Paralegal Studies
The Paralegal Studies Program offers a 24 academic-unit certificate, intended to prepare students for employment as a paralegal in various legal sectors. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of the paralegal profession to enhance the ability to reason, understand and apply correct principles of law by teaching analytical and critical thinking skills.
The program is taught by attorneys and paralegals who have practical experience in the field and satisfies all educational requirements required by California law. As such, you will gain the legal knowledge and skills to land a paralegal job in any state.
How many courses are required to complete the certificate?
The program requires 8 course to complete the certificate, listed below.
How long does it take to complete the certifcate?
Students are able to complete the certificate in one year.
Is the Paralegal Studies program ABA-approved?
The program is not ABA-approved (American Bar Association); after considerable research, it was determined that the benefits in offering an ABA-approved certificate did not outweigh the extra cost/time to our students. The ABA requires 60 units (versus the state approved 24 units) and most firms do not require an ABA-approved certificate. Moreover, California requirements are more rigorous than any other state, allowing students from our program to work anywhere.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Memberships
Member, San Francisco Paralegal Association
WHAT COURSES SHOULD YOU TAKE AND WHEN?
| Course | Course Title & When Offered |
|---|---|
| PLGL 30 | Introduction to Paralegal Studies Offered Fall, Spring & Summer |
| PLGL 31 | Legal Writing & Research Offered Fall |
| PLGL 32 | Litigation & Civil Procedure Offered Spring & Summer |
| PLGL 33 | Computer Application & E-Discovery for Paralegal Studies Offered Fall |
| PLGL 34 | Professional Responsibility & Ethics Offered Spring & Summer |
| PLGL 35 | Advanced Legal Writing & Research Offered Spring Pre-requisite: PLGL 31 |
| PLGL 36 | Contract Law Offered Spring & Summer |
|
PLGL 37 OR ADMJ 60 |
PLGL 37 - Tort Law ADMJ 60 - Criminal Law |
* Please see Chabot College ClassWeb for information regarding class schedule.
** Choice of PLGL 37 OR ADMJ 60 to satisfy Paralegal Certificate Requirements; Please see the Administration of Justice webpage for information on ADMJ courses.
Cheryl L. Mackey, Esq.
Department Chair/Faculty
510.723.6973
cmackey@chabotcollege.edu
Building 400, office 454M - 2nd fl
Vahishta Pakpour Falahati, Esq.
Adjunct Facultyvfalahati@chabotcollege.eduBuilding 400, 1st fl
Jessica Graham, Esq.
Adjunct Faculty jkgraham@chabotcollege.edu Building 400, 1st fl
Sunny Lerner, Esq.
Adjunct Faculty slerner@chabotcollege.edu Building 400, 1st fl
Dr. Nidaa Pervaiz, Ph.D.
Adjunct Faculty npervaiz@chabotcollege.edu Building 400, 1st fl
POTENTIAL CAREERS
What is a Paralegal?
Paralegals support attorneys by handling tasks that keep cases on track. While they
can’t practice law, they help gather facts, interact with clients, and assist in investigations
under attorney supervision. Their work allows lawyers to focus on complex legal issues
while ensuring deadlines and documentation are met.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct legal research
- Draft legal documents (e.g., contracts, pleadings)
- Organize case files
- Assist in trial and hearing prep
Work Environment
Paralegals work in law firms, corporations, government, and nonprofits. Duties vary
by organization type and size.
Skills & Knowledge
Paralegals specialize in areas like criminal, family, corporate, or real estate law.
They must be organized, detail-oriented, and skilled in legal tools.
Industry Impact
Paralegals help legal teams stay efficient, accurate, and compliant.