Master of Arts (M.A.) Major in Legal Studies

LS 5310. Introduction to the Paralegal Profession and Legal Technology.

This course examines the paralegal profession and the role of law office technology within contemporary legal practice. Students analyze the historical development of the paralegal field, professional associations, regulatory structures, certification options, and ethical standards governing paralegal work. The course also evaluates common law office technologies used in legal research, document preparation, case management, and communication. Through inquiry‑based study, students examine how professional expectations, ethical obligations, and technological tools shape paralegal responsibilities. Emphasis is placed on understanding the professional environment in which paralegals operate and the analytical application of technology in legal settings.

LS 5320. Legal Research.

This course examines the legal research process, focusing on the use of primary and secondary sources of law and associated research tools. Students analyze legal research methodologies using print and electronic resources and evaluate the application of citation rules within legal documents. The course also introduces foundational legal writing practices, including case briefing and the preparation of legal research memoranda. Through structured research exercises and analytical writing tasks, students assess the organization, authority, and relevance of legal sources. Emphasis is placed on developing analytical skills necessary for effective legal research and written communication in legal settings.

LS 5330. Legal Theories and Analysis.

This course examines the statutory and case law development of foundational legal theories, including tort, contract, and evidence. Students analyze legal doctrine to identify underlying theoretical principles and methods of legal reasoning. The course emphasizes close reading of judicial opinions and statutes to evaluate how legal theories are articulated and applied across different areas of law. Through structured analysis and discussion, students assess the role of legal theory in shaping doctrinal rules and legal outcomes. Emphasis is placed on developing analytical skills associated with legal reasoning and theory‑based interpretation.

LS 5340. Litigation.

This course examines statutory and case law governing civil procedure to analyze the legal framework of civil litigation. Students evaluate procedural rules and judicial decisions to understand how cases progress through the court system, from pleadings to final disposition. The course emphasizes close reading of statutes, rules, and judicial opinions to assess how procedural principles are interpreted and applied. Through structured analysis, students examine the relationship between procedural doctrine and litigation strategy. By engaging with primary legal sources, the course develops analytical skills associated with legal reasoning, doctrinal interpretation, and procedural evaluation.

LS 5341. Administrative Law.

This course examines the origin, development, and theoretical foundations of administrative law with a focus on the legal authority of administrative agencies and tribunals. Students analyze statutory frameworks, judicial decisions, and administrative actions to evaluate how federal agencies and state tribunals exercise enforcement, quasi‑legislative, and quasi‑judicial powers. The course emphasizes inquiry‑based analysis of primary legal sources to assess the structure and limits of administrative authority. Through systematic examination of agency functions and decision‑making processes, students develop analytical skills related to legal interpretation, doctrinal evaluation, and institutional analysis.

LS 5343. Family Law.

This course studies fundamental Texas family law concepts and practical skills essential to the paralegal’s role. Emphasis is placed on document preparation from case origination through entry of final orders. Topic coverage includes the Texas Family Code and related statutes, creation and dissolution of the marriage relationship, establishment and termination of the parent-child relationship, alternative dispute resolution, child protection, family violence, and protective orders. The course explores substantive, procedural, and ethical considerations in family law practice through case analysis, document drafting, and simulated client interactions designed to integrate theory with applied legal skills.

LS 5349. Business Organizations.

This course examines federal and Texas law governing business entities, with particular attention to the legal framework for business entity formation, operation, and restructuring. Students analyze statutes, regulations, and judicial decisions to evaluate the requirements for creating and maintaining corporate entities. The course emphasizes inquiry‑based examination of transactional documents, including articles of incorporation, amendments, and employment agreements, to assess compliance with state filing and governance rules. Through structured analysis, students evaluate legal processes related to mergers, corporate maintenance, and dissolution. The course develops analytical skills in statutory interpretation, doctrinal application, and corporate law analysis.

LS 5350. Legal Drafting.

