California Paralegal Associations and Information
Statewide Paralegal Associations
California Alliance of Paralegal Associations (CAPA)
Description: CAPA is a statewide non-profit, mutual benefit corporation dedicated to the advancement of the paralegal profession. In order to maximize paralegals’ knowledge and expertise, CAPA supports formal education, training, continuing education, and voluntary competency testing, including without limitation to the California Advanced Specialty examinations.
Contact:
California Alliance Of Paralegal Associations
Post Office Box 1055
San Leandro, Ca. 94577-0121
Website:
http://www.caparalegal.org/contact.html
California Lawyers’ Assistants Secretaries & Students (CLASS)
Description: California Lawyers’ Assistants Secretaries & Students (CLASS) sponsor continuing legal education classes and seminars for legal support professionals and students. 6 workshops per year, referrals to online computer training (free) and one weekend retreat on a variety of legal topics of interest to members.
Contact:
CLASS, 442 1/2 Pacific Avenue,
Alameda, CA 94501
Website:
http://www.lawguru.com/users/law/class/class.html
Local Paralegal Associations
Alliance of Legal Document Assistant Professionals (ALDAP)
Description: The Alliance of Legal Document Assistant Professionals, Inc. (ALDAP) is the leader in the legal document assistant (LDA) profession with an unparalleled commitment to professional integrity and consumer protection.
As an organization, ALDAP promotes the delivery of exceptional, quality legal document preparation services with a focus on consumer protection and awareness. The members are dedicated to the integrity of the legal document assistant and paralegal professions; adhering to the Legal Document Assistant Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and offering consumers the LDA Client’s Bill of Rights and Responsibilities as proof of commitment to consumer protection and document preparation excellence. ALDAP has established network affording shared communication, and educational and practical materials and resources to educate the public.
Contact:
Alliance of Legal Document Assistant Professionals (ALDAP)
1017 L Street, #563
Sacramento, CA 95814
Telephone: (888) 201-8622
Email:info@aldap.org
Website: http://www.aldap.com/
Cuyamaca Association of Paralegal Students
Description: The Cuyamaca Association of Paralegal Students was created by a group of Paralegal Studies majors who wanted to contribute to their education as well as benefit from it. Collectively, they wished to assist in the development and growth of the program and to provide learning agendas beyond the classroom. One of the important mission of the association is the enhancement of the quality of professional training and legal education. Also, to make available personal growth opportunities to all students of Paralegal Studies program at Cuyamaca College.
Contact:
Cuyamaca College
900 Rancho San Diego Parkway
El Cajon, California 92019
Telephone: (619) 660-4362
Fax: (619) 660-4399
Website: http://www.cuyamaca.edu/CAPS/
Los Angeles Paralegal Association (LAPA)
Description: The Los Angeles Paralegal Association (LAPA) is dedicated to developing, strengthening, and advancing the paralegal profession. LAPA provides networking opportunities, continuing legal educational programs, and pro bono activities for paralegals and members of the legal community throughout the Greater Los Angeles Metropolitan Area. LAPA also is an active participant in and an advocate of the California Alliance of Paralegal Associations and the National Association of Legal Assistants.
Contact:
Los Angeles Paralegal Association
Post Office Box 71708
Los Angeles, California 90071
Fax: 866-460-0506
Telephone: 866-626-LAPA
Email:admin@lapa.org or info@lapa.org
Website:http://www.lapa.org/
Orange County Paralegal Association (OCPA)
Description: The Orange County Paralegal Association (OPCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to furthering the paralegal profession. It adheres to a strict code of ethics and canons to maintain the highest level of professionalism. Their Mission Statement is: to excel through education, certification and ethical responsibility.
The Orange County Paralegal Association (OCPA) was formed in 1977 in response to a growing need for an organized professional association for paralegals. Originally formed as a section of the Orange County Bar Association, OCPA became an independent, voluntary, non-profit corporation in 1986 for paralegals interested in furthering their professional development.
OCPA became a member of the California Alliance of Paralegal Associations (CAPA) which provides a forum for its affiliated associations to address statewide paralegal issues. In 1995 the OCPA joined the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) as an affiliated association. NALA promotes the ethical practices of the paralegal profession and administers the CLA program, a self regulatory program offering national credential for legal assistants.
