The Sonoma State University Paralegal Certificate Program is an academic program
for students seeking employment in the legal field and in business. The curriculum
blends an understanding of legal theory and practical skills, based on actual
paralegal job responsibilities. Classes are taught by practicing attorneys
and paralegals in the evenings and on weekends.
The guiding principles of the program are two-fold: to offer a curriculum that teaches the practical applications of legal theory and to advance the paralegal profession by offering a rigorous course of study that develops resourceful legal problem solvers.
The program is an institutional member of the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE). It meets the educational requirements for paralegals as stated in the California Business and Professions Code, commencing with section 6450.
SSU Extended Education is approved by the State Bar of California as a provider of Minimum Continuing Legal Education.
Students earn the Certificate of Completion with 20 units of required courses and 10 units of electives. The program begins in January, May or September and can be completed in three or four semesters and a summer session. All of the courses in the program are approved by the Political Science or English Departments for upper-division academic credit.Up to 24 units of the Paralegal Program may be applied as elective credit toward completion of a baccalaureate degree through the Liberal Studies Degree Completion Program at Sonoma State University. This liberal studies program offers an alternative that is designed for working adults. Instruction is organized around one full Saturday a month on campus in conjunction with weekly online seminars and ongoing reading and writing assignments. To learn more about this program, see the Liberal Studies Degree Completion Program Web pages. If you have questions regarding the Paralegal Program, email or phone 707/664-2394.
Admissions
Admission to this program is closed as of Fall 2008.
Registration and Refund Policy
Registration cost, course offerings, and refund policy are contained in the Extended Education catalog published each semester and summer session. To obtain a catalog call 707/664-2394 or visit the course page under "Catalogs"listing. The registration form included in the catalog may be completed and mailed to SSU Extended Education. Registration is also accepted by telephone 707/664-2394 or fax 707/664-2613 or online with a credit card number.
You may also use our secure online registration form by using the Apply/Enroll link at the top of this page and clicking on Extended Education Registration.
Financial Aid
Students enrolled in at least six units of program coursework are eligible for financial aid. Consult with a financial aid representative in the Financial Aid Office, Salazar 2050A, 707/664-2389. See Financial Aid Office Web page for more information.
The program has been approved by the State of California as an eligible training provider. It appears on the approved provider list (EPTL) under the auspices of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA).
The Redwood Empire Association of Paralegals present the Susan I. Perry Memorial Scholarship each spring to a student in the Paralegal Program.
As other scholarship offers and financial aid information becomes available, it will be posted under Program Updates and Professional News.
Career Information
Paralegals perform legal work delegated and supervised by an attorney. They may draft, analyze and summarize legal documents, interview and act as liaisons with clients and witnesses, conduct legal and factual research and provide trial assistance. Paralegals may not give legal advice.
Paralegals are commonly found in law firms, specializing in such areas as civil litigation, intellectual property law (patent, trademark, copyright), family law, corporate, environmental, probate, estate planning and bankruptcy. They may be employed part-time or full-time as salaried or contract paralegals.
Paralegals are also taking an increasing number of jobs in business and industry, where their responsibilities may be even broader than in a private law firm. They can be found in technology companies, banks, insurance companies, title companies, brokerage firms, public utilities, health care providers, corporations (services and manufacturing), churches, investment services, educational institutions, legal publishing companies and federal, state and local government.
A variety of companies are recruiting applicants who possess legal knowledge and skills, but the job title may not be "paralegal." Look for listings such as employee benefits administrator, trade association lobbyist, franchise compliance manager, stock option administrator, human resource analyst, loan facilitator, mediator, project coordinator, risk management specialist, contracts administrator and researcher.
Graduates of the SSU program work in law offices, businesses, nonprofits, government and the entertainment industry. Many of our graduates have been invited to return to the program as instructors. Three of our paralegal faculty members have authored practice books now available from major legal publishers.
Labor Market Information
According to a study published by the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Labor
Statistics, a 33% increase in new paralegal jobs is expected through 2010.
From the 188,000 paralegals employed nationally in 2000, the Bureau expects
the career to grow to 251,000 positions in 2010. This puts the paralegal
career on the top 10 list of fastest-growi ng professions in the United States.
Job Placement
The required Career Planning class acquaints students with resume preparation,
interviewing techniques, skills assessment, and the Bay Area job market.
