Prepares students for work in the legal environment as professional paralegals or
Legal Document Assistants (LDAs).
Trains students in all aspects of the legal system, including the court system, legal
research, client interviews and communication, legal ethics, preparation of legal
documents, memoranda, and correspondence, and federal and state civil procedures.
Pay
The median annual wage for paralegals and legal assistants was $52,920 in May 2020.
Job Outlook
Employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 12 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 43,000 openings for paralegals and legal assistants are projected each year, on average, over the
decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers
who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
With a certificate of achievement, students can become professional paralegals working under the supervision of an
attorney in various industries including:
Law firms
Local court jurisdictions
Government offices
Corporate law offices
Public and private sectors
Students can also become a Legal Document Assistant (LDA) after proper licensing to
work on their own and help others with court documents. LDA's are not authorized to
give legal advice, but can provide a valuable service to those in need.
Further Education
After earning a paralegal studies certificate of achievement, students can continue
their education with a:
You must recognize the important role you play in the law office or independent certified
paralegal role. None of your assignments will be glamorous, but your efforts are essential
to the legal process.
—Charles E. Quinlan, Paralegal
What courses do I take?
Note: Some courses within the major may have a required prerequisite. If you feel
you have equivalent knowledge and skills to those included in the prerequisite course
through professional experience, licensure, or certification, you have the opportunity
to submit a Prerequisite Challenge to be reviewed by the faculty chair. For the Prerequisite
Challenge to be considered, you must submit documentation/verification to substantiate
the basis for the challenge. Please consult a counselor for more information regarding
Prerequisite Challenge.
Complete all of the following courses:
3.0 Units Advisory: ENGL C101
54 hours lecture. This course is an introduction to the field of paralegal studies
and examines the role of the paralegal in the legal profession. The course includes
practical exercises designed to introduce the varied procedures carried out by paralegals
including research and preparation of legal documents.
3.0 Units Advisory: ENGL C101, LIBR C100
54 hours lecture. This course focuses on legal research and examines both primary
and secondary sources. Topics include research and writing skills including correct
citation form by completing research assignments. There is also emphasis on researching
federal and state law using both internet sources and electronic databases.
3.0 Units Prerequisite: PARA C112. Advisory: ENGL C101
54 hours lecture. This course focuses on the principles of drafting legal documents
and the fundamentals of legal analysis. Students practice writing legal memorandums,
court briefs, and correspondence. Students also learn the tools and elements of legal
analysis including statutory analysis, case law briefs, issue identification, and
counter-analysis.
3.0 Units Prerequisite: PARA C112. Advisory: ENGL C101
54 hours lecture. This course prepares the paralegal student for the civil litigation
process and focuses upon the federal and applicable state rules of civil procedure
which guide that process. Topics include the steps involved in a civil lawsuit including
investigation, filing the complaint, responsive pleadings, discovery, alternative
dispute resolution, trial, and various motions. A hypothetical case is used to understand
the litigation process.
3.0 Units Advisory: PARA C101
54 hours lecture. This course provides students with an understanding of complex concepts
of ethics and professional responsibility that govern the legal profession, as well
as a substantive analysis of the major principles that affect how the practice of
law is regulated.
3.0 Units Advisory: PARA C112, PARA C130, PARA C140
54 hours lecture. This course prepares the paralegal student for the California civil
litigation process and focuses on the California Code of Civil Procedure which guides
that process. Topics include the steps involved in beginning a civil lawsuit including
investigation, filing the complaint, responsive pleadings, various motions, discovery
techniques and processes, trial preparation and procedures, post-trial procedures,
and judgments. The course will focus on the use of the latest California legal forms
available through legal form software CD or online California court websites and drafting
legal documents when forms are not mandatory.
Complete a minimum of 9 units from the following:
3.0 Units Prerequisite: PARA C101
54 hours lecture. This course prepares students to manage and operate a professional
law office. Topics include practical skills used in managing clients, the calendar,
the filing system, and the law library. Other topics include ethics, marketing, billing,
and office layout.
3.0 Units Prerequisite: PARA C112
54 hours lecture. This course examines the field of bankruptcy law and prepares the
student to assist in the bankruptcy process as a paralegal or bankruptcy petition
preparer. Topics focus on the origins of bankruptcy, the Bankruptcy Code and requirements
for filing, bankruptcy court procedures, and how to research bankruptcy laws.
3.0 Units Advisory: PARA C112
54 hours lecture. This course examines the field of criminal law and procedure that
prepares students to assist in preparation of defense or prosecution of criminal defendants
while adhering to U.S. Constitutional safeguards for a defendant. Students learn all
aspects of a trial from the development of the case to the appellate process and the
procedures of the criminal justice system.
3.0 Units Prerequisite: PARA C112
54 hours lecture. This course examines the field of family law including the legal
principles that define relationships, rights, and duties within family units. Topics
include general family law concepts, practical application of California family law
procedures, and the history of family law.
3.0 Units Advisory: PARA C112 and PARA C130, or PARA C210
54 hours lecture. This course reviews the practice of tort law. Topics include tort
liability issues such as intentional torts, negligence, malpractice, product liability,
and defamation. Procedural issues are also addressed through practical application
and preparation of documents in personal injury and other tort cases.
3.0 Units Prerequisite: PARA C210
54 hours lecture. This course provides students an overview of the requirements for
working as a legal document assistant (LDA) in the State of California. Students will
study California Code rules and regulations related to registering and working as
an LDA and will complete California legal forms. The course is specific to California
state law; therefore, students may not be able to work as an LDA in another U.S. state.
Previously PARA C090.
Program Pathways
All classes needed for this certificate are available at the following campuses: CC Online
See Counseling for specific help with enrolling and completing this major.
How can I afford it?
This degree requires 27.0 units and will likely take 3 semesters.
Approximate Total Costs
CA Residents
27.0 units
at $46 per unit
Equals $1,242 in tuition and fees
Plus approximately $1,620* for books and supplies
Total cost $2,862 for 3 semesters
Non-residents
27.0 units
at $388 per unit
Equals $10,476 in tuition and fees
Plus approximately $1,620* for books and supplies
Total cost $12,096 for 3 semesters
*This is an estimate. Actual costs will vary.
Need help? Financial Aid can help with fee waivers and scholarships and other aid. Make sure to fill out your
FAFSA every January.
