LEGAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT
Paralegal Program
General Information
This American Bar Association (ABA) approved program is designed to prepare the student to work in a paraprofessional capacity as an assistant to an attorney in a law firm, governmental agency, or corporation as defined by section 6450 of the California Business and Professions Code. The paralegal performs many tasks normally handled by an attorney, such as preparing forms and pleadings, interviewing clients and witnesses, legal research, and document organization. Strong English skills, computer knowledge, and good organizational skills are an asset in this profession. A paralegal/legal assistant as defined by California Business and Professions Code 6450 (c) (1) as:
"A paralegal shall possess at least one of the following:
- (1) A certificate of completion of a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association."
When students complete the program they will be able to:
Upon successful completion of the program students will be able to:
Make ethical decisions in the workplace
Understand legal concepts
Students will demonstrate legal concepts in the legal specialty classes through examination and practical exercises.
Students will draft law office memorandum and appellate briefs in the Advanced Legal writing class incorporating analysis of legal concepts.
Communicate effectively orally and in writing
Students will draft law office memorandum.
Students will use proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
Students will create client correspondence.
Be proficient in using legal technology
Students will demonstrate the use of the Microsoft suite (Word, PowerPoint and Excel) in their completion of assignments.
Students will complete assignments using legal specific software.
5. Have the tools necessary to obtain employment in their field of study in a timely manner
Students will analyze the requirements for employment in the legal profession in Para 100 and Para 297.
Students will prepare documents and projects for a portfolio.
Students will have a professional resume.
6. Have an educationally diverse paralegal education program that meets the student's employment goals in Orange County.
The Paralegal Program at Santa Ana College is an ABA approved program that meets the requirements of California Business and Professions Code 6450.
Note: This American Bar Association (ABA) approved program is not intended to prepare the student for the practice of law. Paralegals are not allowed to practice law in the state of California. This program is intended to prepare the student to perform legal services under the direct supervision of an active member of the California State Bar as set forth in the Business and Professions Code 6450 and the Rules of Professional Responsibility which may be reviewed on the California State Bar Web Site (http://www.calbar.ca.gov/)
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