Contact:
OCPA
P.O. Box 8512
Newport Beach, California 92658
Telephone: 1-714-744-7747
Website:http://www.ocparalegal.org/about_us.htm
Paralegal Association of Santa Clara County (PASCCO)
Description: Paralegal Association of Santa Clara County (PASCCO) is a professional and educational organization for legal assistants. The majority of members are paralegals employed by Santa Clara County law firms, corporations, and governmental agencies. PASCCO is an affiliated association of the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) and the California Alliance of Paralegal Associations (CAPA).
Contact:
Paralegal Association of Santa Clara County
933 Monroe Street PMB 192
Santa Clara, CA 95050
Melisa Frick, ACP
Telephone: (510)468-5736
E-mail:ContactPASCCO@yahoo.com
San Diego Paralegal Association (SDPA)
Description: San Diego Paralegal Association (SDPA) (formally known as the San Diego Association of Legal Assistants) works to serve the paralegals working within San Diego County. SDPA is a non-profit organization established for the purpose of promoting the paralegal profession through awareness, education and public service.
Contact:
Website: http://sdparalegals.org/03/contact-us.html
Santa Barbara Paralegal Association (SBPA)
Description: The Santa Barbara Paralegal Association (SBPA) (formerly Legal Assistants Association of Santa Barbara) was formed in 1979 as a nonprofit organization to promote the paralegal profession, to develop a network for the exchange of information and ideas, to encourage greater utilization of paralegals by the legal community, and to increase public awareness and understanding of the paralegal profession. SBPA is affiliated with California Alliance of Paralegal Associations (CAPA) and The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).
Contact:
Telephone: 805 962-0011
Fax : 805 965-3978
Website: http://www.sbparalegals.org/index.shtml
Sequoia Paralegal Association
Description: Sequoia Paralegal Association was founded in 1986. Its professional affiliation is with the California Alliance of Paralegal Associations (CAPA) and its academic affiliation is with the College of the Sequoias Paralegal Association (COSPA). The association aims to promote, encourage and expand the paralegal profession. It sponsors professional activities and offer continuing education for paralegals.
Contact:
Sequoia Paralegal Association
P.O. Box 2483
Visalia, CA 93279
Website:http://www.sequoiaparalegals.com/
Inland Counties Association of Paralegals
Description: ICAP mission is to promote the paralegal profession in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. It is an affiliate of California Alliance of Paralegal Association. The Association encourages greater utilization of paralegals within the legal communities.
Contact:
E-mail:webmaster@icaponline.org
Website: http://www.icaponline.org/
Fresno Paralegal Association
Description: The Fresno Paralegal Association was formerly known as San Joaquin Association of Legal Assistants. It promotes the paralegal profession by serving as a forum for the interchange of ideas among paralegals in Fresno County and surrounding areas.
Contact:
Fresno Paralegal Association
P O Box 28515
Fresno, CA93729-8515
Telephone: (559) 433-2345
Website: http://www.fresnoparalegal.org/contact.htm
Paralegal Schools and CLE
California State University East Bay
Description: California State University, East Bay offers an ABA-approved Paralegal Studies Certificate Program and California state Bar-approved MCLE courses. Classes are offered at three campuses in the East Bay Area: Hayward, Concord and Oakland. Cal State East Bay’s program qualifies aspiring paralegals for entry-level positions in the field, whether in law offices, corporations, government agencies or other organizations
Type of Institution: Public, ABA approved
Degrees Offered & Conditions: Paralegal Studies Certificate
Minimum length of time to complete program: five quarters or one year and 10 weeks
Internships: Mandatory
Contact:
California State University East Bay
Paralegal Studies Program
Division of Continuing and International Education
25800 Carlos Bee Boulevard
Hayward, CA 94542-3012
Telephone: 510.885.2311
Fax: 510.885-4817
Website:www.ce.csueastbay.edu/certificate/paralega
California State University, Los Angeles
Description: This ABA approved program operates on a quarter systems, and offers three certificate tracks: Litigation, Corporate, and General. The program specializes in assisting students needing to attend classes in the evening, with lifetime placement assistance, entry available every quarter, and with free student information meetings held quarterly.
