Paralegal Studies COA

The paralegal profession continues to be one of the fastest growing professions in the United States. COC's Paralegal Studies curriculum prepares students for positions as paralegals in order to improve the accessibility, quality, and affordability of legal services The Paralegal Studies program goals are to ensure that students who successfully complete the Paralegal Studies Program by obtaining an associate degree have a broad-based understanding of the American legal system and the role of the paralegal in that legal system; the legal theoretical background needed to perform paralegal tasks in substantive areas of law and legal specialties; the knowledge of procedural law emphasizing the paralegal’s role in litigation, mediation, and arbitration; the skills in areas including investigation, legal research, legal technology conducting an interview, and written and oral communications; ethically serve the public and the legal system; and the tools needed to become contributing members of the legal profession. Successful paralegals have excellent organizational skills and the ability to perform complex, detailed work quickly and accurately, as well as the ability to work well under pressure. Examples of tasks commonly delegated to paralegals include performing legal and public records research,obtaining and organizing evidence, interviewing clients and witnesses,conducting legal research, and drafting legal documents.

Projected number of certificate completers year 1: 10

Projected number of certificate completers year 2: 15

College of the Canyons has offered a Paralegal Studies A.A.Degree for the past 15 years.  During are cent American bar Association (ABA) site visit, the team members suggested creating a certificate for our students who come to College of the Canyons with an AA/AS or a BA/BS.  Previously, our College’s Institutional Research department had determined about 40% of our students come to us with a degree already completed.  The ABA requires all graduates have their General Education courses completed, so this certificate would apply for those students who come to College of the Canyons with an AA/AS or a BA/BS. The Student Learning outcomes for the proposed Paralegal Studies Certificate of Achievement are as follows:

- Prepare legal documents and written communications applicable to various areas of law.
- Apply law and principles to hypothetical fact patterns.
- Prioritize competing deadlines and schedules to complete assignments timely.

To earn a Certificate of Achievement in Paralegal Studies,students need to complete 29 specified units in Paralegal Studies coursework, plus a minimum of 2 units in Paralegal Studies Work Experience.