The required Internship/Work Experience course assists students with on-the-job
experience. Students are encouraged to join professional associations in
the legal community while enrolled in the program. The Program Coordinator
is available for job counseling and maintains strong relations with the
legal and business community to promote employment opportunities for
program graduates.
Student Resources
Financial Aid
Students enrolled in at least six units of program coursework are eligible
for financial aid. Consult with a financial aid representative in the Financial
Aid office, Salazar 2050A, 707/664-2389. The Marin Education Fund, 415/459-4240,
supports Marin students with grants and loans.
The program has been approved by the State of California
as an eligible training provider. It appears on the approved provider list
(EPTL) under the auspices of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA).
Scholarships
Redwood Empire Association of Paralegals, a professional association, maintains the
Susan I. Perry Memorial Scholarship fund, which awards scholarships to outstanding
paralegal students. Contact the Program
Coordinator 707/664-2394, for more information.
Related Associations
American Association for Paralegal Education(AAfPE)
19 Mantua Road
Mt. Royal, NJ, 08061
856-423-2829
Redwood Empire Association of Paralegals (REAP)
P.O. Box 143, Santa Rosa, CA 95402
Grace De La Torre, President
National Federation of
Paralegal Associations (NFPA)
P.O. Box 33108, Kansas City, MO 64114
National Association of Legal
Assistants (NALA)
1516 South Boston, Suite 200
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74119
Staff & Faculty
Students benefit from the professional contact with their instructors,
all of whom are practicing attorneys or paralegals.
Faculty:
Delphine Adams, J.D., is a graduate of the
Golden Gate University School of Law and practices real property law in Santa
Rosa.
Kristyn Appleby, B.A.,
graduate of the SSU Paralegal Program, has been a litigationparalegal for
22 years.
Stephen M. Beckwith, J.D.,
is a sole practitioner in Santa Rosa with his primary focus on
collections and commercial transaction
matters. His practice includes representation of creditors including contractors,
financial institutions, auto dealerships and material suppliers to the construction
industry.
Beverly Benedict Hill,
B.A., is a legal assistant, specializing in medical matters.
Joni Boucher,
B.S., earned her paralegal certificate at SSU.
Lynne Carmichael, J.D. specialized
in alcoholic beverage law and is a partner at Hinmen & Carmichael,
LLP, in San Francisco.
Desiree O. Cox J.D. ,
is in private practice in Petaluma..
Grace K. De La Torre,
CLA, is a litigation paralegal with DeMeo & DeMeo in Santa Rosa.
Mary Catherine Doherty,
J.D., is in private practice with emphasis in the areas of estate
planning
and business law with the firm of Anderson, Zeigler, Disharoon,
Gallagher & Gray in Santa Rosa.
Frank Drago, Hon., received his J.D.
degree from the University of San Francisco. He served as research
attorney for the San Francisco Superior Court and now sits as a
Court Commissioner in San Francisco Superior Court.
Michael Hamilton, J.D., is a former
defense attorney in the Homicide Division of the Marin County Public
Defender's Office.
Lisa Ann Hilario,
J.D., earned her law degree from University of the Pacific,McGeorge
School of Law
and practices at Spaulding, McCullough & Tansil in Santa Rosa.
Cameron "Scott" Kirk,
J.D., practices with Spaulding, McCullough & Tamsil in Santa Rosa, emphasizing environmental,
land use, real estate and water law.
Deirdre Kruse, J.D., is an attorney
who practices exclusively in the field of Elder Law. She is a co-sponsor
of a weekly free Elder Law Clinic at her Santa Rosa office and a former
director of the Senior Legal Advocacy Program.
Eugene Lindenbaum, J.D., is an experienced
instructor in paralegal education. Prior to obtaining his law degree,
Mr. Lindenbaum was a senior paralegal for five years with a major Bay
Area law firm, specializing in the areas of corporate/securities law.
Brian Lochtan, J.D. is a graduate of the University of Oregon School of Law. He has been a California attorney since 1989, practicing civil and criminal law.
Catalina Lozano, J.D., is a graduate of University of California Hastings College of Law. She has over 20 years experience in Construction Law in the Bay Area.
Mike Maciel , J.D., is an attorney with Anderson, Disharoon, Gallagher and Gray in Santa Rosa.
John M. Mangiafridda is a 1997 graduate
of the Sonoma State Paralegal Program. He is the senior litigation paralegal with the Veen Firm in San Francisco.
