BTAC 220 - Technology in the Legal Office

Credits: 5
Provides a study of the impact and use of technology in the legal office. Topics include ethical issues in using technology in a legal office; legal use of hardware and software; use of the Internet, cloud computing, and computer applications by legal assistants and the court system.

Enrollment Requirement: BTAC 100, BTAC 103 and BTAC 109, all with a grade of 2.0 or higher; Eligible for ENGL 99; or instructor consent.

Course Outcomes:
Students who successfully complete this class will be able to:

Describe the technology used in the legal office and possible related ethical issues.
Describe how the Internet and cloud computing are utilized in the legal process.
Apply word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation concepts in the legal office.
Explain the significance and use of case management programs.
Identify the responsibilities and possible issues in the archival process within the legal office.
Describe the process of electronic discovery and related issues in that discovery.

Program Outcomes

Implement calculator/computer technology to solve problems.
Successfully integrate Microsoft Office software applications to present information in a meaningful manner.

College-wide Outcomes

Critical Thinking - Critical thinking finds expression in all disciplines and everyday life. It is characterized by an ability to reflect upon thinking patterns, including the role of emotions on thoughts, and to rigorously assess the quality of thought through its work products. Critical thinkers routinely evaluate thinking processes and alter them, as necessary, to facilitate an improvement in their thinking and potentially foster certain dispositions or intellectual traits over time.
Responsibility - Responsibility encompasses those behaviors and dispositions necessary for students to be effective members of a community. This outcome is designed to help students recognize the value of a commitment to those responsibilities which will enable them to work successfully individually and with others.