Overview.
The paralegal profession is one of the fastest growing job fields in the nation. Paralegals hold increasingly important and high paying positions at large and small law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, banks, real estate and insurance companies, nonprofit organizations, and Silicon Valley startups.
Evergreen Valley College’s Paralegal Studies Program prepares graduates to work as a “paralegal” or “legal assistant” under California law (Business and Professions Code Section 6450). The Paralegal Studies Certificate requires students to complete 24 units of classes, preparing graduates for employment as paralegals or legal assistants.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a proficient knowledge of the various areas of law and their importance.
- Describe the legal profession's basic ethical guidelines and apply them in hypothetical situations.
- Demonstrate effective legal research skills by selecting and utilizing appropriate sources of law.
- Prepare legal research memoranda and other documents commonly used by attorneys.
- Use legal terminology capably in an appropriate context.
Required Courses
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| LA 010 | Introduction to Law, Legal Research, the Constitution, and Ethics | 3 |
| LA 071 | Legal Research | 3 |
| LA 072 | Advanced Legal Analysis & Writing | 3 |
| Select 15 units of Legal Specialty Courses | 15 | |
| Civil Litigation | ||
| California Courts and Litigation Practice | ||
| Tort and Personal Injury Law | ||
| Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning | ||
| Real Estate and Property Law | ||
| Family Law | ||
| Criminal Law | ||
| Intellectual Property Law | ||
| Immigration Law | ||
| Constitutional Law | ||
| Total Units | 24 | |
What is a Program Map?
A program map is a suggested semester-by-semester plan to help you complete the courses required for a particular degree or certificate. It is based on the major sheet for the particular degree or certificate you are interested in. It includes courses required for the major, general education and any necessary electives.
A program map is a representation of the major sheet. It includes the specific specialty courses in a major, general education courses and any necessary electives.
What is a Major Sheet?
A major sheet includes a description of the program you are interested in, what you can expect to learn once you have completed the program (Program Learning Outcomes) and the specific specialty courses you will need to complete within a major.