Malcolm T. Manwell, J.D., graduated with honors from the University
of Notre Dame and earned his law degree from University of California,
Hastings College of the Law. Mr. Manwell has practiced in Sonoma
County for more than 25 years and is currently a prinicpal at
Perry, Johnson, Anderson, Miller & Moskowitz, LLP in Santa
Rosa.
Dana S. Miller, J.D. is an associate partner in the Santa Rosa office of Mullen & Fullippi, specializing in workers compensation defense.
Susan Mills , B.S. is a graduate of the SSU Paralegal Program and has experience in family law, personal injury and complex litigation in both state and federal court.
Martin Mc Omber, J.D., is a graduate of the University of Santa Clara and practices real property law in Santa Rosa.
Debra Newby, J.D., specializes in plaintiff's personal injury law in her Santa Rosa practice.
Kathy Pettit is the Family Law Paralegal for the Sonoma County
Superior Court, where she has assisted clients with family law
matters for the past seven years.
Renee Ramsey, CLA, CLAS, is a graduate of the SSU Paralegal Program and is a family law specialist.
Tricia Shindledecker J.D.,
practices Elder Law, Estate Planning, Business, Real Estate, Copyright
and
Trademark Law with Anderson, Ziegler, Disharoon, Gallagher & Gray
in Santa Rosa.
Kerry Suendermann is a paralegal
in private practice since 1982, offering services to attorneys
and the public. She is the founder and Executive Director of
FLPP of California (Freelance and Public Paralegals of California).
Patti
Tate is a 1996 graduate of the SSU Paralegal Program. Her
legal career has included work with a sole practitioner and with
legal non-profit
entities. She is the Legal Programs Manager for the Sonoma County
Bar Association
Doug Thiele , J.D., attended University of California, Davis and Empire College School of Law.
Arthur A. Wick (Hon.), J.D., is a Sonoma County Superior Court judge.
Eric G. Young, J.D., is a civil litigation and appellate attorney who practices in Santa Rosa.
Related Programs
Courses approved for MCLE Credit Fall 2008:
Trust Administration (14 hours MCLE)
Landlord Tenant (14 hours MCLE)
Intellectual Property (14 hours MCLE)
Elder Care (14 hours MCLE)
SSU Extended Education is approved by the State Bar of California as a Provider of Minimum Continuing Legal Education. SSU certifies that these activities conform to the standards for approved education activities prescribed by the rules and regulations of the State Bar of California governing the minimum continuing legal education for attorneys and paralegals.
Up to four units of Conflict Resolution coursework may be applied towards the Paralegal certificate.
National Notary Association Training
National Notary Training
Certificate Program
Conflict Resolution Certificate
Program
Degree Program
Liberal Studies
BA Degree Completion Program
Business Administration
Counseling
Political Science
Psychology
Business and Professions Code California Business and Professions Code Section 6450-6456
Effective January 1, 2001, paralegals are defined by the California Business and Professions Code Section 6450 et seq. as to their education and experience. Further, paralegals are required to complete mandatory continuing education hours in order to maintain their status as paralegals. The text of the code follows:
6450. (a) "Paralegal " means
a person who either contracts with or is employed by an attorney, law
firm, corporation, governmental agency, or other entity and who performs
substantial legal work under the direction and supervision of an active
member of the State Bar of California, as defined in Section 6060,
or an attorney practicing law in the federal courts of this state,
that has been specifically delegated by the attorney to him or her.
Tasks performed by a paralegal include, but are not limited to, case
planning, development, and management; legal research; interviewing
clients; fact gathering and retrieving information; drafting and analyzing
legal documents; collecting, compiling, and utilizing technical information
to make an independent decision and recommendation to the supervising
attorney; and representing clients before a state or federal administrative
agency if that representation is permitted by statute, court rule,
or administrative rule or regulation.
(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), a paralegal shall not do any of the following:
(1) Provide legal advice.
(2) Represent a client in court.
(3) Select, explain, draft, or recommend the use of any legal document to or
for any person other than the attorney who directs and supervises the paralegal.
(4) Act as a runner or capper, as defined in Sections 6151 and 6152.
(5) Engage in conduct that constitutes the unlawful practice of law.
(6) Contract with, or be employed by, a natural person other than an attorney
to perform paralegal services.
(7) In connection with providing paralegal services, induce a person to make
an investment, purchase a financial product or service, or enter a transaction
from which income or profit, or both, purportedly may be derived.
(8) Establish the fees to charge a client for the services the paralegal performs,
which shall be established by the attorney who supervises the paralegal's work.
