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Paralegals provide support services to attorneys.
They perform various duties, including interviewing witnesses, helping with investigations, and drafting legal documents.
Some other duties that paralegals have include performing legal research, analyzing and summarizing court documents, and other duties.
They work in various settings, although many paralegals work for attorneys in their private practices.
Paralegals may work for government agencies, corporations, or law firms.
The things that paralegals do require them to have comprehensive knowledge and an understanding of the legal system.
Some people may think that they need to have a four-year degree to work as a paralegal.
The truth is that paralegals usually only need to earn a two-year college degree.
Students who want to have a rewarding career working as a paralegal often want to find a program that prepares them to start working immediately after earning their degree.
El Camino College offers a Paralegal Studies, Associate in Arts program.
About El Camino College
Location and Flexibility
El Camino College is in Torrance, California.
Students may take some courses online or in a hybrid format.
Many students complete their paralegal studies courses in person, in the traditional classroom setting.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Degree Type: Paralegal Studies, Associate in Arts (AA) degree.
Total Credits: 60-65 total credits.
Course Breakdown
The school does not have a required sequence for all courses.
Students must complete Introduction to Legal Research to be accepted into the program.
The school recommends that students also complete Paralegal Studies I – Introduction to Paralegal Studies during their first semester.
Students complete 27-30 credit hours of General Education Requirement courses.
They complete the other required paralegal courses.
Those courses include Legal Environment of Business or Business Law, Introduction to Legal Research, Civil Procedure, Legal Research and Writing, Introduction to Legal Technology, and Legal Seminar.
Students complete 12-16 credit hours of paralegal program electives.
Some elective course options include Probate Procedures, Tort Law, Family Law, and Civil and Criminal Evidence Procedure.
The other options include Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning, Cooperative Work Experience Education, and Legal Aspects of Real Estate.
Delivery Modes and Scheduling
The Paralegal Studies, Associate in Arts program is primarily offered on campus.
Students may complete the program in a hybrid format.
This means that they may choose to complete some courses online and some classes in person at the campus location.
Pros and Cons of the Paralegal Program
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The program is approved by the American Bar Association. | All courses may not be transferable. |
| The program is designed so that students may start work immediately or transfer to a four-year university program. | Students who are not California residents pay significantly higher tuition. |
| Students do not have to complete a separate application for the paralegal program. | The school offers job placement assistance, but there is no guarantee of employment. |
How to Apply/Next Steps
Decide which term you want to start in to begin your Paralegal Studies, Associate in Arts program.
Take the required course for entry into the program.
Explore your financial aid options.
Apply for state and federal financial aid.
Apply for scholarships.
Apply for any other financial aid for which you may be eligible.
Contact Information
Contact the school at 310-660-3593, x7816.
Future students can also visit the website at https://www.elcamino.edu/academics/areas-of-study/paralegal-studies.php.
| El Camino College: Key Details | |
|---|---|
| Accreditation | Western Association of Schools and Colleges |
| Location | 16007 Crenshaw Blvd Torrance, CA, 90506 |
| Website | https://www.elcamino.edu/academics/areas-of-study/paralegal-studies.php |
| Phone | 310-660-3593 |
| On Campus? | Yes |
| Online? | Yes |
| Program Length | 2 Years |
| Student Rating | 54 / 100 based on 3 student reviews |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I complete the Paralegal Studies, Associate in Arts program online?
The American Bar Association requires that students complete a minimum of nine semester credits of legal specialty courses in synchronous, face-to-face instruction or by remote synchronous instruction.
Not all paralegal studies courses are available online.
Do I have to attend classes full-time?
Graduating from the program in two years is based on attending school on a full-time basis.
How do I know the order to take classes?
The school does not have a required course sequence.
It does require students to complete the course Introduction to Legal Research to be accepted into the program.
Worst experience of my life!
I actually planned to go here before transferring to a four-year program once I can finally afford it. Good thing they offer online courses. I can easily juggle work and studies. This college is just an hour away from home too. More convenient. No need to rent a place.
Hoping to see more positive reviews before I even consider this college. But my dad has been insisting, so we’re going on a campus tour next month. The hybrid set-up was a plus!