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Paralegal Programs in Oakland, CA » ParalegalSalaryFactsheet.com

Paralegal Programs in Oakland, CA

A career in law starts with a good grasp of the basics of legal reporting and tools. Legal technology, ethics, writing, litigation, trial preparation, communication, research, and working with evidence –good multidisciplinary knowledge begins with a paralegal studies program. 

Looking for good schools for paralegal studies in Oakland, CA? We have compiled a handy dose of relevant information here. 

Paralegal Certificate, A.S. and Bachelor Degree Programs in Oakland, CA

Students can opt for many pathways when it comes to initiating their career in law as paralegals. The most popular pathways include an associate’s degree and a bachelor’s degree among others.

Let’s figure out which kind of program will fit the bill for you.

Paralegal Certificate (Post Baccalaureate)

A post-baccalaureate paralegal certificate requires you to have a prior bachelor’s degree. If you already have one then this is the most time-efficient way to learn as much as possible and kickstart your career.

Generally, ABA-approved universities and community colleges offer these programs. It’s also very likely that these institutions have follow-up programs for a law career, such as programs for law studies or business law.

Post-baccalaureate or master’s degrees typically involve more research work and take 2 years to finish.

Paralegal A.S. Degree Programs

An associate degree is less time-consuming. While a bachelor’s and post-baccalaureate can take anywhere from 4-8 years in total, an associate’s degree will only take two years or four semesters.

A majority of those who choose an associate’s degree do so because it doesn’t require a prior bachelor’s to enroll in one. Generally speaking, associate degrees are highly recommended for programs that are oriented towards a more hands-on approach.

You can call them a more practical, technical, or vocational alternative than post-baccalaureate degrees, which are more theoretical and research-oriented.

Paralegal Bachelor Degree Programs

A bachelor’s degree ranges from four to seven years. A standard bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies is a solid foundation for a law career.

It additionally opens up the opportunity to pursue higher education through a master’s or post-baccalaureate degree in the same field to further cement your career.

Paralegal Schools in Oakland

Note that the estimated tuition fees mentioned below don’t include registration, admission, or orientation fees.

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Oakland Community College

Oakland Community College’s AAS (Associate in Applied Science) program in Paralegal is a good foundational course to build a versatile system of legal knowledge which can then be honed further either by higher education or with experience under an attorney.

A great and affordable path to a new career in law, this course is great for both, new students and those from other fields.

  • Campus location: Orchard Ridge Campus, 27055 Orchard Lakes Rd., Farmington Hills, MI 48334
  • Duration of program: 2 years
  • Degree offered: Associate in Applied Science
  • Accreditation body: Higher Learning Commission, U.S. Department of Education
  • Estimated tuition fees: Oakland Community College programs average out to $90 per credit hour
  • Prerequisites: Required supportive courses (2.5+) and C+ or higher in ENG 1510, ENG 1520, BUS 2030, BUS 2040
  • Focus: Legal research into multiple disciplines
  • ABA approved: Yes
  • Website
  • Phone: (248) 341-2000

Oakland University

OU’s ABA-approved paralegal program is great for those looking for a more cohort approach to starting their law career. The program is known to successfully begin many paralegal careers under attorneys. The coursework is further approved by the American Association for Paralegal Education.

Oakland University’s ABA approval is several decades old – a duration testament to its commitment to offering the best education possible.

  • Campus location: 456 Pioneer Drive, Rochester, MI 48309
  • Duration of program: 1 year (fully online)
  • Degree offered: Paralegal Certificate
  • Accreditation body: Higher Learning Commission, U.S. Department of Education
  • Estimated tuition fees: $5,450
  • Prerequisites: A total of 45 credit hours (undergraduate) or 10 years of paralegal experience
  • Focus: Legal documentation and writing
  • ABA approved: Yes
  • Website
  • Phone: (248) 370-2100

Merritt College

This associate’s degree from Merritt Community College can be a much-needed entry into a legal career for you in California. This program has a good track record and focuses mainly on building fundamental skills – which is highly recommended for a successful and long-term career in law.

The course will teach you the basics of doing legal research work under the supervision of an attorney.

  • Campus location: 12500 Campus Drive, Oakland, CA 94619
  • Duration of program: 2 years (8 semester units)
  • Degree offered: Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies (AA)
  • Accreditation body: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges)
  • Estimated tuition fees: NA
  • Prerequisites: General education
  • Focus: Foundational legal work
  • ABA approved: No
  • Website
  • Phone: (510) 531-4911

The University of California, Berkely Extension

The Certificate Program in Paralegal Studies from UC Berkeley Extension is reputed for having some pretty strong statistics. The graduates generally end up with good careers and the certificate is pretty recommended in California to make it as a paralegal.

One of the best things about UC Berkeley’s paralegal course is the faculty. Highly skilled and seasoned lawyers from different fields are ready to train you in how the law works and what separates good litigations from bad.

  • Campus location: 1995 University Ave., Suite 130, Berkeley, CA 94704
  • Duration of program: 2 years (8 semester units)
  • Degree offered: Certificate Program
  • Accreditation body: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
  • Estimated tuition fees: $7,970 (fully online)
  • Prerequisites: A high school diploma and online learning essentials (a computer, internet, Word, browser usage, etc.)
  • Focus: Legal research and writing
  • ABA approved: No
  • Website
  • Phone: (510) 642-4111
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