The legal profession has evolved to include more paraprofessional assistance in the delivery of legal services to the consumer. Current economic trends and technologies find paralegals filling a space in the consumer market that was once filled only by attorneys. Law firms and corporate legal departments rely on paralegals as cost saving measures forwarded to the client. The Paralegal occupation is expected to grow at a faster than average rate through 2018 according to the Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The Paralegal program at Victor Valley College prepares students to work in the legal industry by introducing students to legal theory which leads to employment in administrative agencies, governmental agencies, corporations, insurance companies, human resources departments, private and public law offices, and other legal environments. Paralegals' duties include performing factual and legal research and investigation, drafting legal documents and correspondence, interviewing clients and witnesses, trial preparation and organizing, and maintaining court files. Training students in the practical application and the development of current paralegal related job skills is emphasized. Paralegals students will learn to adopt and use computer technology skills in the law setting, using electronic databases and research tools.
There are two types of legal industry paraprofessionals. California Business and Professions Codes 6400 (c) and California Business and Professions Code 6450 (a) define the duties, responsibilities and obligations that the industry and state regulate. “Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law”. The primary goal of the paralegal program is to educate and prepare students for employment as paralegals where they can demonstrate competency and ethical standards demanded by and of the profession.
Students should take ENGL 101.0 / ENGL 101H Honors Composition and Reading prior to, or concurrently with, PAL 100 Introduction to Law and Paralegal Studies. The sequencing of courses has been designed to enhance student success in the field. PAL 100 Introduction to Law and Paralegal Studies, PAL 102 Beginning Legal Research for Paralegals, and PAL 103 Beginning Legal Writing are the foundational classes that are prerequisite to the higher level legal specialty classes. These three classes should optimally be taken concurrently to provide that firm foundation for success. PAL 104 Legal Ethics for Paralegalsmay be taken concurrent with PAL 100 Introduction to Law and Paralegal Studies, PAL 102 Beginning Legal Research for Paralegals and PAL 103 Beginning Legal Writing, but may be taken at any time. A firm foundation in writing and grammar skills and completion of POLS 102 are recommended. This is not a four year transfer program, is not a substitute for law school, nor is it intended to be used for advanced standing in law school applications. It is not a pre-law program. It is not intended to serve as a preparation for bar examination.
Faculty
Glickstein, R. Lynne
Transfer
- California State University, San Bernardino: Criminal Justice major, Paralegal Studies concentration
For the most up-to-date information on this program and others, visit https://assist.org/. Please stop by the Transfer Center in Building 55 or make an appointment with a counselor if you have questions.
Program Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) are statements of the kind of learning a program hopes a student will achieve. The PLOs describe the knowledge, skills, problem-solving, communication, and values that apply to all certificates and/or degrees within that program.
Upon completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Describe the role and function of a paralegal.
- Perform basic legal tasks.