Legal Studies
Overview
The Legal Studies program at American River College is approved by the American Bar Association. ARC’s Legal Studies program has been preparing students for entry-level positions in this profession for over 30 years.
California Business & Professions Code (B & P Code) section 6450 defines a “paralegal” as a person qualified by education, training, or work experience, 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 or an attorney practicing law in the federal courts.
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.
Paralegals do not provide legal advice. It is unlawful for anyone not currently licensed to practice law in California to give legal advice.
The law office clerical certificate option is not approved by the American Bar Association and does not prepare students to work as paralegals.
NOTE: Nine (9) semester credits of legal speciality coursework must be completed through synchronous instruction.
Transfer Credit Policy
1. Introduction. Courses transferred to American River College may fulfill requirements of general education, legal specialty courses, or non-legal specialty courses. Legal specialty courses are designed for legal assisting students and emphasize the development of practical paralegal skills. At American River College, legal specialty course are designated with a “LA” prefix.
2. Legal Specialty Courses Defined. “Legal specialty” is a term of art unique to ABA approval. In order for a paralegal course to qualify as legal specialty, it must meet all of the following elements: (1) cover substantive law or legal procedure or process; (2) be developed for paralegals; (3) emphasize practical paralegal skills; and (4) meet the instructional requirements of the ABA.
3. Transfer of Legal Specialty Coursework. A maximum of 9 credit hours of legal specialty (assigned the prefix LA) coursework may be transferred into the program from a nationally accredited, ABA-approved, paralegal studies or legal assisting program.
4. Transfer of Non-Legal Specialty Coursework from Other Institutions. Transfer credit evaluation of general education courses and non-legal specialty courses is handled in accordance with college policies.
5. Time Limit on Transfer of Coursework. Transfer units from other institutions will not be accepted for transfer credit if they are older than three years. The Legal Assisting program requires that a transfer student successfully complete a minimum of 10 hours of face-to-face instruction in the Legal Assisting program at ARC.
Roadmaps
Road maps lay out all of the courses you need to take for a given degree or certificate.
A.A./A.S. Degrees
- Paralegal Studies A.A. Degree (Full Time, Fall Start) Map
- Paralegal Studies A.A. Degree (Part Time, Fall Start) Map
Certificates
- Interim Dean Sandra Camarena
- Department Chair Kate Chang
- HomeBase Business HomeBase
- Phone (916) 484-8361
- Email ARCBUSClerk@arc.losrios.edu
Associate Degree
A.A. in Paralegal Studies
This degree prepares students to work in the legal field as an entry-level paralegal. It covers basic substantive and procedural areas including civil litigation, legal research and legal writing, contracts, and torts. This degree is in full compliance with California Business and Professions Code section 6450 regarding preparation for work in this field.
Students must complete 30 units of legal specialty courses, 9 of which must be completed through synchronous instruction. In addition, the American Bar Association (ABA) has specific requirements for 18 units of additional non-paralegal coursework (ABA Breadth). Students are encouraged to consult a counselor or the department chair for courses that satisfy the ABA Breadth requirements.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2025
Degree Requirements
Course Code | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
LA 300 | Introduction to Law and the American Legal System | 3 |
LA 310 | Civil Procedures and Litigation | 3 |
LA 312 | Torts and Personal Injury | 3 |
LA 314 | Contract Law | 3 |
LA 320 | Legal Research | 3 |
LA 321 | Legal Writing | 3 |
LA 350 | Law Office Management | 3 |
A minimum of 9 units from the following: | 9 | |
LA 322 | Advanced Legal Research and Writing (3) | |
LA 330 | Family Law and Procedure (3) | |
LA 332 | Administrative Law and Procedure (3) | |
LA 334 | Criminal Law and Procedure (3) | |
LA 336 | Immigration Law (3) | |
LA 342 | Evidence (3) | |
LA 352 | Legal Technology (3) | |
LA 360 | Corporations Law (3) | |
LA 362 | Estate Planning and Probate Procedure (3) | |
LA 364 | Landlord Tenant Law (3) | |
LA 366 | Basic Bankruptcy Law (3) | |
LA 368 | Workers' Compensation Law (3) | |
LA 498 | Work Experience in Legal Assisting (0.5 - 4) | |
A minimum of 18 units from the following: | 18 | |
ABA Breadth: Courses from at least three different areas of the Cal-GETC pattern, excluding performance courses. | ||
Total Units: | 48 |
The Paralegal Studies Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See ARC graduation requirements.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- incorporate basic legal theories in various substantive areas of law as required by a supervising attorney.