This paragraph does not apply to fees charged by a paralegal in a contract
to provide paralegal services to an attorney, law firm, corporation, governmental
agency, or other entity as provided in subdivision (a).
(c) A paralegal shall possess at least one of the following:
(1) A certificate of completion of a paralegal program approved by the American
Bar Association.
(2) A certificate of completion of a paralegal program at, or a degree from,
a postsecondary institution that requires the successful completion of a minimum
of 24 semester, or equivalent, units in law-related courses and that has been
accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization or approved by
the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education.
(3) A baccalaureate degree or an advanced degree in any subject, a minimum
of one year of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney
who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the
preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state
for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this
attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks.
(4) A high school diploma or general equivalency diploma, a minimum of three
years of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has
been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding
three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at
least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney
stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks. This experience
and training shall be completed no later than December 31, 2003.
(d) All paralegals shall be required to certify completion every three years
of four hours of mandatory continuing legal education in legal ethics. All
continuing legal education courses shall meet the requirements of Section 6070.
Every two years, all paralegals shall be required to certify completion of
four hours of mandatory continuing education in either general law or in a
specialized area of law. Certification of these continuing education requirements
shall be made with the paralegal's supervising attorney. The paralegal shall
be responsible for keeping a record of the paralegal' s certifications.
(e) A paralegal does not include a nonlawyer who provides legal services directly
to members of the public or a legal document assistant or unlawful detainer
assistant as defined in Section 6400.
(f) If a legal document assistant, as defined in subdivision (c) of Section
6400, has registered, on or before January 1, 2001, as required by law, a business
name that includes the word "paralegal," that person may continue to use that
business name until he or she is required to renew registration.
(g) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2004, and as
of that date is repealed, unless a later enacted statute, which is enacted
before January 1, 2004, deletes or extends that date.
6450. (a) "Paralegal" means
a person who either contracts with or is employed by an attorney, law
firm, corporation, governmental agency, or other entity and who performs
substantial legal work under the direction and supervision of an active
member of the State Bar of California, as defined in Section 6060,
or an attorney practicing law in the federal courts of this state,
that has been specifically delegated by the attorney to him or her.
Tasks performed by a paralegal include, but are not limited to, case
planning, development, and management; legal research; interviewing
clients; fact gathering and retrieving information; drafting and analyzing
legal documents; collecting, compiling, and utilizing technical information
to make an independent decision and recommendation to the supervising
attorney; and representing clients before a state or federal administrative
agency if that representation is permitted by statute, court rule,
or administrative rule or regulation.
(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), a paralegal shall not do the following:
(1) Provide legal advice.
(2) Represent a client in court.
(3) Select, explain, draft, or recommend the use of any legal document to or
for any person other than the attorney who directs and supervises the paralegal.
(4) Act as a runner or capper, as defined in Sections 6151 and 6152.
(5) Engage in conduct that constitutes the unlawful practice of law.
(6) Contract with, or be employed by, a natural person other than an attorney
to perform paralegal services.
(7) In connection with providing paralegal services, induce a person to make
an investment, purchase a financial product or service, or enter a transaction
from which income or profit, or both, purportedly may be derived.
(8) Establish the fees to charge a client for the services the paralegal performs,
which shall be established by the attorney who supervises the paralegal's work.
This paragraph does not apply to fees charged by a paralegal in a contract
to provide paralegal services to an attorney, law firm, corporation, governmental
agency, or other entity as provided in subdivision (a).
(c) A paralegal shall possess at least one of the following:
(1) A certificate of completion of a paralegal program approved by the American
Bar Association.
(2) A certificate of completion of a paralegal program at, or a degree from,
a postsecondary institution that requires the successful completion of a minimum
of 24 semester, or equivalent, units in law-related courses and that has been
accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization or approved by
the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education.
(3) A baccalaureate degree or an advanced degree in any subject, a minimum
of one year of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney
who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the
preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state
for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this
attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks.
(4) A high school diploma or general equivalency diploma, a minimum of three
years of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has
been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding
three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at
least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney
stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks. This experience
and training shall be completed no later than December 31, 2003.
(d) All paralegals shall be required to certify completion every three years
of four hours of mandatory continuing legal education in legal ethics. All
continuing legal education courses shall meet the requirements of Section 6070.
Every two years, all paralegals shall be required to certify completion of
four hours of mandatory continuing education in either general law or in a
specialized area of law. Certification of these continuing education requirements
shall be made with the paralegal's supervising attorney. The paralegal shall
be responsible for keeping a record of the paralegal' s certifications.
