California law defines a "Paralegal" as a person who either contracts with or is employed by an attorney, law firm, corporation, governmental agency, or other entity and who performs substantial legal work under the direction and supervision of an attorney. Paralegals provide important support to attorneys, law firms, corporations, governmental agencies, and other entities by performing an array of legal tasks. Tasks include, but are not limited to case planning, legal research, interviewing clients, fact gathering and retrieving information, drafting and analyzing legal documents; collecting, compiling, and utilizing technical information to make an independent decision and recommendation to the supervising attorney. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
This Professional Certificate Program Provides:
- An ABA Approved Program.
- Real-world exposure to the legal field.
- An understanding of the legal system.
- Substantive and procedural legal knowledge along with practical applications.
Intended Audience: Paralegal professionals, legal secretaries, and other law office administrative staff seeking to better perform their duties and/or advance their professional standing, individuals with the appropriate educational background (see "Requirements") and a desire to work in this challenging and rewarding profession, and individuals wishing to study specific subjects without pursuing the certificate.
Additional Details
Program Course Schedule
Requirements
To qualify for admission to the program, students must have completed a minimum of 55 quarter units (37 semesters) in general education courses taken as part of a bachelor's degree objective at an accredited college or university.
The approximate cost of completion of this program is $ 4,870. Individual course fees are paid upon enrollment. Estimated costs are subject to change and do not include fees for course materials.The program requirements are defined in the Program Course Schedule. For more information visit our Help Center.
