PARALEGAL STUDIES CERTIFICATE

The Certificate of Paralegal Studies program consists of a one year program of study requiring successful completion of 24 units of coursework in order to be awarded the Certificate of Paralegal Studies. The Paralegal Studies Program is authorized and approved by the State of California Bureau of Private Post-secondary Education. Graduates of the program typically seek work in private or public legal offices under the direction of an attorney performing a variety of tasks ranging from researching legal issues to interviewing clients on court cases.

ADMISSIONS

Applicants to the Certificate of Paralegal Studies Program must hold a High School Diploma or GED at a minimum. Many applicants will have completed college courses or equivalent educational studies demonstrating their abilities to perform post secondary academic work. An interview may be required in some cases to complete the admissions process.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Students must complete six (6) prescribed courses and four (4) specialization courses with a cumulative G.P.A of 2.0 or higher. Students must apply for graduation and meet all academic and financial requirements.

CURRICULUM AND COURSE DESCRIPTION- Certificate of Paralegal Studies

PL 100 Torts (3 units)

This course teaches the basic theory of tort law. Students will learn to evaluate types of liability, and will become familiar with the concepts of injuries and damages.

PL 110 Contracts (3 units)

This course teaches the basic principles of contract formation. Students will learn about contract enforceability, breach and remedies for breach, third-party interests and choice of law.

PL 160 Civil Procedure (3 units)

This course is an introduction to procedural concepts of civil litigation, jurisdiction, venue, service of process, parties, pleading and discovery, trial processes, and appellate review.

PL 170 Legal Research and Legal Writing (3 units)

This course presents instruction in research techniques and writing skills. Students will learn how to research, analyze, and brief statutory and case law, using library and online resources. They will also learn techniques and skills for preparing, writing and proofreading legal letters, memoranda, briefs and other legal documents.

PL 180 Wills and Trusts (2 units)

This course provides a theoretical and practical understanding of the laws of inheritance and estate planning.

PL 200 Law Office Organization (2 units)

This course describes the functional roles and activities of attorneys, support staff, and paralegals in a law office; Also teaches basic professional rules applicable to all law office workers.

SPECIALIZATION COURSES

PL 130 Family Law (2 units)

This course acquaints the student with the basic areas of a family law practice.

PL 140 Immigration (2 units)

This course is a study of the drafting of documents and instruments related to the main areas of U.S. immigration practice, including admission procedures, exclusion, deportation, political asylum and citizenship.

PL 150 Bankruptcy (2 units)

This course acquaints the student with the three most common forms of bankruptcy: Chapters 7, 11, and 13.

PL 190 Real Estate and Unlawful Detainers (2 units)

This course reviews the various types of real estate such as Real Property and Personal Property. It will cover how property is owned, how ownership is transferred, and the documents that are used. Special emphasis will be placed on the Landlord-Tenant relationship including the Unlawful Detainer process.