Alternative instruction will continue for Fall 2020 semester. Students should remain in communication with their instructors and follow their instructions.
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Paralegal job growth is anticipated to increase by 12%, or 39,000 jobs, by 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics-Occupational Outlook Handbook 2018)
Program Description
Read how receiving a PLS Certificate from Cal State LA has impacted the careers of former students.
Program Objectives:
- Develop and practice oral and written communication skills
- Develop and practice skills to find answers and problem solve through experiential learning
- Develop and practice critical thinking skills through writing assignments
- Develop practical litigation, transactional and technology skills, and create a framework for continued learning in the workforce
- Develop a framework for the knowledge, skills and ethical obligations of the paralegal profession
Cal State LA's Paralegal Studies Certificate Program satisfies the requirements of Business and Professionals Code Section 6450. However, paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.
Who Should Enroll?
This program is ideal for:
- Individuals interested in becoming part of a legal services delivery team
- Individuals considering law school
- Paralegals looking to brush up on their paralegal skills
Webinars
Register for a live webinar OR to view/listen to a pre-recorded Paralegal Studies Certificate program webinar presentation here.
Tuition & Fees
Each course is $900 ($300 per unit).The total cost of all six required courses is $5,400. Students are required to pay the Westlaw fee for each term they are enrolled in. Payment for the courses the student enrolls in per term and Westlaw fee are required at the time of registration.
Financial Assistance
Cal State LA and the local Workforce Investment Board (WIB) are working together to ensure that our state has a well-trained and sustainable workforce. If you have been laid off due to poor economic conditions, company closure or mass layoff, you may be eligible to receive free career development training.
To find out if you qualify for paid training, contact your local American Job Center (formerly One-Stop Center) to have them determine your eligibility to receive free training. Be sure to mention that you want to take classes through the College Professional and Global Education at Cal State LA. Visit CareerOneStop to find your nearest American Job Center or call 1-877-US2-JOBS (1-877-872-5627) for more information. Important: You must contact your local American Job Center for application and approval first. Free enrollment in our WIB-approved programs is not available without prior written approval.
Federal financial aid is not currently available for the Paralegal Studies Certificate Program. However, you can apply for a private student loan here.
Job Training Assistance
Cal State LA and the local Workforce Investment Board (WIB) are working together to ensure that our state has a well-trained and sustainable workforce. If you have been laid off due to poor economic conditions, company closure or mass layoff, you may be eligible to receive free career development training.
To find out if you qualify for paid training, contact your local American Job Center (formerly One-Stop Center) to have them determine your eligibility to receive free training. Be sure to mention that you want to take classes through the College Professional and Global Education at Cal State LA. Visit CareerOneStop to find your nearest American Job Center or call 1-877-US2-JOBS (1-877-872-5627) for more information. Important: You must contact your local American Job Center for application and approval first. Free enrollment in our WIB-approved programs is not available without prior written approval.
Approved Programs Offered by Cal State LA:
Certificate in Paralegal Studies
Healthcare Revenue Cycle Administration Certificate
Course Schedule
In light of COVID-19, Cal State LA is following CDC and local government guidelines and has therefore shifted to an alternative mode of instruction model. All Classes in Spring 2021 will be held via Zoom.
- All classes are held in the evening, Monday through Thursday (6:30 to 9:15 p.m.).*
- View/download the Spring 2021 Paralegal Studies Certificate program schedule here.
- Most students finish the program within two or three semesters.
*Class times are subject to change.
Admissions
Prospective participants must have a baccalaureate degree or an associate of arts or science degree from an accredited post-secondary institution for admission to the program. An associate of applied science degree or an occupational or vocational degree does not satisfy the education requirement.
If you completed your undergraduate education at an institution where English was not the primary language of instruction, you must submit evidence of English language proficiency. International academic transcripts can be translated through www.atanet.org. You must submit an acceptable TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 550 paper-based or 79-80 internet-based test (with a minimum Writing sub-score of 24 and Speaking sub-score of 26) to demonstrate English proficiency.
If you do not have a baccalaureate degree or an associate of arts or science degree from an accredited post-secondary institution, please contact the Program Office for an alternative process.
Please note: The program does not permit students to transfer specialty credits from other institutions; nor does the program award legal specialty credit by course challenge, examination or portfolio.
Course Descriptions
In order to earn your Certificate in Paralegal Studies you must complete each of the required six courses (18 units) with a grade of "C" or higher. PLS 7010 Paralegal Internship is optional and not a required course to complete the program.
To Apply/Application Deadline
Spring 2021 Application Window: September 7 to December 4, 2020.
Both the online application and official transcripts reflecting a conferred (awarded) degree must be received by the College of Professional and Global Education (PaGE) Program Office before December 4, 2020. Applicants with missing transcripts during the application window will be notified by the Program Office via email until official transcripts are received. When the Program Office receives both the online application and sealed official transcripts, your application will be evaluated for program admissions. If admitted into the program, you will be notified by email from the Program Specialist.
When submitting official transcripts to the Program Office, the document needs to be printed on the issuing institution’s official paper/letterhead and sealed by the institution in an envelope. Opened transcripts will be considered unofficial and will not be used to complete an applicant’s admissions file. All submitted documents will not be released back to you.
Apply to the Paralegal Studies Certificate Program here.
Please mail official transcripts reflecting a conferred degree to:
If transcripts are not mailed to the address listed above, our office will require you to request another official copy from your university. Prospective students who received their degrees from Cal State LA will not need to submit official transcripts, but will need to indicate their CIN (Campus Identification Number) when creating a PaGE account.
To ensure receipt of your official transcripts reflecting a conferred degree, our office also accepts electronic transcripts if your institution has this option. Please request for your official transcript to be sent electronically to:
Non-Discrimination Policy
Please read Cal State LA's Non-Discrimination Policy here.
Contact
Law firms in need of paralegal interns or employees, please contact [email protected].
For more information, please contact the College of Professional and Global Education via email or (323) 343-4915.