(e) A paralegal does not include a nonlawyer who provides legal services directly
to members of the public, or a legal document assistant or unlawful detainer
assistant as defined in Section 6400, unless the person is a person described
in subdivisions (a) and (b).
(f) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2004.
6451. It is unlawful for a paralegal to perform any services for a consumer except as performed under the direction and supervision of the attorney, law firm, corporation, government agency, or other entity that employs or contracts with the paralegal. Nothing in this section shall prohibit a paralegal who is employed by an attorney, law firm, governmental agency, or other entity from providing services to a consumer served by one of these entities if those services are specifically allowed by statute, case law, court rule, or federal or state administrative rule or regulation. "Consumer" means a natural person, firm, association, organization, partnership, business trust, corporation, or public entity.
6452. (a) It is unlawful
for a person to identify himself or herself as a paralegal on any advertisement,
letterhead, business card or sign, or elsewhere unless he or she has
met the qualifications of subdivision (c) of Section 6450 and performs
all services under the direction and supervision of an attorney who
is an active member of the State Bar of California or an attorney practicing
law in the federal courts of this state who is responsible for all
of the services performed by the paralegal. The business card of a
paralegal shall include the name of the law firm where he or she is
employed or a statement that he or she is employed by or contracting
with a licensed attorney.
(b) An attorney who uses the services of a paralegal is liable for any harm
caused as the result of the paralegal's negligence, misconduct, or violation
of this chapter.
6453. A paralegal is subject to the same duty as an attorney specified in subdivision (e) of Section 6068 to maintain inviolate the confidentiality, and at every peril to himself or herself to preserve the attorney-client privilege, of a consumer for whom the paralegal has provided any of the services described in subdivision (a) of Section 6450.
6454. The terms "paralegal," "legal assistant," "Paralegal," "freelance paralegal," "independent paralegal," and "contract paralegal" are synonymous for purposes of this chapter.
6455. (a) Any consumer
injured by a violation of this chapter may file a complaint and seek
redress in any municipal or superior court for injunctive relief, restitution,
and damages. Attorney's fees shall be awarded in this action to the
prevailing plaintiff.
(b) Any person who violates the provisions of Section 6451 or 6452 is guilty
of an infraction for the first violation, which is punishable upon conviction
by a fine of up to two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) as to each consumer
with respect to whom a violation occurs, and is guilty of a misdemeanor for
the second and each subsequent violation, which is punishable upon conviction
by a fine of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) as to each consumer
with respect to whom a violation occurs, or imprisonment in a county jail for
not more than one year, or by both that fine and imprisonment. Any person convicted
of a violation of this section shall be ordered by the court to pay restitution
to the victim pursuant to Section 1202.4 of the Penal Code.
6456. An individual employed by the state as a paralegal, legal assistant, legal analyst, or similar title, is exempt from the provisions of this chapter.
CEU Enrollment Options
As a graduate of the SSU program, you have the option of enrollIng in Paralegal classes for Continuing Education Units (CEU) at a lower rate.
If you enroll for CEU credit, you may participate in class but you are not obligated to submit written work or take examinations. However, you must attend the full class time or a "no credit" grade will be entered on your transcript.Course Requirements and Electives
Suggested Order of Course Requirements.
(
Summer Session is considered a semester.)
| Semester I Legal Terminology Introduction to Law Legal Research Elective |
Semester II Legal Writing Civil Procedure/Pleadings Elective |
| Semester III Civil Procedure/Discovery Legal Ethics Elective |
Semester IV Career Planning Internship: Work Experience Elective |
Electives
A selection of elective courses is offered every semester and covers a variety of substantive and procedural subject areas. Previously offered courses include:
| Bankruptcy Construction Law Contracts Corporate Law Criminal Law Document Management Drafting Motions Domestic Violence Elder Law Employment Law Enforcing Judgments Environmental Law Estate Planning Family Law Federal Indian Law Immigration Law Intellectual Property Law Internet Legal Research Interviewing and Investigation |
Issue Spotting and Analysis Judicial Arbitration Landlord/Tenant Law Law Office Computing Law Practice Management Legal Calendaring Litigation Support: Document Management Litigation Support: Trial Assistance Medical Malpractice Medical Records Review Operating a Successful Paralegal Business Probate Real Property Torts Trial Preparation and Support Trust Administration Wine Law Workers Compensation |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the job responsibilities of a paralegal, also called a legal assistant?
