Pasco-Hernando State College Volume XII, Issue II - Fall 2018 | Page 17

Some PHSC Paralegal Studies program students find their Judge Kurt Hintzman presided with State Attorneys Rob Lewis
fantasies about the field squelched soon after they begin the and Melissa Underwood assisting student defense and
program, once immersed in the intricacies of civil process, prosecution teams.
contract law and a long list of terms often called legal speak. The
realities of the profession are soon made clear in this rigorous Paralegal students receive multi-faceted legal experience within
program of study. However, in addition to a real-world introduction the program and with full-time student status, can graduate in two
to paralegal studies in the classroom, PHSC’s program integrates years to receive an Associate in Science degree. In addition to
a variety of field trips. Paralegal Studies Associate Professor Gary extensive training in legal research and analysis, students learn to
Cors, who teaches at West Campus and online, and Instructor draft opinion and demand letters, and write other legal documents
Jason Smith located at Spring Hill and North Campus, arrange while learning about private and government practice, and federal
visits to county court houses, medical examiner offices, law and state law, including ethical responsibilities related to the
enforcement facilities and crime labs. These settings are routinely paralegal profession. An internship with a local attorney, court or
encountered by paralegals, and balance hours of study. other employer in the legal industry is included in the curriculum.
Further enhancing the learning experience, Cors
Cors had not planned on a teaching career, but fell
and Smith annually conduct a mock trial
where students study a fictitious full case
summary including a prosecution and
defense team with witnesses. “The
Mock Trial helped me to get into the
character’s head—to understand what
a defendant might feel,” said Athena
Condich, who played the role of the
into the job by doing a favor for a friend, who
The Mock Trial helped
me to get into the
character’s head—to
understand what a
defendant might feel ...
asked him to teach a paralegal course for
a semester. Prior to his teaching role at
PHSC, Cors spent 10 years as a general
civil attorney practicing in Pasco, Pinellas
and Hillsborough counties, which
included Torts, personal injury, family law
and business law with general litigation,
accused on trial as well as took on closing
estates and real estate. “I taught my first
arguments for the defense.
class in 1999, back in the day when courses
were presented via video teleconference. I would
Condich’s young daughter was among the nearly 100 family
present my class lesson, but be stuck at the podium and the
and friends who filled the seats in the conference room where the microphone because if I moved, the students watching me on TV
mock trial took place. “It's nice to let those close to us experience could not see me,” explained Cors. “It was extremely restrictive,
a little of what we work hard to learn all semester,” not conducive to interactive learning, and not for me,” said Cors.
said Condich.
However, instead of walking away, Cors viewed teaching as a
Also recruited to challenge and wanted to improve. He continued his teaching
participate in the career after that initial experience. In private practice, Cors says
event is a full mock he was in continual conflict. “Teaching was a good change and
jury, as well as a provided a more positive atmosphere—this is where I found my
local judge from passion,” said Cors.
either Pasco or
Judge Hintzman with Gary Cors
Hernando circuit The paralegal program advances students through federal law
courts. Last spring, evaluation by way of course textbooks as well as Florida specific
Hernando County law through lecture. “It’s important that students in our program
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