Paralegal Studies

Program Description

The Paralegal Studies Associate in Arts program provides the practical and technical instruction to meet the requirements of the California Business and Professions Code Section 6450 to be qualified as a Paralegal in California. This program is designed not only for those who would like to become a Paralegal, but also for those who are interested in going to law school and pursuing a career in law.

There is a continuous need for trained paralegals who know substantive law and administrative procedures required by the California judicial system. Paralegals provide staff support for attorneys in law offices, government agencies (city, county, state, and federal court systems; District Attorneys Offices, Public Defenders Offices, etc.), legal departments in corporations, or in other legal settings. The paralegal professional performs various legal tasks under the direct supervision of attorneys, including conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, assisting with interviewing clients, assisting with trial preparation, and other assigned tasks. Many of these tasks are done by attorneys; however, under the law, they could be provided by paralegals under the supervision of an attorney.

To qualify for the Associate in Arts Degree, students must satisfactorily complete the major requirements specified below and the local AA/AS general education requirements. The completion time for this degree program is generally 4 semesters. Completion time will vary based on student preparation and the number of units completed per semester.

This AA degree program requires:

1. Completion of at least 60 degree-applicable semester units including the following:
   1. A minimum of 18 semester units from the program (major) requirements
   2. A minimum of 21 units of local AA/AS General Education requirements
   3. A minimum of 12 of the 60 units must be completed at Merritt College
   4. Courses taken outside the Peralta Community College District will be reviewed and evaluated to determine if they are degree-applicable
   5. If the General Education and the major units do not total 60, complete degree-applicable elective course(s) to reach the required 60 units
2. A minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for each course in the major
3. A minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for General Education Area 1A: English Composition and Area 2: Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
4. A minimum overall grade point average of 2.0 in General Education coursework and in all coursework for the degree

As this degree alone may not be complete preparation for transfer, students wishing to transfer to a 4-year institution should meet with a counselor to develop a plan that addresses all transfer requirements.

Career Opportunities

This program leads to career opportunities as a Paralegal, Legal Assistant, Legal Office Assistant, Legal Secretary, Court Clerk, Legal Processing Assistant, Courtroom Clerk, and various other legal fields upon successful completion of Certificate or Degree in this program.

Learning Outcome(s)

1. Draft various legal documents including motions, complaints, answers, discovery requests, declarations, legal forms, and other legal documents.
2. Conduct legal research using online research methods, such as Lexis and the Internet, as well as legal books.
3. Perform effective legal analysis and communicate effectively through oral communication and written documents.
4. Communicate effectively with attorneys, clients, and other persons, including but not limited to effectively interviewing clients and witnesses.
5. Assist attorneys in and demonstrate knowledge of particular areas of law, including criminal law, tort law, family law, business law and estate planning, and probate procedures.