short of the expected results, but the students agreed that
they have a comprehensive understanding of sources of law, and federal & state courts and their powers. The direct measures
were lacking, and therefore, for the next assessment, we plan to use direct measures from an additional course to verify the results in
this measure.
The expected result was met and exceeded for the second outcome. Although the results do not indicate a weakness, the program
may be improved with additional practice to improve written communication skills. We plan to use direct measures from an additional
course to verify the results in this measure.
For the third outcome, the expected result for the oral communication skills of the students was exceeded. The students
demonstrated a mastery of oral communications skills. However, direct measures were missing in order to fully assess the students’
ability to communicate in written format. Next year, direct measures will be included to measure the student’s written communication
skills.
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Learning Outcomes Assessment Plan
Outcome #1
Explain sources of law, federal & state courts and their powers
If yes, Give a brief summary of previous results and indicate
the year/years in which this outcome was examined.
Is this outcome being reexamined?  Yes X No
Measures for Outcome
Direct Measures
Performance Standards for Direct Measures
LA 301 Civil Litigation Examination (See Attachment A)
Students earn a comprehensive score above 80% to illustrate meeting the
outcome.
Indirect Measures
Performance Standards for Indirect Measures
LA 301 Student Survey
Students will agree or strongly agree that they have a comprehensive
understanding of sources of law, federal & state courts and their powers
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Learning Outcomes Report
Discuss results of Direct Measures
Discuss the extent this Learning Outcome has been achieved
There were eleven (11) students who completed the LA 301 Civil Litigation
exam. The exam covered five chapters (approx. 50 questions totaling 100
points); however, only one chapter (chapter 2) was utilized to measure the
federal and state courts and their powers. Therefore, for this outcome, only 21
questions were assessed. (See highlighted questions on Attachment A.)
This outcome contains two parts: 1. the courts and their power and 2. the
sources of law. Comparing the direct and direct measures, it was determined
for the first part of the outcome that only forty-five (45) percent of the students
demonstrated a mastery of the federal & state courts. Yet, by comparison,
one hundred (100) percent of the students surveyed agreed that the class
provided a comprehensive understanding of the courts and their power.
Five (5) students or 45% of the students met or exceeded the standard for this
exam (a grade of 80% or higher). The remaining fifty five (55) percent were
below the expected result, and the average grade was 71%.
For the second, although there are no direct measures for the sources of law,
the 75% of the students surveyed agreed that the class provided an
understanding of the various sources of law.
Although the expected results fell short for both measures, the students
agreed that they have a comprehensive understanding of sources of law, and
federal & state courts and their powers.
Discuss results of Indirect Measures
There were nine (9) students who completed the LA 301 survey.
Of responses received, one hundred (100) percent of the students “strongly
agreed” or “agreed” that they had acquired a comprehensive understanding of
the federal & state courts and their powers.
Seventy-five (75) percent of the students “strongly agreed” or “agreed” that the
class provided an understanding of the various sources of law. Two students
or twenty two (22) percent neither agreed nor disagreed with this point.
Based upon the answers received, eighty two (82) percent of the students
“strongly agreed” or “agreed” that the class explains sources of law, federal
and state courts and their powers.
Discuss program strengths and opportunities for improvement
Eighty two (82) percent of the students agreed that they mastered this outcome. However, the expected direct measures results fell short of this goal. The
B.B.A.-B.L. and B.A. both have at least one additional course which discusses this outcome. We plan to use direct measures from this course in the future to
verify the results in this measure.
Discuss recommendations for change based on Learning Outcomes Data
Based upon the test result, the syllabus for LA 301 will be evaluated before Spring 07 to determine if changes may be needed (i.e. extend review period from
two weeks to three, add additional assignments) in this course to give the students a better understanding of the sources of law, the federal & state courts and
their powers. In addition, this outcome will be evaluated to determine is it should be divided into two separate outcomes. An evaluation of the types of direct
measures to be utilized will be completed by fall semester.
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Learning Outcomes Assessment Plan
Outcome #2
If yes, Give a brief summary of previous results and indicate
the year/years in which this outcome was examined.
Prepare legal forms used in areas of general practice
Is this outcome being reexamined?  Yes XX No
Measures for Outcome
Direct Measures
Performance Standards for Direct Measures
Class projects from LA 301 Civil Litigation
Students will meet or exceed the standard (80%)
Indirect Measures
Performance Standards for Indirect Measures
Responses from LA 301 student survey
Students will agree or strongly that they had a comprehensive understanding
of how to prepare legal forms
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Learning Outcomes Report
Discuss results of Direct Measures
There were (11) students. Each student drafted the following legal forms:
complaint, answer and interrogatories.



Eight (8) students or 73% received a grade of 80% or higher on the
complaint.
