Paralegal Studies (Certificate of Achievement)

Introduces the fundamentals to enhance the ability of students to reason, understand and apply correct principles of law by teaching analytical and critical thinking skills. Examines the practical application of paralegal-related job skills, including preparing forms and pleadings, interviewing clients and witnesses, legal research, and document organization.

 The following is required for the Certificate of Achievement in Paralegal Studies:

a. Completion of a minimum of 24 designated units - the paralegal program at Chabot College meets the requirements of California Business and Professions Code 6450.

 b. Minimum grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 in all paralegal-related coursework.

c. All courses in the certificate must be completed with a grade C or better. 

The projected number of annual completers once the certificate has been marketed and established in the course schedule is: 30.

 These projections are based on both the LMI Data as well as current student interest.

 LMI Data

There are eight community colleges in the Bay Region issuing 254 awards annually on TOP 1402.00 – Paralegal and one community college in the East Bay sub-region issuing 36 awards annually on this TOP code. One other post secondary institution issued 12 awards in the East Bay. Source: IPEDS, DataMart and Launchboard

The goal of the Paralegal Studies Program is to prepare students for employment as a paralegal 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 or other legally related entity. 

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
PLGL 30	Introduction to Paralegal Studies	3	S1
PLGL 31	Legal Writing and Research	3
PLGL 32	Litigation and Civil Procedure	3
PLGL 33	Computer Application and E-Discovery for Paralegals	3
PLGL 34	Professional Responsibility and Ethics	3
PLGL 35	Advanced Legal Writing and Research	3
PLGL 36	Contract Law	3
PLGL 37/ PLGL 38	Tort Law   OR Criminal Law & Procedure	3

Item 4. Master Planning

The paralegal field’s anticipated growth 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. The median annual salary for a paralegal in California is $60,940.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics California Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates.

Item 6. Place of Program in Curriculum /Similar Programs

The Paralegal Studies Certificate Program will be located in Chabot College’s Social Sciences Division. There are no similar programs at Chabot College.

Item 8. Labor Market Information & Analysis (CTE only)

The Paralegal Studies Certificate Program prepares students for a career as a paralegal or legal assistant. Industries in the Bay region hiring paralegals or legal assistants are: 

 

Industry – 6 Digit NAICS (No. American Industry Classification) Codes	Jobs in Industry (2017)	Jobs in Industry (2022)	% Change (2017-22)	% in Industry (2017)
Offices of Lawyers (541110)	5,939	6,394	8%	72.5%
Local Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals (903999)	382	406	6%	4.7%
All Other Legal Services (541199)	205	290	41%	2.5%
Title Abstract and Settlement Offices (541191)	171	200	17%	2.1%
Corporate, Subsidiary, and Regional Managing Offices (551114)	171	183	7%	2.1%
Federal Government, Civilian, Excluding Postal Service (901199)	164	168	2%	2.0%
State Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals (902999)	141	146	4%	1.7%

Source: EMSI 2018.3

Item 9. Employer Survey (CTE only)

The LMI research finds that there is a labor market gap in the Bay region with 1,015 annual openings for Paralegals and Legal Assistants and 266 annual awards for an annual undersupply of 749 students. This means that this is a field ripe with job opportunities for qualified candidates. 

Item 10. Explanation of Employer Relationship (CTE only)

Chabot College has been successful in building employer relationships to increase job placements and align talent strategies with needed skillsets. We host job fairs and career panels, mentoring programs and assist students in finding internships. Additionally, our Advisory Committee members are committed to mentoring and connecting our students with job opportunities in the field.

Item 11. List of members of Advisory Committee (CTE only)

NAME                                     ORGANIZATION
Appel, Joe                               Appel Law Firm, LLP

Graham, Jessica                     Graham Law & Consulting, Chabot College

Halekosai, Zena                     Certified Paralegal

Mackey, Cheryl                      Chabot College

Meehan, Jim                          Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, Chabot College

Merlini, Melissa                     Alameda County Wiley Courthouse

Vile, Jessica                            Student, Chabot College

Item 12.Recommendations of Advisory Committee (CTE only)

Paralegal Studies Advisory Committee members emphasized the shortage of paralegals in the field and agreed that the employment requirements are relevant for community college instruction.