- define and use legal terminology accurately and appropriately.
- differentiate between relevant and irrelevant information and evidence.
- research relevant legal authority.
- verify the currency of relevant legal authority.
- draft correspondence to be sent to clients or opposing counsel and others.
- prepare basic legal documents for signature and submission to court by the supervising attorney.
- organize professional assignments efficiently.
- support the supervising attorney in all phases of legal practice.
- demonstrate ethical behavior in the legal setting.
- recognize acts that may constitute the unlicensed practice of law.
- express their thoughts effectively, both orally and in writing, with attorneys and clients.
Career Information
Paralegals and legal assistants are found in all types of organizations, but most work for law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies. They usually work full time, and some may have to work more than 40 hours a week to meet deadlines. About 45,800 openings for paralegals and legal assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Certificates of Achievement
Law Office Clerical Assistant Certificate
This certificate provides the skills needed for entry-level clerical positions in law offices. The course work emphasizes workforce skills including an introduction to the use of terms particular to the legal field.
This Law Office Clerical Assistant certificate is not approved by the American Bar Association and does not prepare students to work as paralegals or legal assistants under California state law.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2025
Certificate Requirements
Course Code | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
BUS 312 | Workplace Behavior and Ethics | 3 |
BUSTEC 100.1 | Keyboarding Skills: Beginning (1) | 1 |
or BUSTEC 300.1 | Keyboarding/Applications: Beginning (1) | |
BUSTEC 100.2 | Keyboarding Skills: Intermediate (1) | 1 |
or BUSTEC 300.2 | Keyboarding/Applications: Document Formatting (1) | |
BUSTEC 305 | Introduction to Business Information Technology | 3 |
BUSTEC 310 | Introduction to Word/Information Processing | 3 |
LA 300 | Introduction to Law and the American Legal System | 3 |
LA 350 | Law Office Management | 3 |
Total Units: | 17 |
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate keyboarding competence in the legal workplace.
- solve common office problems using current business technology and software applications.
- practice effective communication with law office personnel and clients.
- apply appropriate ethical standards to the special situations encountered in a law office.
- produce written documents in appropriate formats using typical legal office technology.
Career Information
Typical career opportunities are entry-level clerical positions in a law office. In order to earn an A.A. or a Certificate to become a Legal Assistant/Paralegal, see the Legal Studies Program requirements in the Behavior and Social Sciences Division.
Paralegal Studies Certificate
Students must possess an A.A. degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution to be eligible for the certificate. The Paralegal Studies Certificate is a one-year course of study consisting of 30 units of legal specialty courses and a minimum of 9 units must be completed through synchronous instruction. Legal courses cover basic substantive and procedural areas including civil litigation, legal research and legal writing, contracts, and torts, in addition to electives within the program. This certificate is in full compliance with California Business and Professions Code section 6450 regarding preparation for work in this field.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2025
Certificate Requirements
Course Code | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
LA 300 | Introduction to Law and the American Legal System | 3 |
LA 310 | Civil Procedures and Litigation | 3 |
LA 312 | Torts and Personal Injury | 3 |
LA 314 | Contract Law | 3 |
LA 320 | Legal Research | 3 |
LA 321 | Legal Writing | 3 |
LA 350 | Law Office Management | 3 |
A minimum of 9 units from the following: | 9 | |
LA 322 | Advanced Legal Research and Writing (3) | |
LA 330 | Family Law and Procedure (3) | |
LA 332 | Administrative Law and Procedure (3) | |
LA 334 | Criminal Law and Procedure (3) | |
LA 336 | Immigration Law (3) | |
LA 342 | Evidence (3) | |
LA 352 | Legal Technology (3) | |
LA 360 | Corporations Law (3) | |
LA 362 | Estate Planning and Probate Procedure (3) | |
LA 364 | Landlord Tenant Law (3) | |
LA 366 | Basic Bankruptcy Law (3) | |
LA 368 | Workers' Compensation Law (3) | |
LA 498 | Work Experience in Legal Assisting (0.5 - 4) | |
Total Units: | 30 |
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- incorporate basic legal theories in various substantive areas of law as required by a supervising attorney.
- define and use legal terminology accurately and appropriately.
