California State University East Bay
Paralegal Studies Program
Division of Continuing and International Education
25800 Carlos Bee Boulevard
Hayward, CA 94542-3012
Director: Dwight Dickerson, J.D.
Telephone: 510.885.2311
Fax: 510.885-4817
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Type of Institution: Public
Degrees Offered: Paralegal Studies Certificate
Minimum length of time to complete program: five quarters or one year and 10 weeks
Internships: Mandatory
For more information: www.ce.csueastbay.edu/certificate/paralegal
Description: California State University, East Bay offers an ABA-approved Paralegal Studies Certificate Program and California state Bar-approved MCLE courses. Classes are offered at three campuses in the East Bay Area: Hayward, Concord and Oakland. Cal State East Bay’s program qualifies aspiring paralegals for entry-level positions in the field, whether in law offices, corporations, government agencies or other organizations
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California State University, Los Angeles
Certificate Program in Paralegal Studies
5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90032-8619
Director: Robin L. Hall, M.S.
Telephone: 323.343.4967
Fax: 323.343.4954
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Type of Institution: Public, 4 yr
Degrees Offered: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
Minimum length of time to complete program: 9 months (entry in Fall or Spring) or 1 yr (any quarter entry)
Internships: Elective
For more information: www.calstatela.edu/exed/certificate/paralegal.htm
Description: Five miles from downtown L.A., founded in 1972, and ABA-approved since 1978, the program operates on a quarter system, and offers three certificate tracks: Litigation, Corporate, and General. The program specializes in assisting students needing to attend classes in the evening, with lifetime placement assistance, entry available every quarter, and with free student information meetings held quarterly. The school is located in a brand-new facility on the university campus, with easy access to the bookstore, food court, registration office, legal library facilities and computer labs. Students receive personalized advisement.
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Cerritos Community College
Paralegal Studies Program
11110 East Alondra Boulevard
Norwalk, CA 90650-6298
Director: Mary C. Pribble
Telephone: 562.860.2451 (Ext: 2710)
Fax: 562.467.5090
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Type of Institution: Public, 2 yr
Degrees Offered: Associate in Arts, Certificate
Minimum length of time to complete program: AA-approx. 2 yrs; Certificate-approx. 1-2 semesters
Internships: Elective
For more information: www.cerritos.edu/paralegal
Description: Cerritos Community College is a 2-year public institution located in Los Angeles County just 20 minutes from both downtown Los Angeles and downtown Orange County. We have a strong internship program with over 35 locations to accept our students including private law offices, local courthouses, State Attorney General’s Office, community legal aid office, District Attorney’s Offices, and the Public Defender’s Office. We have a dedicated computer lab with over 30 computers with the latest software for legal applications. Our staff consists of two full-time faculty members who are lawyers and adjunct faculty members including lawyers and paralegals, all of whom have real world experience. Students who have completed an AA degree or higher when they enter our prgram can earn a Paralegal Certificate by taking 21 units of Paralegal courses.
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Coastline Community College
Paralegal Studies Program
11460 Warner Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Director: Margaret Lovig
Telephone: 714.546.7000 x17319
Fax: 714.751.3806
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Degrees Offered: Associate Degree; Certificate
For more information: http://coastline.edu
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Cuyamaca College
Paralegal Studies Program
900 Rancho San Diego Parkway
El Cajon, CA 92019-4303
Director: Mary Sessom
Telephone: 619.660.4000
Fax: 619.660.4399
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Degrees Offered: Associate Degree, Certificate

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DeAnza College
Paralegal Program
21250 Stevens Creek Boulevard
Cupertino, CA 95014
Director: Terry R. Ellis
Telephone: 408.864.8563
Fax: 408.864.5309
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Degrees Offered: Associate Degree

For more information: http://www.deanza.edu
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El Camino College
Paralegal Studies Program
Business Division
16007 Crenshaw Boulevard
Torrance, CA 90506-0003
Director: Vi Pham
Telephone: 310.660.3593 EXT 3789
Fax: 310.660.3774
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Type of Institution: Public, 2 yr
Degrees Offered: Associate in Science, Certificate of Competence
Minimum length of time to complete program: 2 yrs
Internships: Elective
For more information: http://www.elcamino.edu/academics/business/paralegal
Description: The Paralegal Studies Program is designed to train students to assist lawyers in private firms, legal departments of companies, or governmental agencies. Graduates will have the ability to apply theories and principles of law, prepare or interpret legal documents, draft pleadings including court forms, prepare for litigation, apply legal ethics, case management techniques, and skills for client interaction, and research the law.