Type of Institution: Public, 4 yr, ABA approved
Degrees Offered & Conditions: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
Minimum length of time to complete program: 9 months (entry in Fall or Spring) or 1 yr (any quarter entry)
Internships: Elective
Contact:
California State University, Los Angeles
Certificate Program in Paralegal Studies
5151 State University Drive,
Los Angeles, CA 90032-8619,
Telephone: 323.343.4967,
Fax: 323.343.4954
Website: www.calstatela.edu/exed/certificate/paralegal.htm
Cerritos Community College
Description: Cerritos Community College is a 2-year public institution located in Los Angeles County. Students who have completed an AA degree or higher when they enter the program can earn a Paralegal Certificate by taking 21 units of Paralegal courses. The program is ABA approved.
Type of Institution: Public, 2 yr, ABA approved
Degrees Offered & Conditions: Associate in Arts, Certificate
Minimum length of time to complete program: AA-approx. 2 yrs; Certificate-approx. 1-2 semesters
Internships: Elective
Contact:
Cerritos Community College
Paralegal Studies Program
11110 East Alondra Boulevard,
Norwalk, CA 90650-6298
Telephone: 562.860.2451 (Ext: 2710),
Fax: 562.467.5090
Website: www.cerritos.edu/paralegal
Coastline Community College
Description: The Paralegal Program prepares personnel for the intermediary position between the legal secretary and the attorney, performing work under the supervision of an attorney. Paralegals work in law offices and other legal environments and many interact with clients. This is not a pre-law program. It does not prepare the student to become an attorney.
Students who do not already possess an associate or bachelor degree from a regionally accredited college or university must complete an A.A. degree (60 units) as specified below. These requirements are in compliance with the ABA guidelines for paralegal programs. Paralegal studies course work taken at other institutions, if approved by the paralegal studies department, can be applied in partial fulfillment of these requirements. Paralegal studies courses taken for other than a letter grade are limited to 9 units within the 27 unit total. Fourteen units of paralegal course work must be completed at Coastline. (Credit by examination applications require approval by the paralegal department and faculty. Practical assignments and projects in addition to regular course examinations will be required for any course approved for challenge.) Upon completion of this program, students will be awarded an associate in arts degree and a certificate of achievement in paralegal studies approved by the American Bar Association.
Students are required to attend a paralegal orientation or a counseling session and complete the English and math placement testing and Group A General Education requirements prior to entering LAW 105, 118, 120, 390AB and/or any major elective with a “LAW” designation. The remaining general education units are to be completed concurrently with the remaining paralegal courses. Students must achieve a grade point average of 2.0 or higher in each paralegal course. Students possessing a transferable associate in arts or bachelor degree from a regionally accredited college or university, with official transcripts on file at Coastline, will be awarded a certificate of achievement approved by the American Bar Association upon completion of the 27 units of required paralegal courses.
Degrees Offered: Certificate and Associate degrees
Type of Institution: ABA approved.
Contact:
Coastline Community College,
Paralegal Studies Program,
11460 Warner Avenue,
Fountain Valley, CA 92708,
Telephone: 714.546.7000 x17319,
Fax: 714.751.3806
Website: http://www.coastline.edu/degrees/page.cfm?LinkID=377
Cuyamaca College
Description: Students interested in a rewarding and challenging career allied to the legal profession will find that the Paralegal Program at Cuyamaca College is an excellent place to start. Through the Paralegal Associate in Science degree program students acquire skills needed for a variety of tasks and responsibilities of a legal assistant in a private law firm, corporation or government agency. The paralegal curriculum is developed and regularly reviewed with the assistance of an advisory committee comprised of leaders from within the field including judges, attorneys and practicing paralegals. The committee provides expert advice on current needs and trends in paralegal services, and serves to keep the Cuyamaca College program strong.
Degrees Offered: Certificate and Associate degrees
Type of Institution: ABA approved.
Contact:
Cuyamaca College
Paralegal Studies Program
900 Rancho San Diego Parkway,
El Cajon, CA 92019-4303
Telephone: 619.660.4000,
Fax: 619.660.4399
Website:http://www.cuyamaca.edu/paralegal/
DeAnza College
Description: The De Anza Paralegal Program has graduated hundreds of paralegals who work in government agencies, corporate legal departments and private law firms.The Program was the first paralegal program in the South Bay to be approved by the American Bar Association
Degrees Offered: Associate degree
Type of Institution: ABA approved
Contact:
DeAnza College
Paralegal Program
21250 Stevens Creek Boulevard,
Cupertino, CA 95014
Telephone: 408.864.8563,
Fax: 408.864.5309
Website: http://www.deanza.edu/paralegal/
El Camino College
Description: The Paralegal Studies Program is designed to train students to assist lawyers in private firms, legal departments of companies, or governmental agencies. Graduates will have the ability to apply theories and principles of law, prepare or interpret legal documents, draft pleadings including court forms, prepare for litigation, apply legal ethics, case management techniques, and skills for client interaction, and research the law. The program is ABA approved.
