Fullerton College
Fullerton College offers an American Bar Association (ABA)-approved Paralegal Studies Program designed to prepare students for careers as paralegals under the supervision of licensed attorneys. The program provides two educational pathways:
- Associate in Science Degree in Paralegal Studies: This degree requires the completion of 27 units, comprising 21 units of required courses and 6 units of restricted electives. The curriculum covers essential areas such as legal research, legal writing, civil litigation, and ethics. Students must complete at least nine semester credits of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction. The program emphasizes practical skills, preparing graduates for employment in various legal settings, including private law firms, government agencies, and corporate legal departments. It’s important to note that this program does not prepare students for law school or the practice of law. citeturn0search8
2. Paralegal Studies Certificate: Designed for individuals seeking focused education in paralegal studies, this certificate program also requires 27 units, mirroring the coursework of the associate degree. Students must achieve a minimum grade of “C” in all required and elective courses. The certificate equips students with the necessary skills to assist attorneys in tasks such as legal document preparation, client interviews, legal research, and law office management. All required courses for the certificate must be completed at Fullerton College.