PLAW-301: Legal Ethics provides a focused study of professional responsibility in the legal field, emphasizing the standards attorneys and paralegals must uphold to maintain the integrity of the legal system. Drawing from Legal Ethics by Kent Kauffman and Erin Rybicki, this course examines the sources of ethical rules, including the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct, state regulations, and professional codes.

Key topics include the unauthorized practice of law, confidentiality and privilege, conflicts of interest, fee arrangements, advertising and solicitation, and paralegal-specific issues such as malpractice liability and disciplinary procedures. Through case studies and applied scenarios, students will practice identifying ethical dilemmas, applying professional standards, and making responsible decisions in complex situations.

By blending theoretical frameworks with practical applications, this course equips students with the knowledge and judgment to navigate ethical challenges confidently in paralegal roles, legal support positions, or further study in law.