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Fremont College
Paralegal Studies Program
18000 Studebaker Road, Suite 900A
Cerritos, CA 90703-5342
Interim Program Director: Jina Nam
Telephone: 562.809.5100
Fax: 562.809.7100
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Degrees Offered: Associate Degree
For more information: www.fremont.edu/campusprograms/paralegal-studies
Description: Paralegal Studies encompasses many facets of law and includes, but is not limited to, property, probate, family law, torts, civil procedures, contracts and legal research and writing. The field is very broad and far-reaching and has applications in everyday life. The program was designed for the beginning student with a passion to be the best. Fremont’s Paralegal Studies Program will give you the start you need as a paralegal working under the supervision of an attorney.
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Fullerton College
Paralegal Studies Program
321 East Chapman Avenue
Fullerton, CA 92832
Director: Steven Dayton
Telephone: 714.992.7223
Fax: 714.992.9910
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Type of Institution: Public, 2 yr
Degrees Offered: Associate in Science, Certificate
Minimum length of time to complete program: 2 yrs for AS degree
Internships: Elective
For more information: http://Bizdiv.fullcoll.edu/paralegalStudies.html
Description: The Fullerton College Paralegal Studies Program is designed to prepare students for employment in a paraprofessional capacity working under the supervision of an attorney. It is not intended to prepare students for the practice of law. In addition to offering an Associate of Science degree, the progam also offers certificates to students who possess an Associate Degree or higher.
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John F. Kennedy University
Legal Studies Program
100 Ellinwood Way
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Director: Lisa Hutton
Telephone: 925.969.3492
Fax: 925.969.3328
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Type of Institution: Private-4 year University
Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Arts; Post-Associate Certificate
Minimum length of time to complete program: One year for certificate
Internships: Elective
For more information: http://www.jfku.edu
Description: John F. Kennedy University offers an upper-division Paralegal Certificate embedded into a Bachelor’s Degree in Legal Studies. We operate on the quarter system and cater to the working student by offering all of our courses in the evening at our Pleasant Hill campus. Our faculty is comprised of local, practicing attorneys and our students benefit from an on campus law library. Our curriculum is designed to prepare our students to work as legal professionals and become effective members of the legal team from graduation.
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Miramar College
Legal Assistant Program
10440 Black Mountain Road
San Diego, CA 92126
Director: P. Darrel Harrison
Telephone: 619.388.7892
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Degrees Offered: Associate Degree, Certificate

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Mount San Antonio College
Paralegal Studies Program
Business Administration Department
1100 North Grand Avenue
Walnut, CA 91789
Director: Catherine McKee
Telephone: (909) 594-5611, ext. 4907
Fax: 909.468.3936
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Type of Institution: Public, 2 yr
Degrees Offered: Associate in Science
Minimum length of time to complete program: 2 yrs
Internships: Elective
For more information: http://paralegal.mtsac.edu
Description: The paralegal program at Mt. San Antonio College is intended to prepare students for employment as paralegals in both private and public sectors following graduation. The program stresses practical application and the development of job skills as well as legal theory. The program is designed to enhance the ability of students to reason, understand, and apply correct principles of law by teaching analytical and critical thinking skills as opposed to rote learning. Graduates of the program will qualify for entry-level employment and will possess skills for advancement and specialization in the paralegal profession.
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MTI College
Paralegal Studies
5221 Madison Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95841
Department Chair, Paralegal Studies: Linda Gardenhire
Telephone: 916.339.1500 Ext. 240
Fax: 916.339.0305
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Type of Institution: Private, 2yr
Degrees Offered: Associate in Arts, Associate of Applied Science
Minimum length of time to complete program: 2 yr. program, length can be shortened if student has college degrees/credits.
Internships: Elective
For more information: www.mticollege.edu
Description: Centrally located in Sacramento, California’s capital, MTI College offers an unparalleled combination of curriculum and extensive student services in Paralegal Studies. With limited class size, the student body is motivated, creating a student-friendly environment. Courses are taught by attorneys and paralegals with expertise in their fields, and student services include lifetime placement as well as a notary class. MTI strongly endorses membership in the Sacramento Valley Paralegal Association, allowing access to networking and mentoring programs. MTI, a WASC accredited college, enjoys an excellent reputation in the legal community for producing highly skilled graduates prepared to assume their roles as paralegals.
