Associates or Bachelors Degree: Paralegal Studies
Platt College’s Paralegal Studies program prepares you to enter the fast-growing legal field. You can earn your Associates degree in as little as 15 months, or your Bachelors degree in as little as 26 months!
Paralegals, or legal assistants, are a vital part of today’s legal system.
Paralegals perform many of the same tasks as lawyers, and are found in all types of organizations, but most are employed by law firms, corporate legal departments, and various government offices. In these organizations, they may work in all areas of the law, including litigation, personal injury, corporate law, criminal law, intellectual property, labor law, bankruptcy, immigration, family law, and real estate. Bachelors students continue with additional coursework in key areas such as: Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning, Criminal Law II/Advanced Trial Procedures, Civil Litigation II, Family Law II, Research and Writing II, Labor Law/ Workers’ Compensation, Intellectual Property.
(NOTE: Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law. )
In a typical day as a Paralegal, you might:
- Draft contracts, mortgages, separation agreements and trust instruments
- Research legal documents
- Investigate cases
- Locate witnesses
- Obtain affidavits
- Provide trial assistance
- Help prepare legal arguments, draft pleadings and motions
- Organize and track case files
- Assist in preparing tax returns and planning estates
- Coordinate the activities of other law office employees
- Maintain financial office records.
At Platt College, the paralegal studies curriculum is supplemented with courses in English, environmental sciences, college math, psychology, art history and speech to give students a well-rounded educational experience focused on developing both subject knowledge and communication, research, and organizational skills. Past paralegal studies graduates have found successful employment in a variety of legal settings including law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies.
All paralegal students are introduced to various legal-related computer programs and online research tools during their courses.
Tricia Carrillo, a Platt College Graduate of the Paralegal Studies program, says, “My experience at Platt College as a Paralegal student was memorable. I received my Associates and Bachelor degree here. The professors in the Paralegal program are very knowledgeable and work in the same field. Real stories and experiences from the professors were great to hear. I learned a lot in this program and appreciate the knowledge they gave me to succeed in my future career. I would recommend Platt College to anyone interested in this degree.”
Learn more about some of our other Graduates here!
Learn more:
Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies
Bachelors Degree Paralegal Studies
Available at these Platt College campuses
The Associates and Bachelors programs in Paralegal Studies are available at the following Platt College campuses:
Platt College is right for you
- Convenient morning and evening class schedules- so you can continue to work while you earn your degree
- Accredited by ACCSC
- Full-time career services staff and a clinical externship coordinator
- Financial Aid is available to qualified students
For required program disclosure information please visit: www.plattcollege.edu/consumerinfo
Serving Southern California for over 25 years
Serving the Greater Los Angeles and Inland Empire areas for over 25 years, Platt College’s School of Legal Studies offers degree programs to train graduates for careers in the legal field. Programs include Paralegal Studies and Criminal Justice.
Platt College is accredited by the Accreditation Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
- Full-time Career Services staff
- Financial aid is available for qualified individuals
- Accessible campus locations with onsite free parking
- Morning and evening class schedules
Looking for something different?
Check out Platt College’s School of Medical Sciences and School of Graphic Design for more exciting career options!