About Paralegal/Legal Studies

Learn the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a degree and/or enter the workforce in legal and related fields. 

Our paralegal program is ABA-approved and complies with the requirements established under current California law to become a paralegal. NOTE: Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law. 

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Explore Potential Careers

Studying Paralegal/Legal Studies can lead to a variety of different jobs or career paths. Below are just some of the many options you will have!

  • Law firms (from solo practitioner law practices to multi-practices and even international offices)
  • Corporate legal departments
  • Government agencies (federal and state)
  • Courts (municipal, state, and federal)
  • Law school (Our program is a stepping stone  to an advanced career in law.)

Program Options 

We offer two options:

A. The program of study for the Associate in Science degree in Paralegal/Legal Studies is designed so that students may satisfy the general education requirements and paralegal course requirements simultaneously to earn both the degree and the Certificate of Achievement. The paralegal certificate is ONLY awarded upon completion of the general education requirements for the AS Degree.

B. The program of study for the Certificate of Achievement in Paralegal/Legal Studies is for students who already hold a college degree OR who have completed 30 units of general education or law-related courses with a 2.0 grade point average or higher at an accredited, post-secondary school prior to admission into our paralegal program. Note: Students who do not already hold a degree or have not completed at least 30 units of general education or law-related courses must pursue Option A--the Associate in Science degree in Paralegal/Legal Studies.

Click on the degree or certificate that applies to you to see a map of courses to take to complete your goal from start to finish. Note: English 1A is a prerequisite for both program option A and B.

Please note that the course maps provided are just an example to help you get started. Please meet with a counselor to personalize the plan to you and your Academic goals. 

View Requirements in College Catalog

Semester 1

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
ENGL 1A + 1AS University-Parallel Reading and Composition + Support 4-6  
CCSF GE Area H Ethnic Studies, Women's and Gender Studies and LGBTQ Studies* 3  
CCSF GE Area A Communication and Analytical Thinking* 3  
CCSF GE Area D Social and Behavioral Sciences Requirement* 3  

Total Units: 13-15

Semester 2

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
PLS 1 Introduction to Paralegal Studies 3  
PLS 2 Legal Research and Writing I 3  
MATH 46, MATH 60 or 860, ET 108B, or ET 50, or PSYC 5, or ECON 5, or LALS 5, or PHIL 12A, or FIN 136M or higher math course (or equivalent) Math Graduation Requirement* 3-8  
CCSF GE Area E Humanities Requirement* 3  

Total Units: 12-17

Semester 3

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
PLS 3 Legal Research and Writing II 3  
PLS 4 Litigation I 3  
Paralegal Elective See Counselor** 3  
CCSF GE Area C Natural Sciences Requirement* 3-6  
Paralegal Elective See Counselor** 3  

Total Units: 15-18 

Semester 4

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
PLS 5 Litigation II 3  
PLS 6 Law Office Management and Procedures 3  
Paralegal Elective See Counselor** 3  
Paralegal Elective See Counselor** 3  
CCSF GE Area F United States History and Government Requirement* 3  

Total Units: 13-15

Semester 5

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
Paralegal Elective See Counselor** 3  
Paralegal Elective See Counselor** 3  

Total Units: 9

 

*Important Note about General Education Requirements:

The ABA has general education requirement that are different than those required by CCSF. If you have questions about general education requirements, please call 415-239-3508 to speak to the Paralegal/Legal Studies Program Coordinator. Currently, the ABA does NOT accept courses approved for CCSF's General Education areas as follows:

Area A:  Business English, Business Mathematics, Computer Science, Design, Microcomputer Applications for Business, and Supervision and Management

Area C: Nutrition and Ornamental Horticulture

Area D: Academic Achievement Personal Success, Health Education, and Physical Education

Area E: Design

Area G: Culinary Arts, Health Education, Nutrition, and Physical Education

Area H: Health Education, Physical Education, and Supervision and Business Management

**Paralegal Electives Include:

Business Law 1; Business Law 2; Corporate Law; Wills, Trusts, and Probate Administration; Family Law; Immigration Law; and Paralegal Work Experience

View Requirements in College Catalog

Semester 1 

(English 1A Prerequisite to Certificate)

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
PLS 1 Introduction to Paralegal Studies 3  
PLS 2 Legal Research and Writing I 3  
Paralegal Elective* See Counselor 3  

Total Units: 9 

Semester 2

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
PLS 3 Legal Research and Writing II 3  
PLS 4  Litigation I 3  
Paralegal Elective* See Counselor 3  

Total Units: 9 

Semester 3

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
PLS 5 Litigation II 3  
Paralegal Elective* See Counselor 3  

Total Units: 6

Semester 4

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
PLS 6 Law Office Management and Procedures 3  
Paralegal Elective* See Counselor 3  

Tota Units: 6

 

*Paralegal Electives Include:

Business Law 1; Business Law 2; Corporate Law; Wills, Trusts, and Probate Administration; Family Law; Immigration Law; and Paralegal Work Experience

Transfer Options

Many Bay Area legal employers seek candidates with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Our community college does not offer beyond an associate’s degree. Students are encouraged to continue their education in a four-year college. The program coursework you complete at City College will satisfy lower-division requirements for related majors at several colleges and universities.

Have questions about transfer? Visit the Transfer Center for help, transfer information, and/or to speak with college representatives.