About the Program

The Santa Rosa Junior College Paralegal Studies Program is an academic program for students seeking employment in the legal field and in business. The curriculum blends an understanding of legal theory and practical skills, based on actual paralegal job responsibilities. Classes will be taught by practicing attorneys and paralegals in the evenings and on weekends.

The guiding principles of the program are two-fold: to offer a curriculum that teaches the practical applications of legal theory and to advance the paralegal profession by offering a rigorous course of study that develops resourceful legal problem solvers.

The program meets the educational requirements for paralegals as stated in the California Business and Professions Code, commencing with section 6450.
Students will earn an Associate in Arts Degree, which can be completed in four semesters and a summer session.

Paralegals perform legal work delegated and supervised by an attorney. They may draft, analyze and summarize legal documents, interview and act as liaisons with clients and witnesses, conduct legal and factual research and provide trial assistance. Paralegals may not give legal advice.

Paralegals are commonly found in law firms, specializing in such areas as civil litigation, intellectual property law (patent, trademark, copyright), family law, corporate, environmental, probate, estate planning and bankruptcy. They may be employed part-time or full-time as salaried or contract paralegals.

Paralegals are also taking an increasing number of jobs in business and industry, where their responsibilities may be even broader than in a private law firm. They can be found in technology companies, banks, insurance companies, title companies, brokerage firms, public utilities, health care providers, corporations (services and manufacturing), churches, investment services, educational institutions, legal publishing companies and federal, state and local government.

A variety of companies are recruiting applicants who possess legal knowledge and skills, but the job title may not be "paralegal." Look for listings such as employee benefits administrator, trade association lobbyist, franchise compliance manager, stock option administrator, human resource analyst, loan facilitator, mediator, project coordinator, risk management specialist, contracts administrator and researcher.

According to data provided by the California State Education and Development Department the number of Paralegals and Legal Assistants is expected to grow much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. Jobs for Paralegals and Legal Assistants are expected to increase by 26.3 percent, or 6,500 jobs between 2006 and 2016.

The required Legal Professions class (BOT 85.1) provides an overview of legal professions, professional organizations, legal terminology, duties and responsibilities of personnel, job requirements and opportunities. The required Internship course acquaints students with resume preparation and interviewing techniques and provides students with on-the-job experience. Students are encouraged to join professional associations in the legal community while enrolled in the program

Program advisors are available for job counseling and maintaining strong relations with the legal and business community to promote employment opportunities for program graduates.

For information about Santa Rosa Junior College’s Paralegal Studies Major, please contact us:
Business Department
Maggini Hall, First Floor, Santa Rosa Campus
Phone: (707) 527-4435
Roseanne Powell, Instructor/Coordinator