Paralegal Studies

Effective: Fall 2021
Certificate of Achievement Program Map
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This program map from the 2024-2025 catalog year represents one possible pathway to complete this program. Your pathway may vary depending on your transfer plans and also previous college credit, including AP Test scores, concurrent enrollment courses and high school articulated courses.

I'm ready to get started. What do I do next?

  1. Review this program map to get an overview of the required courses
  2. Meet with a counselor to develop your customized student education plan www.chabotcollege.edu/counseling
  3. Use DegreeWorks, an online student education planning tool, to track your progress toward graduation www.chabotcollege.edu / admissions / degreeworks
Program Description

The Paralegal Studies Certificate will prepare you for employment as a paralegal or legal assistant in the legal sector.  Program graduates will have developed the legal knowledge, analytical thinking, and professional skills necessary to work as a paralegal or legal assistant in a law office, governmental agency, non-profit agency, or other legally related entity. This certificate is in compliance with California Business and Professions Code 6450 through 6456 regulatory standards for paralegal education.


What can I do with this major?

This certificate prepares you for a job as a Corporate Paralegal, Litigation Paralegal, Discovery Paralegal, Legal Analyst, Legal Support Specialist, Legal Assistant, Law/Court Clerks, Litigation Clerk, and more.

The anticipated growth for the paralegal field is faster than any other occupation through 2022. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 17% national employment growth and the creation of 46,900 new opportunities for paralegals and legal assistants nationwide from 2012-2022. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics California Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, the median annual salary for a paralegal in California is $60,940.


Learning and Career Pathway
  • Law & Public Safety

Icon Key

= Critical Course = Prerequisite for Other Courses = Prerequisite Required = Required for Major GE = General Education

Semester 1

12 units

PLGL 30
Introduction to Paralegal Studies

3 units
This course will introduce students to the responsibilities and duties of a paralegal. It will provide an overview of the paralegal profession, including the paralegal's role in the delivery of legal services.
Course Details:
  1. Strongly Recommended: ADMJ 50
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

PLGL 31
Legal Writing and Research

3 units
This course is designed to familiarize students with the fundamentals of legal research and writing. Students will learn how to locate, analyze and cite to federal and state cases, statutes, constitutions, and secondary sources. Instruction is given on utilizing both print materials and online resources. Students will prepare case briefs that demonstrate legal reasoning, proper punctuation, grammar and clarity of expression.
Course Details:
  1. Strongly Recommended: ADMJ 50
Terms Offered: Spring, Fall

PLGL 32
Litigation and Civil Procedure

3 units
This course provides an introduction to the litigation process and the role of the paralegal. It will include the process and procedures related to litigation, including the specific duties of a paralegal in the pretrial and trial process.
Course Details:
  1. Strongly Recommended: ADMJ 50
Terms Offered: Spring

PLGL 33
Computer Application and E-Discovery for Paralegals

3 units
This course introduces the use of technology by paralegals in the legal profession. Students will become familiar with hardware and software used in law offices and will explore the latest versions of common programs like Microsoft® Word, Excel®, and PowerPoint®, as well as specialized legal applications. Students will be instructed on the ethical considerations of technology in the legal profession.
Course Details:
    Terms Offered: Fall

    Semester 2

    12 units

    PLGL 34
    Professional Responsibility and Ethics

    3 units
    This course provides students with a practical understanding of the professional codes of conduct and the general principles of ethical legal conduct governing the practice of law.
    Course Details:
    1. Strongly Recommended: ADMJ 50
    Terms Offered: Spring, Summer

    PLGL 35
    Advanced Legal Writing and Research

    3 units
    This course is designed to build upon the skills developed in Legal Writing and Research. This course will provide a more in-depth, advanced understanding of legal writing, research, proper citation format, and preparation of legal documents.
    Course Details:
    1. Prerequisite: PLGL 31
    Terms Offered: Spring, Fall

    PLGL 36
    Contract Law

    3 units
    As part of the Paralegal Program, this course will examine the fundamental elements of contract law, including the principals of formation, agreement, and consideration. Students will also learn contract interpretation, the necessary elements for creating legally enforceable contracts, and breach and remedies.
    Course Details:
    1. Strongly Recommended: ADMJ 50
    Terms Offered: Summer, Spring

    PLGL 37 or ADMJ 60 (Choose one)

    3 units

    PLGL 37
    Tort Law

    3 units
    This course focuses on the fundamental concepts of tort law, including intentional torts, negligence, trespass, strict liability, personal injury, mental distress, as well as commonly employed defenses. This course will help fulfill the requirements of the 24-unit Paralegal Studies Certificate.
    Course Details:
    1. Strongly Recommended: PLGL 30
    Terms Offered: Fall
    or

    ADMJ 60
    Criminal Law

    3 units
    This course offers an analysis of the doctrine of criminal liability in the United States and classification of crimes against persons, property, morals, and public welfare. Emphasis is placed on the classification of crime, elements of particular crimes, and defenses to crime. This course utilizes case law and case studies to introduce students to criminal law and will include some limited discussion of prosecution and defense decision making, criminal culpability, and defenses to crime.
    Course Details:
    Terms Offered: Summer, Spring, Fall
    Total Units: 24 units
    This program map is not a guarantee of course availability or financial aid applicability.