Paralegal Studies

Allan Hancock College is a California public

community college in northern Santa Barbara

County serving more than 11,000 credit

students each semester. The college offers

degrees and certificates in more than 100

fields of study from accounting to welding.

The college has a campus in Santa Maria

and centers in Lompoc, Solvang, and at

Vandenberg AFB.

The Allan Hancock Joint Community College District is committed to the active promotion of diversity and equal access and opportunities to all staff, students, and applicants, including qualified members of underrepresented/protected groups. The college assures that no person shall be discriminated against because of race, color, ancestry, religion, gender, national origin, age, physical/mental disability, medical condition, status as a Vietnam-era veteran, marital status, or sexual orientation.

Allan Hancock College will provide, upon request, alternate translation of its general information documents in large print, Braille, e-text, etc. Please call (805) 922-6966 ext. 3788.

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800 South College DriveSanta Maria, CA 93454-6399(805) 922-6966

www.hancockcollege.edu

Paralegal Studies

Career Technical Education (CTE)

• Associate in Science Degree

• Certificate of Achievement

Paralegal StudiesWhether you like doing research, enjoy working with people and ideas, or just have a desire to begin your career in a law firm, a paralegal degree may be right for you. The paralegal program at Allan Hancock Col-lege is designed to train you to obtain the knowledge and skills required to become a successful paralegal. Additionally, the paralegal studies program will guide you in preparing for your NALA certification (National Association of Legal Assistants).

Paralegals are found primarily in law firms, corporate legal departments or in governmental agencies but may be employed in many different types of organiza-tions. Typical duties include helping lawyers prepare for closings, hearings, trials, and corporate meetings by preparing documentation and written forms. A typical project might consist of investigating the facts of a case and ensuring that all relevant information is considered.

As the law becomes more complex, paralegals are becoming more specialized. For example, paralegals specializing in labor law may concentrate exclusively on employee benefits. In small and medium-size law firms, duties are often more general.

The classes at Allan Hancock College are designed to serve your needs and are flexible enough to fit into a variety of work schedules.

For more informationParalegal Studies is one of the career technical education programs at Allan Hancock College within the department of Business. It resides in the Finance and Business industry sector.

Business Department Phone: 805.922.6966 ext. 3239Fax: 805.928.7905 (Santa Maria) 805.735.3976 (Lompoc Valley Center) Or visit our website at www.hancockcollege.edu/cte

Paralegal StudiesThe paralegal studies program at Allan Hancock College offers both a certificate of achievement and associate in science degree. Our goal is to provide our students with the education, training, and experience that will enable them to become successful paralegals and to advance in their profession.

Our coursework is designed to provide a balanced education based on integration of theory and practice, strong written and oral communication skills, and the tools necessary to begin a career in a respected and well-paid profession.

The certificate of achievement in paralegal studies is designed to provide you with the basic knowledge and skills necessary for an entry-level paralegal position. A certificate of achievement may be achieved by completing the required core courses. All courses required for the certificate are also required courses for the A.S. degree, making the paralegal studies program a seamless transition.

With an A.S. degree in paralegal studies you will gain comprehensive foundational knowledge that will enable you to become a successful paralegal and to advance in your profession. This program is also designed to help students prepare for NALA certification (National Association of Legal Assistants).

Employment Opportunities:Career opportunities for students with paralegal education and training from Allan Hancock College include:

• Paralegal

• Senior Paralegal

• Supervising Paralegal

• Case Manager

• Paralegal Manager

Paralegal employment is one of the fastest growing occupations in the nation. The California Employment Development Department (edd.ca.gov) projects a 19.4% increase in employment in the paralegal occupation, with an average annual wage of nearly $60,000 according to the 2010 occupational survey.

Median wages for a paralegal in Santa Barbara County is $41,512 annually or $19.96 hourly.

In Santa Barbara County, the Employment Development Department projects a 12.5% increase in paralegal employment.

Paralegal Studies (Certificate of Acheivement)All required Paralegal core courses constitute the certificate.

Paralegal Studies (Associate in Science)A major of 60 units is required for the associate in science degree , including all required Paralegal core courses (24 units), a minimum of 12 selected units, plus Allan Hancock College general education.

Required core courses (24 units):

PPLGL 101 Intro to Paralegal Studies 3 unitsPLGL 102 Criminal Law and Procedure 3 unitsBUS 110 Contract Law 3 unitsPLGL 103 Civil Litigation 3 unitsPLGL 104 Legal Research and Writing 3 unitsPLGL 107 Ethics for Paralegals 1 unitPLGL 106 Case Management 3 unitsPLGL 105 Legal Analysis and Writing 3 unitsPLGL 149 Occupational Work Experience 2 units

Plus a minimum of 12 units selected from the following:

PLGL 108 Wills and Trusts 3 unitsPLGL 109 Family Law 3 unitsPLGL 110 Intellectual Property Law 3 unitsPLGL 112 Corporations, Partnership, LLC 3 unitsPLGL111 Tort Law for Paralegals 3 unitsRE 301 Legal Aspects of Real Estate 3 unitsCBOT 305 Legal Office Procedures 3 units