PARALEGAL STUDIES
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Build Your Future as a Paralegal
Paralegal Studies – Associate in Science Degree
Program prepares students for employment in a paraprofessional capacity as an assistant to an attorney in private practice, in a governmental agency, or in private industry. Paralegals may perform many tasks under the supervision of a licensed attorney including preparation of forms and pleadings, interviewing of clients, researching and writing legal documents, managing a law office, and preparing word processing forms and documents. This program is not intended to prepare students for the practice of law. The Paralegal studies program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).
Paralegal Studies – Certificate
Program prepares students for entry-level employment in assisting lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Paralegals conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.
For additional information, visit the Fullerton College Business/CIS website:
https://buscis.fullcoll.edu/paralegal/.
Degrees & Certificates
- Apply online at fullcoll.edu
- Apply for financial aid: fafsa.ed.gov
- Take the online orientation
- Take assessment exam
- Meet with a Counselor
- Update Personal info in My Gateway
- Register for classes
- Pay fees
Michael Moore
Department Coordinator, Paralegal Studies
714.992.7208
MMoore1@fullcoll.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
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HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The cost is $46 per unit. Non-resident tuition: $258 per unit PLUS enrollment fees (Non-Resident Tuition includes $19.00 Capital Outlay fee per Ed Code 76141).
Costs may vary; please visit website for more information: http://admissions.fullcoll.edu/fees-refunds/.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
Associate degree or certificate completion depends on program unit requirements and whether student is enrolled full-time or part-time.
WHAT ARE THE JOBS AND HOW MUCH DO THEY PAY?
For information on jobs in this industry sector and their median annual salaries visit: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/.
Career opportunities:
• Certified Paralegal
• Immigrational Paralegal
• Law Clerk
• Legal Analyst
• Legal Assistant
• Legal Clerk
• Paralegal
• Paralegal Specialist
WHAT IS THE JOB OUTLOOK?
Employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 15 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.
As law firms try to increase the efficiency of legal services and reduce their costs, they are expected to hire more paralegals and legal assistants. In these cases, paralegals and legal assistants can take on a “hybrid” role within the firm, performing not only traditional paralegal duties but also some of the tasks previously assigned to legal secretaries or other legal support workers.
Law firms also are attempting to reduce billing costs as clients push for less expensive legal services. Due to their lower billing rates to clients, paralegals can be a less costly alternative to lawyers, performing a wide variety of tasks once done by entry-level lawyers. This should cause an increase in demand for paralegals and legal assistants.
Although law firms will continue to be the largest employers of paralegals, many large corporations are increasing their in-house legal departments to cut costs. For many companies, the high cost of outside counsel makes it more economical to have an in-house legal department. This will lead to an increase in the demand for legal workers in a variety of settings, such as finance and insurance firms, consulting firms, and healthcare providers.
Contact Our Department
Michael Moore
Department Coordinator, Paralegal Studies
Average Salary in this Field
$31,120 to
$94,830 Per Year
Careers in this Field
Certified Paralegal
Paralegal Specialist
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