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National University (Los Angeles and Sherman Oaks, CA campuses only)
Paralegal Studies Program
5245 Pacific Concourse Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90045
Telephone: 858-642-8424
Fax: 858-642-8715
Type of Institution: 4 year
Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Science Degree; Post-baccalaureate and post-secondary certificates
Minimum length of time to complete program: 9 to 23 months
Internships: Elective
For more information: http://www.nu.edu
Description: National University is a WASC regionally accredited, ABA approved paralegal education program offering a bachelor’s degree located in Southern California. The program offers three program options to prepare students for the paralegal profession. National University also offers Paralegal Specialist Certificates in numerous substantive areas, including corporate, criminal, family, litigation, probate and estate planning and real estate. Each certificate is tailored to include training in substantive legal analysis, drafting of relevant legal documents and managing of procedural matters.
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Pasadena City College
Paralegal Studies Program
Business Education Division
1570 East Colorado Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91106-2003
Director: Dr. Carol D. Kellogg
Telephone: 626.585.7817
Fax: 626.585.7947
Email Us
Type of Institution: Public, 2 yr
Degrees Offered: Associate in Science, Certificate
Internships: Mandatory
For more information: www.pasadena.edu
Description: Pasadena City College’s Paralegal Program prepares students to assist attorneys as paralegals in administrative agencies, corporations, insurance companies, private law firms, government and other legal environments. Emphasis is on training students in both civil and criminal matters. Some of the services that the paralegal provides under the supervision of an attorney are legal research, development of law office systems, client interviews, drafts, pleadings, briefing cases, legal calendaring, preparing discovery for litigated cases, preparing drafts of wills and trusts, maintaining corporate records and minutes. Instructors in this ABA approved program, are attorneys or paralegals with practical knowledge in the field of law.
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San Francisco State University – College of Extended Learning
Paralegal Studies Program
College of Extended Learning
835 Market Street
6th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94103-1901
Director: Pat Medina
Telephone: 415.817.4223
Fax: 415.817.4299
Email Us
Type of Institution: Public
Degrees Offered: Certificate Program (30 upper division units)
Minimum length of time to complete program: Four semesters, 12-18 months depending on student’s individual schedules. Internships: Elective
For more information: www.cel.sfsu.edu/paralegal
Description: The San Francisco State Paralegal Program began in 1975 and has been continuously operating for 30 years. The program is WASC and ABA approved and offers both daytime and evening classes accommodating both full time and part time students. Student services include individual career counseling and placement assistance, financial assistance, and academic counseling. Classes are designed for working adults and concentrate on developing and enhancing writing skills, computer skills, and practical application of paralegal skills to the legal marketplace. The faculty includes attorney, paralegals who are SFSU graduates, and a judge. The majority of the faculty has been teaching at SFSU for over 20 years. Students are required to complete 10 courses and may choose from several areas of specialization including: Advanced Litigation, Business, Corporate, Transactional, Probate & Estate Planning, Family Law and Administrative Law. There are 29 courses in the curriculum, and many Saturday Continuing Education classes to help paralegals meet the requirements of California Business & Professions Code Secs. 6450, et seq.
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Santa Ana College
Paralegal Program
1530 W 17th Street
Santa Ana, CA 92706-3398
Director: F. Richard Manzano
Telephone: 714.564.6000
Fax: 714.564.6755
Email Us
Degrees Offered: Associate Degree
For more information: www.sacparalegal.org or www.sac.edu
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University of California, Irvine Extension
Business, Management and Legal Programs
Post Office Box 6050
Irvine, CA 92716-6050
Director: Melanie Mitchell
Telephone: 949.824.5524
Fax: 949.824.1547
Email Us
Type of Institution: Public
Degrees Offered: Certificate Program
Internships: Elective
For more information: http://unex.uci.edu/certificates/business_mgmt/paralegal/
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University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA Extension)
Paralegal Training Program
UCLA Extension
10995 LeConte Avenue, Suite 515
Los Angeles, CA 90024-1333
Director: Heidi Townshend-Zellner
Telephone: 310.825.0741
Fax: 310.825.9242
Email Us
Degrees Offered: Certificate Program
Type of Institution: Public
Degrees Offered: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
Internships: Elective
For more information: www.uclaextension.edu/ptp
Description: Established in 1972, the Attorney Assistant Training Program provides students with first-rate instruction from practicing judges, attorneys and paralegals in substantive and procedural law, legal analysis and practical legal skills. The AATP offers two program alternatives. The Litigation Program option is designed to train persons interested in working as paralegals in law firms specializing in litigation or in corporate litigation departments. The Litigation/Corporations Program option is for students interested in working as paralegals in corporate legal departments or in law firms specializing in corporate law and business litigation. AATP students are awarded a certificate by successfully completing 32.4 quarter units of post-graduate professional coursework, which is graded on a passed/not passed basis.
