California Business & Professions Code defines a "paralegal" as a person who holds himself or herself out to be a paralegal, who is qualified by education, training, or work experience, 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 active member of the State Bar of California, as defined in Section 6060, or an attorney practicing law in the federal courts of this state, that has been specifically delegated by the attorney to him or her.
Tasks performed by a paralegal include, but are not limited to, case planning, development, and management; 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; and representing clients before a state or federal administrative agency if that representation is permitted by statute, court rule, or administrative rule or regulation.
Earn an Associate in Arts and/or a Certificate of Achievement in Paralegal Studies
Earn an Associate in Arts degree with a Paralegal Studies major by completing 60 semester units including all major requirements, general education courses as listed in the college catalog, and selected electives.
A Certificate of Achievement will be awarded to those possessing an Associate, Bachelor or higher degree or who will be completing a degree concurrently with the certificate requirements. Students may earn this certificate by completing the major course requirements with a B average or better.
Upon completing El Camino College Paralegal Studies major requirements, students will be prepared to apply their learned skills and knowledge of the law and legal services in providing direct assistance to attorneys; prepare or interpret legal documents; draft pleadings, interview clients and summarize their complaints, problems or requests.
***THIS PROGRAM IS APPROVED BY THE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION
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