Paralegal Studies
Certificate of Achievement Paralegal Studies · Victor Valley College · 2026-2027 Catalog
State Control Number: 11836
Program Code: PAL.PAST.CA
Program Length: 16 months
Approved for Federal Financial Aid: Yes
The legal profession has evolved to include more paraprofessional assistance in the delivery of legal services to the consumer. Current economic trends and technologies find paralegals filling a space in the consumer market that was once filled only by attorneys. The paralegal occupation is expected to grow at a faster than average rate through 2026 according to the Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law”. The primary goal of the paralegal program is to educate and prepare students for employment as paralegals where they can demonstrate competency and ethical standards demanded by and of the profession. It is highly recommended that students should, before entering the program, complete English 101/101H or assess at an English 101 level.. This is not a four-year transfer program, is not a substitute for law school, nor is it intended to be used for advanced standing in law school applications. It is not a pre-law program. It is not intended to serve as a preparation for the State Bar examination.
Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| Complete all of the following with a C or better | ||
| CJ 104 | Legal Aspects of Evidence | 3.0 |
| PAL 100 | Introduction to Law and Paralegal Studies | 3.0 |
| PAL 101 | Law Office Technology for Paralegals | 3.0 |
| PAL 102 | Beginning Legal Research for Paralegals | 3.0 |
| PAL 103 | Beginning Legal Writing | 3.0 |
| PAL 104 | Legal Ethics for Paralegals | 3.0 |
| PAL 200 | Law Office Management for Paralegals | 3.0 |
| PAL 201 | Fundamentals of Litigation for Paralegals | 3.0 |
| PAL 202 | Family Law | 3.0 |
| PAL 203 | Tort Law for Paralegals | 3.0 |
| Complete at least 6 units from the following courses: | 6.0 | |
| BADM 117 | Legal Environment of Business | |
| orBADM 118 | Business Law | |
| CJ 103 | Criminal Law | |
| PAL 204 | Wills and Trusts for Paralegals | |
| PAL 205 | Basic Bankruptcy Law for Paralegals | |
| PAL 206 | California Employment and Labor Law | |
| PAL 207 | Conflict Resolutions and Negotiations | |
| PAL 208 | Immigration Law for Paralegals | |
| Total Units | 36 | |
Program Map
Suggested Plan of Study
Career, salary, and labor market data information.