- differentiate between relevant and irrelevant information and evidence.
- research relevant legal authority.
- verify the currency of relevant legal authority.
- draft correspondence to be sent to clients or opposing counsel and others.
- prepare basic legal documents for signature and submission to court by the supervising attorney.
- organize professional assignments efficiently.
- support the supervising attorney in all phases of legal practice.
- demonstrate ethical behavior in the legal setting.
- recognize acts that may constitute the unlicensed practice of law.
- express their thoughts effectively, both orally and in writing, with attorneys and clients.
Career Information
Paralegals and legal assistants are found in all types of organizations, but most work for law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies. They usually work full time, and some may have to work more than 40 hours a week to meet deadlines. About 45,800 openings for paralegals and legal assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Legal Assisting (LA) Courses
LA 300 Introduction to Law and the American Legal System
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ENGL C1000, ENGL C1000H, or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course introduces the American legal system, covering its historical roots, court structures, lawmaking processes, and key legal fields. Students learn the role of paralegals and ethics in legal practice, the basics of legal research and writing, and the essentials of civil and criminal law.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- describe the role and general responsibilities of a paralegal.
- explain the structure and fundamental functions of the American legal system.
- understand and use basic legal terminology appropriately.
- analyze and evaluate fact patterns.
- research basic information in appropriate legal research sources.
- differentiate between the basic procedures and purposes of civil and criminal law.
- integrate knowledge of ethical obligations into all aspects of practice.
LA 310 Civil Procedures and Litigation
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Corequisite:LA 300
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course is an introduction to the California court system with emphasis on understanding the practical aspects of litigation and the proper procedures required by statutes and rules of court. It covers the phases of California court procedure, including state and federal constitutional limitations, jurisdiction, venue, pleadings, and motions. It also includes the forms by which matters are submitted to the court system from pre-litigation through appeals.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify the practical procedural aspects of litigation, including parties, jurisdiction, venue, claims, pleadings, defaults, and statutes of limitation.
- differentiate between the roles, duties, and responsibilities of paralegals across various types of civil litigation practices.
- apply knowledge of civil procedures to select and complete appropriate forms and documents required for submission to California courts.
- locate and understand California statutes and court rules to ensure compliance with procedural requirements for each phase of litigation.
- explain the discovery process and identify key tools for gathering and assessing evidence.
- analyze ethical issues that commonly arise in civil litigation.
LA 312 Torts and Personal Injury
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Corequisite:LA 300
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course is an overview of substantive tort law as it pertains to personal injury (PI) cases. Students explore key concepts, including negligence, intentional torts, and strict liability, as well as the essential elements required to establish liability and the defenses available to defendants. The course also covers pretrial procedures, focusing on discovery, settlement negotiations, and preparation of witnesses and trial materials.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- define the essential elements of common tort causes of action, including negligence, intentional torts, and strict liability.
- outline the typical progression of a personal injury (PI) case, from client intake through trial preparation.
- evaluate and analyze evidence relevant to tort claims, assessing its strength and relevance to specific legal arguments.
- apply appropriate defenses to various tort causes of action, demonstrating an understanding of legal principles and strategies.
- classify different types of torts and their respective characteristics appropriately.
- organize and manage case information effectively to support attorneys in building a strong representation for clients in tort cases.
- identify and discuss ethical considerations that arise in tort law practice, ensuring compliance with professional standards and responsibilities.
LA 314 Contract Law
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Corequisite:LA 300
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course introduces essential contract principles, including formation, enforceability, third-party rights, performance, breach, and remedies. Students analyze contract disputes, draft enforceable agreements, and identify common defenses, gaining practical skills for work in the legal field.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify and describe the essential elements of a valid contract, including mutual assent, consideration, legality, and capacity.
- describe common defenses to contract causes of action.
- evaluate contract disputes, identify claims of breach, and analyze potential remedies.
- interpret standard contract terms, evaluating how they impact the rights and obligations of contracting parties.
- draft clear and concise contract clauses that align with client objectives.
- identify ethical issues arising in a transactional law practice.
LA 320 Legal Research
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Corequisite:LA 300
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course equips paralegals with foundational skills in legal research. Students learn to locate, interpret, and apply primary and secondary legal sources effectively. Topics include analyzing court decisions, briefing cases, and navigating essential research tools to support legal analysis and case preparation.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify and locate primary and secondary sources in federal and California law.