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University of California, Riverside
Extension & Summer Session
Paralegal Certificate Program
1200 University Avenue
Riverside, CA 92507-4596
Program Representative: Jan Crump
Telephone: 951.827.5804
Fax: 951.827.7374
Email Us
Degrees Offered: Certificate
For more information: www.Extension.ucr.edu/certificates/paralegal
Description: The Paralegal Certificate Program is approved by the American Bar Association. This program consists of an intensive curriculum combining legal theory with the practical skills required of paralegals and provides a quality, rigorous and challenging paralegal education to qualified individuals. Our instructors are experienced judges and attorneys and undergo a rigorous academic approval process, and have experience in working with paralegals. Our program meets the requirements of the California Business & Professions Code Secs. 6450, et seq. and is of interest to those who want to enter the legal field, make a career change, or who are already working in a business or legal environment and want to enhance their legal knowledge and skills through a formalized course of study. Our courses are offered during the evenings to better serve the working professional.
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University of California, San Diego
Paralegal Program
UCSD Extension
9500 Gilman Drive
La Jolla, CA 92093-0172
Director: Julia M. Dunlap
Telephone: 858.882.8008
Fax: 858.882.8017
Email Us
Degrees Offered: Certificate Program
For more information: www.paralegal.ucsd.edu
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University of California, Santa Barbara
Paralegal Professional Certificate Program
6550 Hollister Ave.
Goleta, CA 93106
Director: Craig A. Smith
Telephone: 805.893-7440
Fax: 805.894.4943
Email Us
Degrees Offered: Certificate Program
For more information: www.extension.ucsb.edu
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University of La Verne
Legal Studies Program
1950 Third Street
La Verne, CA 91750
Director: Patricia Adongo
Telephone: 909.593.3511, ext. 4428
Fax: 909.392.2707
Email Us
Type of Institution: Private, 4 yr
Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Science, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, Post- Associate Certificate
Minimum length of time to complete program: 1.5 yrs
Internships: Elective
For more information: www.laverne.edu/academics/arts-sciences/legal-studies
Description: The Bachelor’s Degree in Legal Studies prepares the graduate for paralegal work in law offices, corporate legal departments, government agencies, or for graduate education. The paralegal program began in 1972 and is designed to meet the needs of working adults. Classes meet at night, each class meeting once a week for 15 weeks. Emphasis is on writing skills, substantive law, and practical application. Services include financial aid, career development and placement assistance, and services for disabled students and multicultural students. The University, which is over 112 years old, promotes values and ethics, and appreciation for diversity, lifelong learning and community service.
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University of San Diego
Paralegal Program
5998 Alcala Park
AW1-204
San Diego, CA 92110
Director: Susan Sullivan
Telephone: 619.260.4579
Fax: 619.260.2252
Email Us
Degrees Offered: Post-Baccalaureate Degree
For more information: www.sandiego.edu/paralegal/
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West Los Angeles College
Paralegal Studies Program
9000 Overland Avenue
Culver City, CA 90230-3500
Director: Vanita Nicholas, J. D.
Telephone: 310.287.4438
Fax: 310.287.4392
Email Us
Type of Institution: Public, 2 yr.
Degrees Offered: Associate in Arts; Certificate
For more information: www.wlac.edu/paralegal
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West Valley College
Paralegal Program
14000 Fruitvale Avenue
Saratoga, CA 95070-5698
Director: Peggy Mathieson
Telephone: 408.741.4635
Fax: 408.741.2145
Email Us
Type of Institution: Public
Degrees Offered: Associate in Science, Post-Degree Certificate (requires an AA/AS degree or higher)
Minimum length of time to complete program: 4 semesters
Internships: Mandatory
For more information: www.westvalley.edu/paralegal
Description: Students who complete the program will have: an overview of the American legal system and the practice of law; the ability to work in civil litigation and do legal research; an understanding of the ethical rules and regulations applicable to legal professionals; a balanced education founded on the integration of general education, legal theory and practical legal course work; strong written and oral communication skills; the ability to acquire skills needed to work in areas of practice other than litigation; the capacity to work both independently and as a team member.
Updated: 12/21/2009
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