Paralegal Certification California

Paralegal certification is a designation that makes a paralegal job candidate stand out from the crowd.  It shows employers that you have the core competencies related to paralegals.  Getting certified requires education, work experience, passing an exam, and also continuing education in law to maintain.  However, the requirements will vary from state to state.  There are education/training requirements that need to be fulfilled before you can legally be a paralegal.  The California governing body also requires paralegals to be under the supervision of a lawyer.

California Paralegal Certification Requirements

Education

(Any of the following below will satisfy the education part of the certification requirements)

  • Complete an American Bar Association approved certificate program
  • Complete a nationally accredited paralegal program or degree from a post-secondary institution that requires 24 credit hours in law related courses
  • High school or general equivalency diploma, 3 years of experience under a lawyer that is a member of the California state bar, reference from lawyer
  • Bachelor’s or advanced degree in any major, 1 year of experience under a lawyer that is a member of the California state bar, reference from lawyer

Exam

Successfully pass the paralegal certification exam covering a wide variety of topics including ethics, communication, research, analytical skills, office administration, and trial practice.

Continuing Legal Education (Every 2 years)

  • 4 credit hours in legal ethics
  • 4 credit hours in general or specialized law

American Bar Association – Approved Paralegal Education Programs

California State University East Bay, Hayward, CA
California State University, Los Angeles
Cerritos Community College, Norwalk
Coastline Community College, Fountain Valley
College of the Canyons, Santa Clarita
Cuyamaca College, El Cajon
DeAnza College, Cupertino
El Camino College, Torrance
Fremont College, Cerritos
Fullerton College, Fullerton
John F. Kennedy University, Pleasant Hill
Los Angeles City College, Los Angeles
Miramar College, San Diego
Mount San Antonio College, Walnut
MTI College, Sacramento
National University, Los Angeles and Sherman Oaks
Pasadena City College, Pasadena
San Francisco State University – College of Extended Learning, San Francisco
Santa Ana College, Santa Ana
University of California, Irvine
University of California, Los Angeles
University of California, Riverside
University of California, San Diego
University of California, Santa Barbara
University of La Verne, La Verne
University of San Diego, San Diego
West Los Angeles College, Culver City
West Valley College, Saratoga

To find more information on paralegal certification in California, please visit http://members.calbar.ca.gov/search/cert.aspx