- locate and use appropriate resources for various legal research questions and tasks.
- synthesize the information provided in legal resources into useful summaries or case briefs.
- apply appropriate research strategies to gather information for specific legal questions.
- utilize computer resources to aid the research process.
- organize research findings effectively to support legal analysis.
- demonstrate ethical research practices by recognizing the importance of source reliability, citation, and accuracy.
LA 321 Legal Writing
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:LA 320 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course is a continuation of LA 320: Legal Research. Students learn to synthesize information effectively and apply it to produce key written documents used in a law office, including interoffice memoranda, court briefs, and client correspondence. Through practical exercises and feedback, students enhance their writing skills, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and professionalism in their legal communications.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- compose documents with clear and concise writing, proper structure, and effective tone.
- draft and distinguish between specific legal documents such as interoffice memoranda, court briefs, and client letters.
- produce both objective and persuasive documents.
- demonstrate clarity, organization, and persuasiveness in written work.
- integrate computer research into the creation of legal documents.
- utilize proper citation techniques to attribute sources accurately and appropriately within legal documents.
- identify and apply ethical considerations in legal writing, ensuring compliance with professional standards.
LA 322 Advanced Legal Research and Writing
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:LA 321 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This elective course builds on the foundational skills from LA 320 and LA 321, emphasizing advanced legal research and analytical writing. It focuses on current codes, rules, and practices related to e-discovery and metadata mining. Students learn to draft motions regarding electronically stored information. The course also covers informal legal research and writing skills like those related to interviewing and investigating. Extensive use of computers and resources like Westlaw is included.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze and apply the principles of e-discovery in compliance with relevant legal standards and ethical considerations.
- evaluate and identify facts, law, and supporting evidence for use in drafting discovery requests and responses.
- demonstrate advanced legal research skills by effectively utilizing online databases to locate current codes, rules, and case law.
- synthesize legal research findings into coherent and persuasive legal documents such as correspondence, discovery, motions, and briefs.
- develop research and writing skills to boost investigative abilities and interviewing techniques.
LA 330 Family Law and Procedure
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:LA 300 with a grade of "C" or better
- Advisory:LA 320
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course covers California Family Law, focusing on dissolution procedures, property division, and non-marital relationships. Emphasis is placed on legal procedures, the preparation of necessary forms, and the role of the paralegal in assisting family law attorneys throughout the litigation process.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- define the role of the paralegal in family law litigation, including responsibilities for document preparation, client interaction, and supporting attorneys throughout the legal process.
- apply family law procedures and knowledge to prepare documents, manage case files, and facilitate communication between attorneys, clients, and court staff.
- analyze the economic effects of dissolution, including property division, spousal support, and the impact on children and child support arrangements.
- analyze client cases to understand the procedural steps involved in dissolution, child custody, and support matters.
- evaluate ethical issues in family law, including confidentiality, conflicts of interest, and managing sensitive information related to divorce and child custody.
LA 332 Administrative Law and Procedure
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:LA 300 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course covers administrative law and procedure. Topics include administrative due process and comparison of administrative law to civil and criminal law.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- define basic elements of administrative law and procedure.
- evaluate simple administrative cases.
- identify the necessary elements of complex administrative law case to assist the attorney.
- analyze ethical issues that may arise in an administrative law practice.
- present a simple administrative case.
LA 334 Criminal Law and Procedure
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:LA 300 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course offers a comprehensive overview of substantive criminal law and the procedural rules governing the criminal justice system. Students examine key concepts, including the classification of crimes, elements of offenses and defenses, as well as the criminal procedure from arrest and filing of charges to trial, conviction, and appeal. Emphasis is placed on understanding the rights of the accused, the roles of various participants in the criminal justice process, and the impact of legal precedents on criminal law.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- explain the structure and function of the federal and California criminal justice systems.
- identify the substantive elements of crimes and which party has the burden of proof.
- analyze defenses available in criminal proceedings and develop strategies to support them.
- describe constitutional protections within the context of criminal law, including: detention, arrest, search, and seizure.
- understand the different stages of criminal proceedings, including: arrest, arraignment, discovery, trial, judgment, sentencing, and appeal.
- identify, analyze, and discuss ethical issues that can arise in the practice of criminal law.