Item 13.Labor/Job Market Data (CTE Only)

Paralegals are in demand and have high-earning potential, depending on the legal sector. The median annual salary for a paralegal  in California is $60,940. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics California Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates.

The median hourly wage for paralegals and legal assistants in the Bay region is $31.95.The median hourly wage for paralegals and legal assistants in the East Baysub-region is $27.86.Source: EMSI 2018.3

During a 12-month period (Oct 2017 - Sept 2018), there were 3040 job postings for paralegals in the Bay region. During that same time period, there were 522 paralegal job postings in the East Bay sub-region. Source: Burning Glass

Item 14. Transfer Documentation (if applicable)

N/A

Item 15. Library and/or Learning Resources plan

Chabot College’s library has an adequate collection, both actual and online, of books, periodicals, and databases that support the Certificate of Achievement in Paralegal Studies.

Item 16. Facilities and Equipment Plan

Chabot College has a number of multipurpose and electronic/smart classrooms that support instruction for the Certificate of Achievement in Paralegal Studies. Chabot College has a computer lab that supports instruction for the Certificate of Achievement in Paralegal Studies.

Item 17. Faculty Qualifications and Availability

Chabot College provides additional academic support through free tutoring. In addition, Chabot College has a number of multipurpose and electronic/smart classrooms that support instruction for the Certificate of Achievement in Paralegal Studies. There are three faculty members, both permanent and adjunct, who are licensed attorneys and meet the State minimum qualifications. They possess knowledge and experience in this program area and who are available throughout the academic year to teach the courses for this program.

Item 18. Based on model curriculum

Researched various ABA and California Paralegal Programs and designed the Chabot College Certificate of Achievement Paralegal Studies program based upon this review.

Item 19. Licensing or Accreditation Standards

Chabot College’s Certificate of Achievement in Paralegal Studies meets the requirements of California Business and Professions Code section 6450.

Item 20. Student Selection and Fees

No additional student selection criteria are in place beyond the passage of prerequisites listed in the course outlines. This program complies with California Code of Regulations, title 5 section 55201 and 58106. Additionally,there are no additional fees required beyond those identified in California Education Code section 76300. 

 The following is required for the Certificate of Achievement in Paralegal Studies:

a. Completion of a minimum of 24 designated units - the paralegal program at Chabot College meets the requirements of California Business and Professions Code 6450.

 b. Minimum grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 in all paralegal-related coursework.

c. All courses in the certificate must be completed with a grade C or better.

Students must complete seven (7) required courses and one (1) elective course for a total of 24 units. Introduction to Paralegal Studies (PLGL 30) must be taken during the first semester. Legal Research and Writing (PLGL 31) is a prerequisite to Advanced Legal Research and Writing (PLGL 35). For their elective course, students have the option of taking either Tort Law (PLGL 37)  or Criminal Law & Procedure (PLGL 38). 

NA

The following colleges have paralegal programs: Merritt College Paralegal Studies Program; California State University East Bay Paralegal Studies Program (ABA Approved); Certificate Program in Paralegal Studies at UC Berkeley Extension. Given the demonstrated shortage of 750 paralegals in the Bay region by the LMI data, Chabot College does not anticipate that other college's programs would be impacted. On March 19, 2019, the following individuals were notified regarding Chabot's Paralegal Studies program: Dwight Dickerson - Cal. State East Bay; Edward Cerpa - San Francisco State University; Terry Ellis - De Anza College; Doris Dye - City College of San Francisco; Linnea Willis - Peralta Colleges; Juliet Jonas - JFK University. On March 25, 2019, Margaret Dixon - Merritt College was notified. To date, no response has been received.