Program Overview
Paralegal Certificate of Achievement
Related Degrees & Certificates
- AS Associate in Science Degree Program
- Paralegal | 60 units
- CA Certificate of Achievement
- Litigation | 18 units
Career Opportunities
Students who complete this Paralegal Certificate are entitled to be called paralegals under California law. This Certificate prepares students to be paralegals, as well as students who are applying for law school or foreign attorneys preparing for a Master of Laws (LLM) degree program. This Certificate prepares students for the legal and business fields, including law firms, corporate legal departments, corporations, federal and state courts, and research firms. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2016 and 2026, there is an 18% projected increase in paralegal and legal assistant jobs in the Bay Area. Certificate holders are prepared for positions including but not limited to paralegals, legal assistants, legal secretaries, legal clerks, title officers, and notaries.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students completing this program will be able to:
- Use effectively both book and electronic legal research tools, and to identify and use primary and secondary law sources.
- Use California superior court judicial council forms, and at least one software program containing such forms.
- Understand, follow and apply ethical rules for attorneys and paralegals and to identify potential ethical issues in the legal environment.
Program Overview
The Paralegal Program at Cañada College was developed in cooperation with the San Mateo County Bar Association and the San Mateo County Legal Secretaries Association to train personnel to assist attorneys in both civil and criminal matters. Instruction centers on assisting the attorneys in interviewing clients and preparing legal documents. Courses must be evaluated by a letter grade, not by the Pass grade.
Requirements
Major: Core and Selective Requirements
Complete Core Courses, 18 units
- CBOT 435 | Spreadsheets | 3 units
- LEGL 241 | Law Office Management | 3 units
- LEGL 249 | Introduction to the Legal System | 3 units
- LEGL 250 | Legal Research and Writing | 3 units
- LEGL 252 | Civil Litigation and Trial Preparation | 3 units
- LEGL 261 | Legal Ethics | 3 units
Selective courses, choose a minimum of 9 units from the following:
- BUS. 201 | Business Law | 3 units
- LEGL 251 | Torts | 3 units
- LEGL 254 | Family Law | 3 units
- LEGL 260 | Advanced Legal Research and Writing | 3 units
- LEGL 263 | Intellectual Property Law | 3 units
- LEGL 264 | Contracts | 3 units
- LEGL 267 | Animal Law | 3 units
- LEGL 269 | Elder Law | 3 units
- LEGL 272 | Immigration Law | 3 units
- LEGL 276 | Electronic Litigation and Investigation | 3 units
- LEGL 672 | Work Experience Education: Internship | 1 - 3 units
Total Required Units: 27
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Paralegal Program at Cañada College was developed in collaboration with the San Mateo County Bar Association and the San Mateo County Legal Secretaries Association to train individuals to assist attorneys in both civil and criminal matters.
Objectives:
- Assist attorneys in interviewing clients and preparing legal documents
- Train students for positions as: paralegals, legal assistants, legal secretaries, legal clerks, title officers, and notaries
- Prepare students for legal and business fields, including: law firms, corporate legal departments, corporations, federal and state courts, and research firms
Program Description:
- Emphasis on practical application of legal concepts and procedures
- Students receive hands-on experience through internships and simulated law office exercises
- Courses are taught by experienced paralegals and attorneys
Outline:
Core Courses (18 units):
- LEGL 241: Law Office Management (3 units)
- LEGL 249: Introduction to the Legal System (3 units)
- LEGL 250: Legal Research and Writing (3 units)
- LEGL 252: Civil Litigation and Trial Preparation (3 units)
- LEGL 261: Legal Ethics (3 units)
- CBOT 435: Spreadsheets (3 units)
Selective Courses (9 units minimum):
- BUS. 201: Business Law (3 units)
- LEGL 251: Torts (3 units)
- LEGL 254: Family Law (3 units)
- LEGL 260: Advanced Legal Research and Writing (3 units)
- LEGL 263: Intellectual Property Law (3 units)
- LEGL 264: Contracts (3 units)
- LEGL 267: Animal Law (3 units)
- LEGL 269: Elder Law (3 units)
- LEGL 272: Immigration Law (3 units)
Teaching:
- Experienced paralegals and attorneys teach the courses
- Practical application of legal concepts and procedures is emphasized
- Students receive hands-on experience through internships and simulated law office exercises
Careers:
- Paralegals
- Legal assistants
- Legal secretaries
- Legal clerks
- Title officers
- Notaries According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2016 and 2026, there is an 18% projected increase in paralegal and legal assistant jobs in the Bay Area.
Cañada College Summary
Overview:
Cañada College is a community college located in Redwood City, California. It offers a wide range of academic programs leading to associate degrees and certificates, as well as transfer opportunities to four-year universities. The college emphasizes student support services and provides a welcoming and diverse campus environment.
Services Offered:
Cañada College offers a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Guidance on course selection, program planning, and transfer options.Financial Aid:
Assistance with scholarships, grants, and loans.Career Services:
Resources for career exploration, job search, and internship opportunities.Student Life:
Clubs, organizations, and events to enhance the campus experience.Disability Services:
Support for students with disabilities.Library:
Access to a vast collection of books, journals, and online resources.Basic Needs Assistance:
Information and resources for food, housing, and mental health support.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Cañada College provides a vibrant and engaging campus experience for its students. Students can participate in a variety of clubs, organizations, and events, including:
Athletics:
Intercollegiate sports teams and recreational activities.Student Government:
Opportunities for student leadership and advocacy.Cultural Events:
Performances, exhibitions, and workshops showcasing diverse cultures.Social Activities:
Gatherings, parties, and outings to foster a sense of community.Key Reasons to Study There:
Free Tuition:
Cañada College offers free tuition for eligible students.Diverse Programs:
A wide range of academic programs to choose from, including associate degrees and certificates.Strong Transfer Opportunities:
Excellent transfer rates to four-year universities.Supportive Environment:
Dedicated faculty and staff committed to student success.Engaging Campus Life:
Opportunities for extracurricular activities, leadership development, and social connections.Academic Programs:
Cañada College offers over 100 academic programs, including:
