Pasadena City College

Pasadena City College (PCC) offers an American Bar Association (ABA)-approved Paralegal Studies Program designed to prepare students for careers as paralegals (legal assistants) in various legal environments, including administrative agencies, corporations, insurance companies, private law firms, and government entities. Established in 1972, the program has been continuously ABA-approved since 1995, reflecting its commitment to providing quality education that enables students to effectively assist attorneys in all phases of private and public law practice.

Program Options:

1. Associate in Science Degree in Paralegal Studies 
   • This degree program combines paralegal coursework with general education requirements, providing a comprehensive educational experience.
   • Students must complete a total of 60 units, which includes 32 units of Paralegal core requirements and 28 units of General Education and Paralegal electives.
   • The curriculum covers essential areas such as legal research, legal writing, civil litigation, tort law, and law office technology.
     (curriculum.pasadena.edu)
2. Certificate of Achievement in Paralegal Studies 
   • This certificate is designed for students who aim to enter the paralegal profession without pursuing a full associate degree.
   • To be eligible, students must be graduates of an accredited high school or have a G.E.D., and successfully complete the required coursework with a grade of C or better.
   • The program emphasizes practical skills, including legal research, client interviews, drafting pleadings, briefing cases, legal calendaring, preparing discovery for litigated cases, preparing wills and trusts, and maintaining corporate records and minutes.
     (curriculum.pasadena.edu)

Faculty Contacts:

• Stephanie Marshall, Co-Director 
  • Email: [email protected]
• Jeff Winter, Co-Director 
  • Email: [email protected]
• Elaine Fong, Full-Time Faculty 
  • Email: [email protected]
• Shanon Quinley, Full-Time Faculty 
  • Email: [email protected]

For more information or to discuss enrollment, prospective students are encouraged to contact the program directors or visit the official PCC Paralegal Studies Program website.