The legal profession has evolved, like the medical profession, into a profession of specialties. Based on this development, lawyers need qualified assistants to better help them provide legal services to their clients. Paralegals are trained, professional technicians able to provide this needed legal assistance.

This degree program is specifically designed to prepare and provide students with the analytical skills and written abilities necessary to assist attorneys in the practice of law. The technical curriculum goals and objectives emphasize three primary areas:

1. Legal Research, Analysis and Writing
2. Ethics and the Mechanics of Law
3. Integration of Substantive and Procedural Law

The successful paralegal degree candidate will possess a broad educational background with an opportunity to gain specialized skills in specific areas of law. The large curriculum offering also allows practicing paralegals to attend college refresher or new skills development courses.

This program does not prepare students for law school or the practice of law. Please note: Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Apply the research, analytical skills and college-level writing abilities necessary to assist attorneys in the practice of law.
2. Conduct oneself in an ethical and professional manner when confronted with a law office related conflict scenario.

Career Opportunities

Claim Examiner
Compensation and Benefits Manager
Compliance and Enforcement Inspector
Contract Consultant¹
Forms and Procedures Specialist
Freelance Paralegal
Labor Relations Specialist²
Law Clerk
Legal Aide
Legal Assistant
Legal Research Assistant
Legal Technician
Occupational Safety and Health Worker
Paralegal¹
Patent Agent
Title Examiner

¹

Bachelor Degree normally recommended.

²

Bachelor Degree or higher required.

It is recommended that incoming students complete C grade or higher in ESL-2 Accelerated Composition for English as a Second Language or placement into ENGL-C1000 Academic Reading and Writing or equivalent prior to taking any Paralegal Studies classes.

Associate in Science Degree Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Units
BOT-120	Comprehensive Word, Level I	1
BOT-121	Comprehensive Word, Level II	1
Select one of the following:		1
BOT-122	Comprehensive Word, Level III
BOT-151	Using Microsoft Outlook
BOT-115	Essential Excel
BUS-125	Business Law: Legal Environment of Business	3
PARA-100	Introduction to Paralegal Studies	3
PARA-110	Civil Litigation Practice and Procedures	3
PARA-130	Legal Research and Writing	3
PARA-132	Computer Assisted Legal Research (CALR)	3
PARA-135	Bankruptcy Law	3
Select at least six units from the following:		6
PARA-120	Introduction to Administrative Law
PARA-121	Social Security Disability Law
PARA-125	Business Organizations
PARA-140	Introduction to Criminal Law and Procedures
PARA-145	Estate Planning
PARA-146	Probate and Administration of Estates
PARA-150	Family Law (Divorce, Separation, Nullity, and Paternity)
PARA-151	Family Law (Custody, Visitation, Support)
PARA-160	Personal Injury
PARA-170	Workers' Compensation
PARA-175	Electronic Discovery: Fundamentals and Procedure
PARA-176	Electronic Discovery: Advanced Practice
PARA-250	Internship 1
PARA-251	Paralegal Studies Practicum
Total Units		27

Plus General Education Requirements

¹

Student must complete 18 units within the major to be eligible for this course.

Recommended Elective: BUS-128 Business Communication

Note: A minimum of 12 semester units of Legal Specialty courses must be completed at Cuyamaca College.