Type of Institution: Public, 2 yr, ABA approved
Degrees Offered & Conditions: Associate in Science, Certificate of Competence
Minimum length of time to complete program: 2 yrs
Internships: Elective
Contact:
El Camino College
Paralegal Studies Program
Business Division, 16007 Crenshaw Boulevard
Torrance, CA 90506-0003,
Telephone: 310.660.3789
Fax: 310.660.3774
Website:http://www.elcamino.edu/academics/business/paralegal
Fremont College
Description: Paralegal Studies encompasses many facets of law and includes, but is not limited to, property, probate, family law, torts, civil procedures, contracts and legal research and writing.
Type of Institution: ABA approved program
Degrees Offered: Associate degree
Contact:
Fremont College
Paralegal Studies Program
18000 Studebaker Road, Suite 900A,
Cerritos, CA 90703-5342
Telephone: 562.809.5100
Fax: 562.809.7100
Website: http://www.fremont.edu/programs/paralegal-studies.htm
Fullerton College
Description: The Fullerton College Paralegal Studies Program is designed to prepare students for employment in a paraprofessional capacity working under the supervision of an attorney. Associate and certificate degrees are offered by this ABA approved program.
Type of Institution: Public, 2 yr, ABA approved
Degrees Offered & Conditions: Associate in Science, Certificate
Minimum length of time to complete program: 2 yrs for AS degree
Internships: Elective
Contact:
Fullerton College
Paralegal Studies Program
321 East Chapman Avenue,
Fullerton, CA 92832
Telephone: 714.992.7223,
Fax: 714.992.9910
Website:http://Bizdiv.fullcoll.edu/paralegalStudies.html
John F. Kennedy University
Description: John F. Kennedy University offers an upper-division Paralegal Certificate embedded into a Bachelor’s Degree in Legal Studies. The curriculum is designed to prepare the students to work as legal professionals and become effective members of the legal team from graduation. Bachelor of Arts and Post-Associate Certificates are offered by the program.
Type of Institution: Private-4 year University, ABA approved
Degrees Offered & Conditions: Bachelor of Arts; Post-Associate Certificate
Minimum length of time to complete program: One year for certificate
Internships: Elective.
Contact:
John F. Kennedy University
Legal Studies Program
100 Ellinwood Way,
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Telephone: 925.969.3492,
Fax: 925.969.3328
Website: http://www.jfku.edu/schools/som/legalstudies/certificate/
Miramar College
Degrees Offered: Associate and certificate degrees
Type of Institution: ABA approved
Contact:
Miramar College
Legal Assistant Program
10440 Black Mountain Road,
San Diego, CA 92126
Telephone: 619.388.7892
Mount San Antonio College
Description: Graduates of this program will qualify for entry-level employment and will possess skills for advancement and specialization in the paralegal profession. The program is ABA approved.
Type of Institution: Public, 2 yr, ABA approved
Degrees Offered & Conditions: Associate in Science
Minimum length of time to complete program: 2 yrs
Internships: Elective
Contact:
Mount San Antonio College
Paralegal Studies Program
Business Administration Department,
1100 North Grand Avenue
Walnut, CA 91789
Telephone: (909) 594-5611, ext. 4906
Fax: 909.468.3936.
Website: http://paralegal.mtsac.edu
MTI College
Description: Courses are taught by attorneys and paralegals with expertise in their fields, and student services include lifetime placement as well as a notary class. MTI strongly endorses membership in the Sacramento Valley Paralegal Association. This ABA approved program offers Associate degrees.
Type of Institution: Private, 2yr, ABA approved
Degrees Offered & Conditions: Associate in Arts, Associate of Applied Science
Minimum length of time to complete program: 2 yr. program, length can be shortened if student has college degrees/credits.