This course examines legal drafting styles, forms, and techniques used in professional legal practice. Students analyze a range of legal documents to evaluate how structure, language, and organization serve different legal purposes. The course emphasizes inquiry‑based examination of objective, informative documents as well as persuasive trial and appellate briefs. Through systematic analysis and drafting exercises, students evaluate the effectiveness of legal writing in communicating facts, arguments, and legal authority. The course develops analytical skills related to document design, precision in legal language, and adaptation of drafting techniques to varied legal contexts. Prerequisite: LS 5320 with grade of "B" or better.

LS 5351. Estates and Trusts.

This course examines Texas law governing estates and trusts, with particular attention to the statutory and doctrinal framework for estate administration. Students analyze statutes, case law, and probate procedures to evaluate how legal rules govern the distribution and management of decedents’ estates. The course emphasizes inquiry‑based examination of legal documents used in estate administration, including wills, inventories, and related filings. Through structured analysis of legal requirements and procedural rules, students evaluate the legal functions of estate planning and administration documents. The course develops analytical skills in statutory interpretation, doctrinal application, and document‑based legal analysis.

LS 5353. Real Estate.

This course examines Texas law governing real property, including rules related to conveyances, recordation, taxation, and sales of real estate. Students analyze statutes, case law, and public land records to evaluate how legal rules regulate ownership and transfer of real property interests. The course emphasizes inquiry‑based examination of documents maintained by county and state officials, such as deeds, liens, and plats. Through structured analysis of title records and procedural requirements, students evaluate methods used in title searching and property verification. The course develops analytical skills in statutory interpretation, document analysis, and real property law reasoning.

LS 5359. Alternative Dispute Resolution.

This course examines the procedural and substantive legal principles governing alternative dispute resolution. Students analyze negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and alternative adjudicative processes to evaluate how disputes are resolved outside traditional litigation. The course emphasizes inquiry-based examination of governing rules, case law, and procedural frameworks to assess how ADR mechanisms operate in practice. Through structured analysis of dispute resolution processes, students evaluate the role of ethical standards and policy considerations in shaping ADR procedures. The course develops analytical skills related to legal reasoning, procedural evaluation, and comparison of dispute resolution methods.

LS 5360. Advanced Litigation.

This course examines the use of the American legal system to resolve disputes between individuals and entities through the trial process. Students analyze procedural rules, evidentiary standards, and case law to evaluate how disputes are prepared for and presented at trial. The course emphasizes inquiry-based analysis of trial advocacy planning, including issue identification, case theory development, and litigation strategy. Through structured examination of trial materials and simulated case scenarios, students evaluate the components of effective trial preparation. The course develops analytical skills related to legal reasoning, procedural application, and assessment of advocacy strategies within the trial context. Prerequisite: LS 5320 and LS 5340 both with grades of "B" or better.

LS 5361. Criminal Law and Procedure.

This course examines state and federal statutory and common law governing the criminal justice system. Students analyze substantive criminal law and procedural rules to evaluate how criminal cases progress through investigation, prosecution, adjudication, and resolution. The course emphasizes inquiry‑based examination of criminal litigation processes, including charging decisions, pretrial procedures, trial practice, and post‑trial review. Through structured analysis of statutes, case law, and procedural frameworks, students assess how legal doctrines operate within the criminal justice system. The course develops analytical skills in legal reasoning, doctrinal interpretation, and evaluation of procedural rules relevant to criminal litigation.

LS 5363. Social Legislation.

This course examines Texas and federal statutory frameworks governing areas such as workers’ compensation, unemployment compensation, bankruptcy, and commercial transactions. Students analyze statutes and case law to evaluate how legislative schemes structure legal rights, obligations, and remedies in regulated economic and employment contexts. The course emphasizes inquiry‑based examination of statutory language and judicial interpretation to assess how these laws are applied and developed over time. Through structured analysis of legislative history and case decisions, students evaluate the relationship between statutory design and judicial implementation. The course develops analytical skills in statutory interpretation, doctrinal analysis, and application of law to regulated legal fields.

LS 5370. Advanced Legal Research & Writing.

This course examines core methods of legal research, analysis, and writing through structured engagement with legal sources and problem-based assignments. Students analyze both computer-assisted and manual research tools to locate, evaluate, and synthesize primary and secondary legal authorities. The course emphasizes analytical writing, organization of complex legal documents, and systematic approaches to legal argumentation. Through guided exercises and an applied research project, students evaluate legal issues, develop reasoned analyses, and present conclusions supported by authority. The course focuses on methodological rigor, clarity of expression, and effective use of legal sources in professional legal contexts. Prerequisite: LS 5350 with a grade of "B" or better.