Nine students or 82% received an 80% or higher on the answer.
Ten students or 91% received a grade of 80% or higher on the
interrogatories.
Discuss the extent this Learning Outcome has been achieved
By comparison of the direct and indirect measures, the expected result was
met and exceeded. Eighty two (82) percent of the students met or exceeded
the standard by receiving a grade of 80% or higher, and in addition, all of the
students surveyed agreed that they had a comprehensive understanding of
how to prepare legal forms.
The students were allowed to rework the first two assignments. However, only
3 students took advantage of this option, and only one of these students’
rework impacted the outcome.
For the 3 projects combined, 82% of the students met or exceeded the
standard by receiving a grade of 80% or higher.
Discuss results of Indirect Measures
There were nine (9) students who completed the LA 301 survey.
Of responses received, 100 % of the students “strongly agreed” or “agreed”
that the class:
1. helped the student understand the various forms
2. provided a comprehensive understanding of how to draft the forms
3. helped clarify the use of the various forms.
Discuss program strengths and opportunities for improvement
One of the strengths of the program is the practice of drafting legal documents. However, although the results do not indicate a weakness, the program may be
improved with additional practice to improve written communication skills. In addition, the B.B.A.-B.L. and B.A. have additional courses which discusses and
prepare legal forms. We plan to evaluate the use of direct measures from these courses in the future to verify the results in this measure.
Discuss recommendations for change based on Learning Outcomes Data
Based upon the result, the syllabus for LA 301 (and the cases used as a basis for the forms) will be evaluated prior to the Spring 07 semester to determine if
changes may be needed in this course to give the students a better understanding of the legal forms and their use. This evaluation will be completed to
address the following issues: rewrites, case difficulty, and communication skills. Possible changes to the syllabus include additional writing practices and
longer review periods.
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Legal Admin: B.B.A-BL and B.A. Paralegal Studies
Learning Outcomes Assessment Plan
Outcome #3
Demonstrate ability to effectively communicate in an oral & written format
If yes, Give a brief summary of previous results and indicate
the year/years in which this outcome was examined.
Is this outcome being reexamined?  Yes x No
Measures for Outcome
Direct Measures
Performance Standards for Direct Measures
Class project from LA 280 (Lawyer Discipline (Ethics) presentation
Students will meet or exceed the standard (80%)
Indirect Measures
Performance Standards for Indirect Measures
Responses from supervisor survey (LA 490 internship)
Supervisors will “agree” or “strongly agree” that the student was able to
communicate effectively
Learning Outcomes Report
Discuss results of Direct Measures
Discuss the extent this Learning Outcome has been achieved
A rubric had been developed for the presentation. (See Attachment B). During
the presentation, the student could receive up to ten points in each of the five
categories: content, communication, conciseness, continuity, and style for
possible score of fifty (50) points. However, for this report, only the
communication category was assessed for each student.
The students have demonstrated a mastery of oral communication skills as
evidenced by the direct and indirect measures. Ninety three (93) percent of
the students met or exceeded the standard for the direct measures and based
upon the available data, supervisors agree that the students are able to
communicate effectively.
There were fifteen (15) undergraduate students who completed the LA 280
presentation. Ninety-three (93%) percent of the students met or exceeded the
standard and received a score of 80% or higher. One student or 7% received
below the standard or 70%.
Although the data from the supervisors demonstrate that the students
communicate effectively both orally and written, a direct measure for
evaluating the written communication skills of the students was lacking.
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Discuss results of Indirect Measures
There were five (5) student interns.
The survey was not an effective measurement since it did not specifically ask
about communication skills. Therefore, based upon the survey alone, the
outcome could not be measured. However, qualitative results were
ascertained from discussions and site visits with the supervisors as well as
minimum data gathered from the survey.
Based upon this information, eighty (80) percent of the students met or
exceeded the standard and received “good” to “excellent” ratings on their
communications skills. (Although there were 5 students in the program, only
four students had evaluations/discussion about communication skills.)
Discuss program strengths and opportunities for improvement
The B.B.A.-B.L. and B.A. appear to have a strong oral communication skills program. We will evaluate the use of additional courses within the program in the
future to verify the results in this measure. Also, the written skills of the students must be measured.
Discuss recommendations for change based on Learning Outcomes Data
The supervisors’ survey will be evaluated and revised to obtain additional information regarding the communication skills both oral and written. In addition, a
direct measure to evaluate the students written skills will also be included.
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Attachment A
Learning Outcomes Assessment
2005-2006
Name __________________________________
Date: __________________
Civil Litigation LA 301
Exam I
Instructions
- This exam is due on Monday, March 13, 2006 at 11:00 a.m.
- No exam will be accepted after specified date and time without an impact to grade.