Internships: Elective
Contact:
MTI College
Paralegal Studies
5221 Madison Avenue,
Sacramento, CA 95841
Telephone: 916.339.1500 Ext. 240
Fax: 916.339.0305
National University (Los Angeles and Sherman Oaks, CA campuses only)
Description: National University is a WASC regionally accredited, ABA approved paralegal education program offering a bachelor’s degree located in Southern California. The program offers three program options to prepare students for the paralegal profession. National University also offers Paralegal Specialist Certificates in numerous substantive areas, including corporate, criminal, family, litigation, probate and estate planning and real estate. Each certificate is tailored to include training in substantive legal analysis, drafting of relevant legal documents and managing of procedural matters.
Type of Institution: 4 year, ABA approved
Degrees Offered & Conditions: Bachelor of Science Degree; Post-baccalaureate and post-secondary certificates
Minimum length of time to complete program: 9 to 23 months
Internships: Elective
Contact:
National University (Los Angeles and Sherman Oaks, CA campuses only)
Paralegal Studies Program
5245 Pacific Concourse Drive,
Los Angeles, CA 90045
Telephone: 310.662.2115,
Fax: 310.662.2097
Website:http://www.nu.edu/assets/resources/departmentResources/7795_EL_Paralegal_ft_pr3%20(2).pdf
Pasadena City College
Description: Pasadena City College’s Paralegal Program prepares students to assist attorneys as paralegals in administrative agencies, corporations, insurance companies, private law firms, government and other legal environments. Emphasis is on training students in both civil and criminal matters. Some of the services that the paralegal provides under the supervision of an attorney are legal research, development of law office systems, client interviews, drafts, pleadings, briefing cases, legal calendaring, preparing discovery for litigated cases, preparing drafts of wills and trusts, maintaining corporate records and minutes. Instructors in this ABA approved program, are attorneys or paralegals with practical knowledge in the field of law.
Type of Institution: Public, 2 yr, ABA approved
Degrees Offered & Conditions: Associate in Science, Certificate
Internships: Mandatory
Contact:
Pasadena City College
Paralegal Program
Business Education Division,
1570 East Colorado Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91106-2003,
Telephone: 626.585.7817
Fax: 626.585.7947
Website: www.pasadena.edu
San Francisco State University – College of Extended Learning
Description: The program is ABA approved and offers both daytime and evening classes. Students are required to complete 10 courses and may choose from several areas of specialization including: Advanced Litigation, Business, Corporate, Transactional, Probate & Estate Planning, Family Law and Administrative Law.
Type of Institution: Public, ABA approved
Degrees Offered & Conditions: Certificate Program (30 upper division units)
Minimum length of time to complete program: Four semesters, 12-18 months depending on student’s individual schedules.
Internships: Elective
Contact:
San Francisco State University – College of Extended Learning
Paralegal Studies Program
College of Extended Learning, 835 Market Street
6th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103-1901
Telephone: 415.817.4223,
Fax: 415.817.4299
Website:www.cel.sfsu.edu/paralegal
Santa Ana College
Description: This paralegal program is designed to prepare the student to work in a paraprofessional capacity as an assistant to an attorney in a law firm, governmental agency or corporation. The paralegal performs many tasks normally handled by an attorney, such as preparing forms and pleadings, interviewing clients and witnesses, legal research and document organization. Strong English skills, computer knowledge and good organizational skills are an asset in this profession. This program is not designed to prepare students for the practice of law.
Type of Institution: ABA approved
Degrees Offered: Associate degree, Certificate program
Contact:
Santa Ana College
Paralegal Program,
1530 W 17th Street
Santa Ana, CA 92706-3398,
Telephone: 714.564.6000
Fax: 714.564.6755.
Website:http://www.sac.edu/degrees/sac/Paralegal.htm
University of California, Irvine Extension
Description: The program develops job skills that are essential in a paralegal career. Learn from instructors who represent prominent law firms, corporations, and public sector agencies that bring one to real-world experience. Obtain specialized information in classes specifically developed for experienced paralegals.
The Paralegal Certificate Program has earned an outstanding reputation for practice-based education. A balance of workplace applicable skills and legal theory equips graduates to participate in virtually every aspect of a case. Concepts are taught and reinforced utilizing case studies, lectures, class discussions, group exercises, assignments, field trips, and guest speakers.
