CAREER PROGRAMS:
Paralegal
Program Options
- Associate of Science Degree
- Post-Degree Certificate/available to students who have an AA/AS degree or higher
The Paralegal Program at West Valley College is approved by the American Bar Association.
The American Bar Association provides the following definition: A legal assistant or paralegal is a person, qualified by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible.
A Paralegal is a trained specialist, who, under the supervision of an attorney, performs a wide variety of legal tasks. These include legal research, law office management and preparation of legal documents. Only an attorney may provide legal services directly to the public.
Program Information
The primary goal of the paralegal studies program is to prepare students for positions as paralegals as a means of improving the accessibility, quality and affordability of legal services. West Valley's paralegal studies program is responsive to the needs of the State of California and contributes to the advancement of legal professionals.
Students who successfully complete the paralegal program will have:
- an overview of the American legal system
- an overview of the practice of law
- skills and knowledge to work in civil litigation
- an understanding of the ethical rules and regulations applicable to paralegals and other legal professionals
- a balanced education founded on the integration of general education, legal theory and practical legal course work
- to provide a Paralegal Program which is responsive to the needs of the State of California and contributes to the advancement of legal professionals
- strong written and oral communication skills, and
- the opportunity to acquire the skills needed to function in areas of practice other than litigation.
Paralegals need excellent organizational skills, and the ability to perform complex, detailed work quickly and accurately. It is essential to have strong communication skills, both written and oral, and be able to work well under pressure. Paralegals have the ability to interact in a diversified environment, and the capacity to work independently as well as a team member.
Examples of delegated tasks include performing legal and public records research, obtaining and managing evidence, interviewing clients and witnesses, legal research, assisting with initial drafts of legal documents, corporate document preparation, or application and registration of patents, trademarks, and other intellectual property.
Career Paths
- Law Firms
- Corporate Legal Departments
- Public Agencies
- Governmental Agencies
- and many more
Department Chair
Peggy Mathieson
408.741.4635
email: peggy_mathieson@westvalley.edu
Paralegal faculty include practicing paralegals, attorneys, and a judge.
Program Requirements
Questions about Career Programs? Call 408.741.2098
e-mail: Career Programs Center: cathy_aimonetti@wvmccd.cc.ca.us
or stop by AAS 35
Web page partially funded by a VATEA grant. REVISED August 1, 2007
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