- This exam covers chapter 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
1.
True or False Questions
Punitive damages are also referred to as exemplary damages.
Circle Answer
True False
2.
The highest court in the District of Columbia is the D.C. Supreme
Court.
True
False
3.
A litigation paralegal often appears in court.
True
False
4.
Statutes allowing states to exercise jurisdiction over nonresident
defendants are known as long-arm statutes.
True
False
5.
Venue is a type of jurisdiction.
True
False
6.
Excluding magistrates, Virginia’s court system consists of the
Supreme Court of Virginia, Court of Appeals, Circuit Courts and
District Courts (which include General Districts Courts and
Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Courts).
True
False
7.
Each element of a course of action must be proven at trial in order for
the plaintiff to prevail.
True
False
8.
The court of appellate jurisdiction is a court where the case begins
and is tried.
True
False
Within the federal court system, trial courts are called superior
courts.
10. The most common method of resolving civil disputes is settlement.
True
False
True
False
11. A summons is a court order directing a defendant to appear personally
in court.
True
False
12. A complaint usually contains allegations showing that the court in
which the action is filed has both jurisdiction and venue.
True
False
13. The rules of civil procedure differ substantially from the rules of
criminal procedure.
True
False
9.
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- Do your own work!
Multiple Choice---Please write letter on Answer line
1. In a federal case, trials generally occur in _________________.
a. the district court
b. the court of appeals
c. the Supreme Court
d. all of the above
Answer______________________________
2. Service of a complaint and summons on a corporation is accomplished by__________.
a. serving any director of the corporation
b. serving any employee of the corporation
c. serving the agent for service of process
d. both a and c
Answer______________________________
3. Factual disputes are generally resolved in __________________.
a. a trial court
b. an appellate court
c. a supreme court
d. all the above
Answer______________________________
4. In a federal court action based upon diversity jurisdiction, venue is proper in the district
where __________________.
a. all plaintiffs reside
b. the course of action arose
c. all defendants reside
d. all of the above
Answer______________________________
5. Which of the following is not an alternative to litigation?
a. settlement
b. mediation
c. arbitration
d. discovery
Answer______________________________
6. The existence of a cause of action ___________________
a. is necessary to a lawsuit
b. is related to the law governing a particular case
c. is related to the facts of a particular case
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d. is all of the above
Answer______________________________
7. Which of the following could not be resolved through civil litigation?
a. a real estate problem
b. a contract dispute
c. the commission of a murder
d. dispute over injuries resulting from an automobile accident
Answer______________________________
8. A state always has jurisdiction over a defendant in a lawsuit if__________.
a. the defendant is a U.S. citizen
b. the defendant is a citizen of that state
c. the plaintiff sustained injuries or damages within the state
d. both b and c
9. Which of the following never starts the running of a statute of limitation?
a. the date a wrongful act occurs
b. the date the plaintiff discovers a wrongful act
c. the date the plaintiff retains an attorney
d. all of the above
Answer______________________________
10. Funds belonging to a client should be kept _______________________.
a. in the law firms’ general account
b. in the attorney’s personal account
c. in the law firm’s trust account
d. either a or c
Answer______________________________
11. Relevant evidence may be excluded when
a. it is hearsay that does not fit an exception to the hearsay rule
b. the witness does not have personal knowledge of the fact
c. the risk of unfair prejudice outweighs the probative value
d. all of the above
e. a and c only
Answer______________________________
12. Andrews and Bates have a written contract in which Bates promised to sell Andrews a piece of
real estate. Bates refuses to complete the transaction. Andrews sued Bates for specific
performance, asking the court to order Bates to complete the sale. This action is for
_________?
a. compensatory damages
b. punitive damages
c. equitable relief
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d. declarative relief
Answer______________________________
13. Which of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure govern the method used for service of process?
a. FRCivP 4
b. FRCivP 7
c. FRCivP 8
d. FRCivP 10
Answer______________________________
14. When both state and federal courts are authorized to hear a certain type of action,
_______________ jurisdiction exists.
a. personal
b. concurrent
c. exclusive
d. none of the above
Answer______________________________
Fill in the Blanks
1. When an appellate court changes a lower court’s decision and sends the case back for
retrial, the court ______________ the case.
2. Each element of a ______________must be proven at trial in order for a plaintiff to prevail.
3. An appellate court’s role is to determine if any ________ errors occurred in the trial court
4. In rem jurisdiction is based on the fact that _______________ located within a state is the
subject of the lawsuit.
5. Both NALA and NFPA have developed ethical guidelines to govern _______________
6. The power that a court has to hear a particular case is known as ___________________
jurisdiction.
7. An out of court statement introduced in court and offered to prove the truth if the statement
made is known as ________________________.
