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Degree S0310
The paralegal program is intended to prepare students for employment as paralegals in both private and public sectors following graduation. The American Bar Association (ABA) By-Laws Section 21.12 uses the terms paralegal and legal assistant interchangeably referring to persons who, although not members of the legal profession, are qualified through education, training, or work experience and are employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, governmental agency, or other entity in a capacity or function which involves the performance, under the direction and supervision of an attorney, of specifically delegated substantive legal work. Paralegals/legal assistants must comply with the legal restrictions in the practice of law by nonlawyer. The California Business & Professions Code, Section 6450 et seq, governs paralegals in California. The American Bar Association does not recognize the following courses as meeting its definition of General Education: ARTB 14, ARTD 15A, ARTD 20, ARTD 25A, ARTS 30A, ARTS 40A, THTR 11, MUS 7, AD 3, COUN 5, and the Physical Wellbeing Course Requirement. Students developing their educational plan should select another course from the Mt. SAC General Education area which will satisfy that area’s General Education requirement.
This degree requires the completion of General Education coursework plus the following:
Required Courses
*Please note: The Mt. SAC Paralegal/Legal Assistant Associate in Science Degree program is approved by the ABA and is the only Mt. SAC program approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). The eDiscovery and Litigation Support Certificate is a separate and distinct certificate which does not prepare students for a career as a paralegal and is not approved by the ABA nor is it an approved program option of the Paralegal Degree. A paralegal shall perform work under the direction and supervision of an active member of the State Bar of California or other entity authorized under California law. A paralegal may not provide legal advice or engage in conduct that constitutes the unauthorized practice of law. (Business & Professions Code §§ 6450, 6451).
- Compliance Officers
Compliance Officers
SOC Career Code: 13-1041.00Examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for or conformity with laws and regulations governing contract compliance of licenses and permits, and perform other compliance and enforcement inspection and analysis activities not classified elsewhere.
Typical Hourly Salary$29.52The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent.
All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SACTop Entry-Level EducationChart Legend- Doctoral Degree Or More
- Master's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Associate's Degree
- Some College
- Certificate
- High School Diploma Or Less
Median Salary Earnings$80,047.45Annual Job Openings3,924Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC
Historical Wages - Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
SOC Career Code: 23-2011.00Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.
Typical Hourly Salary$27.33The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent.
All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SACTop Entry-Level EducationChart Legend- Doctoral Degree Or More
- Master's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Associate's Degree
- Some College
- Certificate
- High School Diploma Or Less
Median Salary Earnings$68,517.82Annual Job Openings4,449Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC
Historical Wages - Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers
Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers
SOC Career Code: 23-2093.00Search real estate records, examine titles, or summarize pertinent legal or insurance documents or details for a variety of purposes. May compile lists of mortgages, contracts, and other instruments pertaining to titles by searching public and private records for law firms, real estate agencies, or title insurance companies.
Typical Hourly Salary$25.53The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent.
All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SACTop Entry-Level EducationChart Legend- Doctoral Degree Or More
- Master's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Associate's Degree
- Some College
- Certificate
- High School Diploma Or Less
Median Salary Earnings$70,586.67Annual Job Openings560Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC
Historical Wages - Legal Secretaries
Legal Secretaries
SOC Career Code: 43-6012.00Perform secretarial duties using legal terminology, procedures, and documents. Prepare legal papers and correspondence, such as summonses, complaints, motions, and subpoenas. May also assist with legal research.
Typical Hourly Salary$22.87The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent.
All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SACTop Entry-Level EducationChart Legend- Doctoral Degree Or More
- Master's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Associate's Degree
- Some College
- Certificate
- High School Diploma Or Less
Median Salary Earnings$51,460.02Annual Job Openings3,254Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC
Historical Wages
- Compliance Officers
Guided Pathways