A paralegal performs substantive and procedural legal work with the supervision of an attorney or for which an attorney is accountable. For example, paralegals may draft, analyze and summarize legal documents, interview and act as a liaison with clients and witnesses, conduct legal and factual research, and provide trial assistance. Paralegals may not give legal advice.
What are the knowledge skills and abilities that serve as qualifications and essential functions for a job as a paralegal?
Utilizing the specific knowledge and skills you acquire from your formal training, you will be asked to work independently, oftentimes with little direction. You must think quickly on your feet and provide quick responses. Advanced interpersonal and communications skills and abilities are required as you work with a wide diversity of employers and clients.
What is the best preparation for becoming a paralegal?
A background that includes excellent reading, writing and critical thinking skills is mandatory. Proficiency with listening skills and in oral and written communication is essential. While prior legal experience is not required, successful paralegals must have demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in a wide variety of settings and with little direction. Personal self-assessment of matching knowledge, skills and abilities with the demands of the profession is of vital importance for success in the field.
Do I need to make a formal application for admission to the program?
Yes. However, a student with previous experience who wants to enroll in a single class may contact the Program Coordinator at 707/664-2394.
How do I earn a Certificate of Completion?
Students must complete a total of 30 units (20 required units and 10 elective units), earn a "C" or above in each required course, and maintain at least a "C" average for all electives. All required courses, with the exception of Career Planning must be taken for a letter grade. A maximum of six elective units may be taken on a credit/no credit basis. Up to four units of approved Conflict Resolution coursework may be applied towards the Paralegal certificate. Students must take and pass the Written English Proficiency Test (WEPT) prior to enrolling in the required Legal Writing class. Verifiable computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets, Powerpoint and Windows are required prior to enrolling in the required Internship/Work Experience course.
What is the Written English Proficiency Test?
An essay exam that tests English composition skills. All SSU students must fulfill this requirement in order to graduate.
Do these classes apply towards a four-year degree?
Yes, 24 units of the Paralegal Program can be applied to a baccalaureate degree at SSU, subject to department approval.
Do I need computer skills to get a job?
Employers are seeking candidates with computer competency in word processing, legal and factual research, spreadsheets, database management, email and the Internet.
Who teaches the classes and what method do they use?
The instructors are attorneys and paralegals. The philosophy of the program is to assign practical work that teaches you how to apply legal knowledge to the specific kinds of tasks that you will encounter in the workplace. If you have no previous legal experience, Legal Terminology is a recommended class.
How does obtaining a certificate advance my career?
A Certificate of Completion attests to your competency in the required and elective areas of law you have studied. Because you learn practical techniques and marketable skills in the program, you are qualified for entry-level employment with a Certificate of Completion. In addition, up to 24 units of the Paralegal Program may be applied as elective credit toward completion of a baccalaureate degree through the Liberal Studies Degree Completion Program at Sonoma State University. Completion of the Paralegal Program meets the educational requirements for paralegals as stated in the California Business and Professions Code, commencing with Section 6450. Sonoma State University is an institutional member of the American Association for Paralegal Education.
Do I have to pass a licensing test to work as a paralegal?
Not at this time. Educational requirements for paralegals are defined in the California Business and Professions Code section 6450. Completion of the certificate program meets the educational requirements.
Will I get on-the-job experience while I am in the program?
Yes. The Internship/Work Experience class, which obligates students to perform 90 hours of paralegal work, is a graduation requirement. Students consult with the Internship Coordinator to match their interests with positions in law firms, corporations, government entities and legal service agencies.
Is financial aid available for this certificate program?
Students enrolled in at least six units of program coursework are eligible for financial aid. Consult with a financial aid representative in the Financial Aid office at 707/664-2389.
Which courses are required?
The following required courses are prerequisites for certain of the elective courses. Use this key to identify course numbers:
# POLS 300: Introduction to Law
# ENGL 300: Legal Research
# ENGL 303: Legal Writing
# POLS 310: Legal Ethics
# POLS 322: Civil Procedure: Pleadings
# POLS 332: Civil Procedure: Discovery
# POLS 340: Career Planning
# POLS 339: Internship/Work Experience
What is the registration and refund policy?
The registration fee must be paid by the registration deadline date in the course description to avoid incurring a $25 late fee. Late fees will be charged for all late registration. For classes that are dropped, please refer to the refund schedule.