Paralegal Studies - Certificate of Achievement

This program map only provides one possible pathway for degree and/or certificate obtainment and is for reference only. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor to develop your individualized Student Education Plan.

The Certificate of Achievement in Paralegal Studies is designed to help students gain the basic knowledge and skills necessary for an entry-level paralegal position. All courses in the Certificate of Achievement Program are also required courses in the Associate Degree program in Paralegal Studies so students have a seamless pathway to paralegal certification and career advancement.

The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway. It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.

Recall significant paralegal issues, theories and applications.

Apply paralegal principles to produce work-based learning projects.

Demonstrate the ability to follow instructions on assignments and class activities.

Program Map

Requirement
GE General Education
E Elective

Fall Year 1

12 units
PLGL 101
Intro to Paralegal Studies
Acquire the basic knowledge needed to begin your career as a paralegal. This course provides an in-depth overview of the legal system with special emphasis on the duties and responsibilities of a paralegal.
            PLGL 102
            Criminal Law & Procedure
            Introduction to criminal law and procedure for the paralegal. This course includes crimes against persons, habitation, property, order, justice, and morals. Defenses to criminal activity, search and seizure, confessions, pretrial, trial, and sentencing are also covered
                      PLGL 103
                      Civil Litigation
                      Introduction to civil litigation for the paralegal. This course is a survey of litigation, from the initial client interview to post-trial appeals. Complaint drafting, filing, service motions, answers, and discovery are covered. Settlement and trial are also included.
                                PLGL 104
                                Legal Research & Writing
                                This course covers the sources and methods of legal research as related to cases, statutes, and secondary materials. Students will engage in objective legal writing based upon their research.

                                          Spring Year 1

                                          10 units
                                          BUS 110
                                          Business Law
                                          Fundamental legal principles pertaining to business transactions. Introduction to the legal process. Topics include sources of law and ethics, contracts, torts, agency, criminal law, business organizations, and judicial and administrative processes.
                                                    PLGL 105
                                                    Legal Analysis & Writing
                                                    Designed to expose paralegal students to written advocacy and discovery requests. Emphasizes persuasive writing techniques, writing for a purpose, and discovery mechanics. Students will complete substantial writing assignments.
                                                              PLGL 106
                                                              Case Management
                                                              This course is designed to help students develop the conceptual and technical skills necessary to manage cases in a law office environment. The course includes interaction with case management software, databases, and word processing.
                                                                        PLGL 107
                                                                        Ethics for Paralegals
                                                                        Ethics are the standards that regulate the integrity of the legal profession. This course will improve your understanding of how paralegals are affected by ethical issues.