LA 336 Immigration Law
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:LA 300 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course introduces students to U.S. immigration and naturalization law, including the roles of key federal agencies. Students learn to prepare immigration documents, identify immigrant and nonimmigrant statuses, and understand procedures for deportation, exclusion, and asylum, with an emphasis on client interviewing skills.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- explain the key agencies and procedures in U.S. immigration law, including the roles of the Department of Justice, Department of Labor, and Department of State.
- demonstrate effective client interviewing techniques tailored to immigration cases, focusing on cultural sensitivity and the gathering of relevant legal information.
- analyze and classify various immigration statuses and paths to lawful residency and citizenship.
- prepare essential immigration forms and documents accurately and in accordance with procedural requirements (including petitions, affidavits, and applications).
- assess situations for deportation, exclusion, and asylum eligibility, identifying specific factors relevant to each category.
- organize and maintain comprehensive client files and case notes, ensuring compliance with documentation standards and filing deadlines.
- understand ethical considerations unique to immigration law.
LA 340 Techniques of Interview
- Units:1
- Hours:18 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:LA 300 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course provides general background information about basic communication and relates this information to the skills used by a legal assistant in interviewing clients and witnesses.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify interview techniques appropriate to the type of information needed to assist the attorney handling the client's case
- apply the various interviewing techniques
- evaluate the source evidence
- classify evidence as to relevancy
LA 342 Evidence
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:LA 300 with a grade of "C" or better
- Advisory:LA 310
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course covers federal and state evidence rules for trial preparation and litigation support. Topics include testimony, hearsay, documentary and demonstrative evidence, deposition transcripts, discovery objections, and the paralegal’s role in trial preparation and evidence management, with ethical considerations.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify and explain the key federal and state evidence rules, including the Best Evidence and Hearsay rules, and how they apply to court proceedings.
- distinguish between different types of evidence, including witness testimony, documentary, and demonstrative evidence.
- explain objections to evidence and establish the grounds necessary to object to the introduction of evidence.
- evaluate and prepare the foundation to introduce evidence for use in trials and hearings.
- address ethical issues that may arise in evidence management.
LA 350 Law Office Management
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Corequisite:LA 300
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course covers aspects of the paralegal's role in a law office. Law office technology, accounting, time and records management, and communication skills are examined.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- differentiate between the role of the legal administrator and the paralegal.
- apply basic principles of time and records management.
- assess ethical requirements in various law office situations.
- evaluate the various associations for professional development.
- identify appropriate methods of communication in the law office setting.
- demonstrate an understanding of computer technology applications used in the practice of law.
LA 352 Legal Technology
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Corequisite:LA 300
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course provides an introduction to the various technological tools and services used in the legal field. It covers, but is not limited to, technology for conducting electronic discovery, filing documents with the court, conducting legal research, and general case management.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify and describe the major technologies used in the practice of law as well as the role and importance of each.
- assess the ethical issues raised by new technologies in the legal field.
- demonstrate technology competence with industry leading electronic discovery platforms.
- analyze the opportunities technology literacy creates in the practice of law, as well as strategies for using technology literacy in practice.
- formulate best practices for electronic discovery.
LA 360 Corporations Law
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:LA 300 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course examines essential legal principles governing corporations, from formation to dissolution. Topics include business structures, corporate advantages, financing, statutory compliance, shareholder agreements, mergers, and dissolution. The course also introduces securities regulations and ethical considerations in corporate governance
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify and apply the legal requirements for forming, operating, merging, and dissolving corporations, including necessary government filings and compliance steps.
- draft and interpret corporate documents, including articles of incorporation, bylaws, and board resolutions.
- evaluate regulatory requirements for securities and corporate transactions, such as mergers, acquisitions, and asset purchases.
- organize and maintain corporate records, including minute books, resolutions, and filings, ensuring compliance with corporate governance standards.
- analyze corporate financing options, including equity and debt securities, and understand related tax implications and distribution issues.
- identify the appropriate government agencies for filings.
- identify ethical issues commonly encountered in corporate law, including governance, shareholder rights, and compliance with regulations.
LA 362 Estate Planning and Probate Procedure
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:LA 300 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course covers estate planning, including property transfer methods, and probate procedures for testate and intestate estates. Students learn to prepare and file necessary documents, identify ethical issues, and recognize when to seek additional professional assistance.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify appropriate methods for property transfer, including trusts, wills, and beneficiary designations.
- prepare, file, and track necessary probate forms and documents for both testate and intestate estates.