LS 5371. Intellectual Property Law.

This course examines the principal doctrines of intellectual property law, including trademarks, copyrights, patents, and trade secrets. Students analyze legal frameworks governing intellectual property at the state and federal levels, with attention to statutory provisions, case law, and administrative interpretation. The course evaluates theoretical and practical questions arising from the allocation of intellectual property rights and their legal enforcement. Through close reading of legal materials and applied analysis of illustrative disputes, students assess how intellectual property regimes function across different legal contexts and examine the interaction between state and federal authority in shaping intellectual property outcomes.

LS 5373. Contract Law.

This course examines the law of contracts through analysis of common law principles and statutory frameworks governing contractual formation, interpretation, and enforcement. The course analyzes a range of contract types, including real estate, employment, service, construction, and electronic contracts. Students evaluate statutory sources such as the Statute of Frauds, the Uniform Commercial Code, the Uniform Computer Information Transactions Act, and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act. Through close reading of cases, statutes, and sample agreements, students assess how contract rules operate in practice and apply doctrinal principles to drafting and interpretive exercises.

LS 5380A. Texas Water Law.

This course examines key legal issues shaping water governance in Texas, with particular attention to state and local administration of groundwater and surface water law. Students analyze statutory frameworks, judicial decisions, and regulatory practices that structure water allocation and management. The course evaluates the respective roles of state agencies, local authorities, and regulatory bodies in implementing Texas water law. Through analysis of legal materials and illustrative case studies, students assess how legal rules are applied in practice and examine the interaction between legal doctrine, administrative decision‑making, and regulatory oversight within Texas water law.

LS 5380B. Environmental Litigation.

This course examines the legal processes involved in researching, filing, and litigating claims under federal and state environmental statutes. Students analyze statutory frameworks, jurisdictional requirements, and procedural rules governing environmental litigation. The course evaluates how environmental cases are initiated, developed, and resolved, with attention to pleading standards, standing, remedies, and evidentiary considerations. Through analysis of statutes, case law, and illustrative litigation materials, students assess the procedural and doctrinal features that distinguish environmental litigation from other forms of civil litigation and develop analytical skills applicable to regulated legal contexts.

LS 5388. Directed Reading and Research.

This course provides an opportunity for advanced, supervised study of selected topics in legal studies. Under the direction of a graduate faculty member, students examine legal questions through sustained reading, research, and analytical inquiry. The course emphasizes the development of advanced research skills, including source evaluation, doctrinal analysis, and synthesis of legal materials. Students analyze relevant statutes, case law, and scholarly literature related to an approved legal topic. Through structured consultation and independent work, students evaluate legal arguments and produce analytical outcomes appropriate to advanced academic study. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

LS 5389. Law Office Internship.

This course examines professional practices, procedures, and regulatory standards in legal work environments. Students analyze operational structures, workflow processes, and professional responsibility frameworks relevant to legal practice. The course includes a supervised internship of approximately 10–15 hours per week, through which students observe and evaluate workplace practices in applied legal settings. Using reflective analysis and structured assignments, students assess how legal procedures and professional standards are implemented in practice. The course integrates experiential learning with analytical evaluation of professional roles, responsibilities, and institutional expectations within legal organizations. Course is required unless the student has related experience and has, with program director permission, elected to take a practicum. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

LS 5399. Applied Research Project.

This course serves as the culminating applied research experience for the Master of Arts in Legal Studies degree. Students examine a defined legal or law-related issue through independent research conducted under the supervision of a faculty advisor. The course emphasizes methodological rigor, including research design, source evaluation, and analytical synthesis of legal materials. Students analyze relevant statutes, case law, and scholarly literature to develop a coherent applied research project. The course concludes with preparation and submission of a completed project and oral examination demonstrating advanced analytical reasoning and scholarly competence. Prerequisite: LS 5370 with a grade of "B" or better and instructor approval.