Paralegal Studies

Career Opportunities

Paralegals perform legal and factual research, draft legal documents and correspondence, interview clients and witnesses, assist in trials and court hearings, maintain and organize files, and coordinate the use of technology in law practice settings.  They work under an attorney's supervision and can be employed by private law offices, government agencies, corporations and legal service groups.

Employment Outlook: 2016-2026

• The number of jobs for paralegals and legal assistants is expected to grow by 18%

These ten-year projections are calculated by California's Employment Development Department, which collects data about the state's workforce and economic trends.

Paralegal Studies at De Anza

De Anza's Paralegal Studies program has been approved by the state of California since 1970 and by the American Bar Association (ABA) since 1991. The program has been re-approved by the ABA three times, with complimentary statements about its quality.

The college offers certificates and degrees that combine basic legal instruction with practical training in the skills that students need to successfully find employment. These include communication skills, legal research, legal writing and civil litigation procedures, among other subjects.

De Anza's paralegal programs satisfy requirements of state law. Graduates are employed in private law offices, public agencies and corporate law offices.

Paralegal Studies

• Paralegal Studies - Certificate of Achievement-AdvancedDetails for Certificate of Achievement-Advanced - Paralegal Studies

  The Paralegal Studies Certificate of Achievement-Advanced and A.A. degree programs prepare students to work in the legal field as paralegals under the supervision of attorneys. Paralegal duties include performing factual and legal research, drafting legal documents and correspondence, interviewing clients and witnesses, assisting attorneys in pretrial work, including document discovery and analysis, and at trials and hearings, organizing and maintaining case files and coordinating the use of technology in legal work.

  For a Certificate of Achievement-Advanced, students must have an A.A./A.S. degree or higher, complete the required 48 units listed below for the Paralegal Studies A.A. degree, and meet the requirements for this certificate level.

  Requirements

  Certificate/Degree Map

• Paralegal Studies - Associate in ArtsDetails for Associate in Arts - Paralegal Studies

  The Paralegal Studies Certificate of Achievement-Advanced and A.A. degree programs prepare students to work in the legal field as paralegals under the supervision of attorneys. Paralegal duties include performing factual and legal research, drafting legal documents and correspondence, interviewing clients and witnesses, assisting attorneys in pretrial work, including document discovery and analysis, and at trials and hearings, organizing and maintaining case files and coordinating the use of technology in legal work.

  Requirements

  Certificate/Degree Map

In addition to the programs listed above, you may be able to apply courses in this department toward General Education requirements.

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