Type of Institution: Public, ABA approved
Degrees Offered: Certificate Program
Internships: Elective
Contact:
University of California, Irvine Extension
Business, Management and Legal Programs
Post Office Box 6050, Irvine,
CA 92716-6050,
Telephone: 949.824.5524,
Fax: 949.824.1547
Website: http://unex.uci.edu/certificates/business_mgmt/paralegal/
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA Extension)
Description: The AATP offers two program alternatives. The Litigation Program option is designed to train persons interested in working as paralegals in law firms specializing in litigation or in corporate litigation departments. The Litigation/Corporations Program option is for students interested in working as paralegals in corporate legal departments or in law firms specializing in corporate law and business litigation. AATP students are awarded a certificate by successfully completing 32.4 quarter units of post-graduate professional coursework, which is graded on a passed/not passed basis.
Type of Institution: Public, ABA approved
Degrees Offered & Conditions: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
Internships: Elective
Contact:
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA Extension)
Paralegal Training Program
UCLA Extension, 10995 LeConte Avenue, Suite 517
Los Angeles, CA 90024-1333, Telephone: 310.825.0299
Fax: 310.825.9242
Website:www.uclaextension.edu/ptp
University of California, Riverside
Description: The Paralegal Certificate Program is approved by the American Bar Association. This program consists of an intensive curriculum combining legal theory with the practical skills required of paralegals and provides a quality, rigorous and challenging paralegal education to qualified individuals.
Degrees Offered: Certificate
Type of Institution: ABA approved
Contact:
University of California, Riverside
Extension & Summer Session
Paralegal Certificate Program,
1200 University Avenue
Riverside, CA 92507-4596,
Telephone: 951.827.5804
Fax: 951.827.7374
Website:www.Extension.ucr.edu/certificates/paralegal
University of California, San Diego
Description: The UCSD Extension Paralegal Program features a curriculum that combines practical skills with legal theory and analysis. Classes are taught by prominent attorneys and advanced paralegals, who provide students with a balanced perspective and expertise into the tasks paralegals perform. Emphasis is placed on the working relationship between the paralegal and the attorney. Course content focuses on civil litigation and areas of curriculum include legal research, writing, interviewing, and substantive and procedural law.
Degrees Offered: Certificate Program
Type of Institution: ABA approved
Contact:
University of California, San Diego
Paralegal Program,
UCSD Extension
9500 Gilman Drive,
La Jolla, CA 92093-0172
Telephone: 858.882.8008,
Fax: 858.882.8017
Website: http://extension.ucsd.edu/programs/customprogram/paralegal/index.cfm
University of California, Santa Barbara
Degrees Offered: Paralegal Certificate Program
Type of Institution: ABA approved
Contact:
University of California, Santa Barbara,
Paralegal Professional Certificate Program,
6550 Hollister Ave,
Goleta, CA 93106,
Telephone: 805.893-7440,
Fax: 805.894.4943
Website:www.extension.ucsb.edu
University of La Verne
Description: The University promotes values and ethics, and appreciation for diversity, lifelong learning and community service. The paralegal program began in 1972 and is designed to meet the needs of working adults. Classes meet at night, each class meeting once a week for 15 weeks. Emphasis is on writing skills, substantive law, and practical application. Services include financial aid, career development and placement assistance, and services for disabled students and multicultural students.
Type of Institution: Private, 4 yr, ABA approved
Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Science, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, Post- Associate Certificate.
Minimum length of time to complete program: 1.5 yrs
Internships: Elective
Contact:
University of La Verne
Legal Studies Program,
1950 Third Street
La Verne, CA 91750,
Telephone: 909.593.3511, ext. 4428
Fax: 909.392.2707,
Website:www.laverne.edu/academics/arts-sciences/legal-studies
West Valley College
Description: Students who complete the program will have an overview of the American legal system and the practice of law; the ability to work in civil litigation and do legal research; an understanding of the ethical rules and regulations applicable to legal professionals; a balanced education founded on the integration of general education, legal theory and practical legal course work; strong written and oral communication skills; the ability to acquire skills needed to work in areas of practice other than litigation; the capacity to work both independently and as a team member.
Type of Institution: Public, ABA approved
Degrees Offered & Conditions: Associate in Science, Post-Degree Certificate (requires an AA/AS degree or higher)
Minimum length of time to complete program: 4 semesters
Internships: Mandatory
Contact:
West Valley College,
Paralegal Program,
14000 Fruitvale Avenue,
Saratoga, CA 95070-5698,
Telephone: 408.741.4635,
Fax: 408.741.2145,
Website:www.westvalley.edu/paralegal
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