Best Paralegal Schools in California

Considering becoming a paralegal in California? You are probably living in the right state. The projected growth for jobs in the paralegal field for Californians is strong, with the Department of Labor predicting an 18% increase in the number of jobs available now through 2024.

Add to that the fact that becoming a paralegal opens up a path to a lucrative, interesting and challenging career and the prospect of doing so looks even more appealing. However, before you can work as a paralegal in California you have to make it through one paralegal schools in California that offer the education you need. And doing that is what we're going to look at in depth here. 

Paralegal Education in California at a Glance

What Paralegal Studies Program Should I Do?

Should you opt for a paralegal certificate program, an Associates Degree in paralegal studies or go even further and take a Bachelor's Degree in paralegal studies? As the three choices are all rather different, it will help you to make the right choice - and start looking for the right school - IF you understand those differences. 

A paralegal certificate program covers the 24 semester hours that the State of California requires as a minimum level of paralegal education and can be completed in as little as seven months. Much of the program can also be completed online, making it ideal for those who are currently working in a different field and need to continue doing so.

This entry level program is best suited for those who already have a Bachelor's degree in another subject and are hoping to make a career switch and for those who want to start working in the legal profession as quickly as possible and will be happy working with a smaller law firm. It is also best for those who cannot afford to take on larger loans to pay for school as these are the most affordable of the three educational paths.

In most cases the educational prerequisite to enter a paralegal certificate program is a high school diploma or GED. In addition to receiving your certification you will also become eligible to take the CLA/CP exam given by the National Association of Legal Assistants, and earn the designation Certified Paralegal, a designation that is fully accepted by the State of California. 

Associates Degrees in Paralegal Studies

Most Associate's Degrees in Paralegal Studies can be completed in about 15 months and some can be completed online. You will need to complete 60 credit hours in order to earn your degree and will graduate with a fuller knowledge of the law and increase the chances that a larger law firm will hire you.

The process for admission to an Associate's Degree program in Paralegal Studies is the same as it is for any other Associates Degree. You will need to be a high school graduate and some schools will take SAT/ACT scores into consideration as well.

Costs for these programs vary, but often those offered at Community College are the most affordable. 

Bachelor's Degree in Paralegal Studies

As we mentioned, it is usual for the largest and most prestigious law firms in California to require that their paralegals possess a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Paralegal Studies.

These courses are standard four year college degrees and while some can be completed partially online some practical and classroom work is usually required. This educational path is for those who want to work with large law firms and may consider law school themselves in the future.

To be admitted to one of these programs, you will go through the standard four year college admission process. You will need to be a high school graduate and your SAT/ACT scores will be taken into account. Some schools are more competitive than others, and so when making your choices it is best to apply to several schools, just as you would for any other four year college degree. 

Why You Should Check University (College) Ratings?

Choosing a college to start your paralegal career is about finding a good fit between you and the institution. Use them as an evaluation tool. Here's a shortlist of some of the more important factors to look when considering your next college: 

And most important – VISIT the place! Touring campus, see if you can sit in on classes, meeting faculty and talking to one or two students can help you determine if it gets your #1 ranking.

Best Paralegal Programs in California

Under the Spotlight

While there are over 30 schools to choose from, here is a look at some of the best known and most reputable paralegal schools in California and why they have earned that reputation.

John F. Kennedy University
100 Ellinwood Way Pleasant Hill, CA 94523-4817
Legal Studies Program
Institution Type: Private College/University
Degrees/Certificates: BA, Certificate

John F. Kennedy University is a respected private college located in Pleasant Hills, CA and given who it is named for has an excellent reputation as a place to begin to study law. The Bachelor's Degree the school offers is the only one offered in the state that is approved by the American Bar Association and students can choose to take the Paralegal Certification program while studying for their four year degree so that they can begin to work part time in their chosen field while they complete their education.

University of San Diego
5998 Alcala Park San Diego, CA 92110-2492
Paralegal Program
Institution Type: Private College/University
Degrees/Certificates: Certificate

The famed University of San Diego offers a Paralegal Certificate Program that is approved by the American Bar Association and has earned itself a reputation of one of the most complete of such offerings. The certificate course offers a solid foundational knowledge that prepares students for entry level work in the paralegal field in a number of different environments.

De Anza College
21250 Stevens Creek Blvd Cupertino, CA 95014-5797
Paralegal Studies Program
Institution Type: Public College/University
Degrees/Certificates: AA, Certificate

Offered in a smaller, more intimate setting than many other schools The De Anza College Paralegal Studies Program was one of the first such certificate programs approved by the State of California all the way back in 1984. In the over 30 years that have followed it has gained a reputation as a paralegal certificate program that offers one of the most complete basic educations needed to begin working in the legal field as an entry level paralegal.

The school also offers an Associates of Arts degree, which students who have completed their certificate can choose to complete on a part time basis while working in their chosen field and gaining valuable experience. 

Cities in California 

• Sacramento Paralegal Schools
• Fresno Paralegal Schools
• Los Angeles Paralegal Schools
• San Francisco Paralegal Schools
• Oakland Paralegal Schools
• San Diego Paralegal Schools
• Santa Ana Paralegal Schools