8. Attorneys are subject to codes of conduct referred to Canons of Ethics or Rules of
__________________.
9._____________ allows a court to find that certain commonly known facts are true a without the
parties presenting evidence of the fact.
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10. A court where the case begins and is tried is a court of _______________ jurisdiction.
Factual Analysis with True or False
Bob Berkshire, a paralegal with the firm of Schneider & Castillo, has been assigned to work on the
Morrison case, a case where Morrison is claiming damages for personal injuries resulting from
asbestosis allegedly contracted on the job. The claim is against Acme, Inc., the company that produced
and sold the asbestos-containing product purchased by Morrison’s employer, United Rubber.
Acme, Inc. is represented by counsel.
1. Berkshire should send a letter on behalf of Schneider & Castillo directly to
Acme, Inc., requesting the names and addresses of all purchasers of the
contaminated products.
True
False
2. If Morrison gives Berkshire the names of individuals who worked with him at
United Rubber, Berkshire should contact these individuals by phone to determine
if they have any relevant information regarding the Morrison case.
True
False
3. If Berkshire talks to any potential witnesses in the case, Berkshire should not
identify himself as a paralegal working for the law firm that represents Morrison
because this could influence the witness.
True
False
4. When Berkshire has any need to communicate with Morrison, he should
identify himself as a “member of the firm of Schneider & Castillo”; he should
never refer to himself as a paralegal.
True
False
5. If Berkshire is given the names of potential witnesses, but not their addresses
or telephone numbers, he should not waste time trying to find the information.
His time would be better spent researching the law of the case and finding an
expert who is knowledgeable about asbestosis.
True
False
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Fenton works as a paralegal in a law firm which represents Kramer in a claim for damages resulting
from an automobile accident. Kramer was a passenger in a car driven by DiSalvo. The accident
occurred when DiSalvo negligently ran a stop sign. DiSalvo is represented by the law firm of Ogawa
and Robles.
1. Assume that Fenton once worked for the law firm of Ogawa and Robles, although
he never worked on any cases involving DiSalvo. This would create a conflict of
interest and Fenton should not be allowed to work on the Kramer case.
True
False
2. Fenton discusses this case in great detail, mentioning names, with Steele, a close
friend who is a paralegal working for a different law firm. Steele promises not to
repeat anything. Fenton has nevertheless breached a duty of confidentiality.
True
False
3. Fenton is asked to do some investigation regarding this case. Fenton telephones
DiSalvo, without the consent of DiSalvo’s attorneys, and asks DiSalvo questions
about the case. As long as Fenton is properly identified as a paralegal working for
Kramer, this conduct on the part of Fenton is permissible.
True
False
4. Ogawa and Robles are required to handle this case on a contingent fee basis.
True
False
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Factual Analysis
True or False
Tom and Fred, citizens of Pennsylvania, were in a car/train accident with Zack, a citizen of Texas.
Tom was driving the car. Fred was the passenger. Zack was the engineer driving the train which was
owned by TrainsRunFast, Inc., a corporation incorporated in Delaware and principle place of
business in California. Tom and Fred were both injured and wish to sue Zack. California, Delaware,
Texas and Pennsylvania all have long arm statues.
1. If the accident happened in Pennsylvania, the state courts of Pennsylvania
could not exercise personal jurisdiction over Zack because he is not a citizen of
that state.
True
False
Assume that the damages for each plaintiff exceed $75,000.
2. The federal court has jurisdiction under diversity of citizenship.
True
False
Assume that the damages for each plaintiff exceed $75,000, but now Tom and Fred
also want to name as a defendant TrainsRunFast, Inc.
3. The federal court has jurisdiction under diversity of citizenship.
True
False
Assume that the damages for each plaintiff exceed $75,000, but now Tom and Fred
also want to name as a third defendant Brakes, Inc. the manufacturer of the brakes
on the train. Brakes is incorporated in Pennsylvania.
4. The federal court has jurisdiction under diversity of citizenship
True
False
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Short Answers
1. Explain the types of cases the United State Supreme Court has the power to decide.
2. Mary Hartwick and her twelve year old son are injured in a motor vehicle accident with a
United States postal truck on March 15, 2004. They wish to sue the U.S. government for their
injuries. By what date must a claim be filed and why. See Exhibit 3-4 on page 66 in your
textbook for federal statute.
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Attachment B: LA-280 Presentation Evaluation Sheet
Course:
Date:
Your
Name:
On a scale 0 to 10 (low to high), score the presentation you just observed and total the scores
Name of Presenter
Ms.
Sample
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Content
Communication
Conciseness
Continuity
Style
Total
9
10
8
5
9
41
Comments
not organized
in logical
manner;
confident
good eye
contact,
interested in
topic
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