- identify and assist in resolving complex issues in probate, including creditor claims, estate taxation, and valuation of assets.
- collaborate with clients and other professionals (such as accountants and financial advisors) to ensure that estate planning and probate documents reflect clients' needs and legal requirements.
- analyze ethical and confidentiality issues related to estate planning and probate procedures, and apply best practices for client communication and documentation.
LA 364 Landlord Tenant Law
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:LA 300 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course focuses on the most common types of landlord-tenant disputes. It covers litigation and non-litigation matters. Topics also include the different types of tenancy, what constitutes habitability, and tenant's rights and obligations.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify the law that governs landlord-tenant relations.
- select and complete the appropriate forms required by California law.
- create a plan to accommodate the various stages of the landlord-tenant relationship.
- analyze relevant facts to determine an appropriate course of action.
- analyze ethical issues that arise in a landlord-tenant law practice.
LA 366 Basic Bankruptcy Law
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:LA 300 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course provides an introduction to the essential procedures and practical aspects of representing debtors and creditors in bankruptcy cases. Topics include voluntary and involuntary bankruptcy filings, the preparation and filing of necessary statements and schedules, and the roles and responsibilities of paralegals in managing documentation and supporting litigation.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify and describe fundamental aspects of bankruptcy law and procedure.
- explain the paralegal’s role in bankruptcy practice, including client intake, case preparation, and filing support.
- prepare and organize required documents for a typical bankruptcy filing.
- evaluate research and documentation needs for bankruptcy litigation.
- analyze ethical issues which may arise in a bankruptcy practice.
LA 368 Workers' Compensation Law
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:LA 300 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course provides an overview of the Workers' Compensation Law in California. Students learn to prepare and file necessary documents, identify ethical issues, and understand legal arguments relevant to this field of law.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze the fundamentals of the California Workers' Compensation System.
- understand the role, ethical, and professional responsibilities of the paralegal in the workers' compensation practice.
- research and apply statutes, regulations, Appeals Board decisions, and case law to workers' compensation claims.
- understand discovery tools and dispute resolution procedures in a workers' compensation claim.
- prepare basic forms and documents for a workers' compensation claim.
LA 495 Independent Studies in Legal Assisting
- Units:1 - 3
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
LA 498 Work Experience in Legal Assisting
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Hours:27 - 216 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:Students must be in a paid or unpaid internship, volunteer position, or job related to legal assisting with a cooperating site supervisor. Students are advised to consult with the Legal Assisting Department faculty to review specific certificate and degree work experience requirements.
- Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU
- General Education:Local GE L7B (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course provides students with opportunities to develop marketable skills in preparation for employment or advancement within the field of legal assisting. It is designed for students interested in work experience and/or internships in transfer-level degree occupational programs. Course content includes understanding the application of education to the workforce, completion of Title 5 required forms which document the student's progress and hours spent at an approved work site, and developing workplace skills and competencies.
During the semester, the student is required to complete 27 hours of related work experience for 0.5 unit. An additional 27 hours of related work experience is required for each additional 0.5 units. All students are required to attend the first course meeting, a mid-semester meeting, and a final meeting. Additionally, students who have not already successfully completed a Work Experience course will be required to attend weekly orientations while returning participants may meet individually with the instructor as needed. Students may take up to 16 units total across all Work Experience course offerings. This course may be taken up to four times when there are new or expanded learning objectives. Only one Work Experience course may be taken per semester.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate application of industry knowledge and theoretical concepts in the field of legal assisting related to a transfer degree level career as written in the minimum three (3) learning objectives created by the student and their employer or work site supervisor at the start of the course.
- make effective decisions, use workforce information, and manage their personal career plans.
- behave professionally, ethically, and legally during work, consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational norms.
- behave responsibly during work, exhibiting initiative and self-management in situations where it is needed.
- apply effective leadership styles during work, with consideration to group dynamics, team and individual decision making, and workforce diversity.
- communicate in oral, written, and other formats, as needed, in a variety of contexts during work.
- locate, organize, evaluate, and reference information during work.
- demonstrate originality and inventiveness during work by combining ideas or information in new ways, making connections between seemingly unrelated ideas, and reshaping goals in ways that reveal new possibilities using critical and creative thinking skills such as logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and problem-solving.
LA 499 Experimental Offering in Legal Assisting
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This is the experimental courses description.
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