Offered at Cal State LA Downtown, the Paralegal Studies (PLS) Certificate Program has been American Bar Association (ABA) approved since 1978, making it one of the earliest approved programs in a university setting in California. The program curriculum is designed to equip students with a strong foundation of legal knowledge and the ability to apply this knowledge to a variety of practical tasks required of the profession. As legal professionals, paralegals are able to interview clients, perform legal research, and draft and analyze legal documents. Cal State LA's Paralegal Studies Certificate Program satisfies the requirements of Business and Professionals Code Section 6450. However, paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.
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This program is ideal for:
- Individuals interested in becoming part of a legal services delivery team
- Individuals considering law school
- Paralegals looking to brush up on their paralegal skills
The Paralegal Studies Certificate Program curriculum will develop and practice:
- Oral and written communication skills.
- Skills to find answers and problem solve through experiential learning.
- Critical thinking skills through writing assignments.
- Litigation, transactional, and technology skills, and create a framework for continued learning in the workforce.
- A framework for the knowledge, skills, and ethical obligations of the paralegal profession.
In order to earn a Certificate in Paralegal Studies, students must complete each of the required six courses (18 units) with a grade of "C" or higher. PLS 7010 Paralegal Internship is optional and not a required course to complete the program.
Register for a Paralegal Studies Program virtual information session.
Each Paralegal Studies Certificate Program course is $900 ($300 per unit).
The total cost of all six required courses is $5,400.
Payment for intended courses must be paid in full at the time of registration, as installment plans are not available.
Federal financial aid is not currently available for the Paralegal Studies Certificate Program. However, you can apply for a private student loan.
Cal State LA and the local Workforce Investment Board (WIB) are working together to ensure that our state has a well-trained and sustainable workforce. If you have been laid off due to poor economic conditions, company closure, or mass layoff, you may be eligible to receive free career development training.
To find out if you qualify for paid training, contact your local American Job Center (formerly One-Stop Center) to have them determine your eligibility to receive free training. Remember that you want to take classes through the College of Professional and Global Education at Cal State LA. Visit CareerOneStop to find your nearest American Job Center or call 1-877-US2-JOBS (1-877-872-5627) for more information.
Important: You must contact your local American Job Center for application and approval first. Free enrollment in our WIB-approved programs is not available without prior written authorization.
The instructor and participants will actively engage in in-person discussions and lectures, and utilize Canvas (the University's learning management system) every week. The instructor and students are required to actively engage in discussions, lectures, and presentations.
The next PLS Certificate Program will be announced. View/download the Spring 2025 program schedule.
Please note the following.
- Each course will meet once a week on a designated weeknight within the program term (Spring and Fall).
- All classes meet in the evening, Monday through Thursday (6:30 to 9:15 p.m.).
- Most students finish the program within two or three semesters by taking 2-3 of the required classes per term.
- Apply to the Paralegal Studies (PLS) Certificate Program (Spring term) by January 10, 2025.
- The transcript deadline is TBA.
Prospective participants in the Paralegal Studies Certificate Program must have a baccalaureate degree or an associate of arts or science degree from an accredited post-secondary institution for admission to the program. An associate of applied science degree or an occupational or vocational degree does not satisfy the education requirement. Applicants without a degree must complete a minimum of 42-semester units with a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher from an accredited institution.
The program does not permit students to transfer specialty credits from other institutions or award legal specialty credits by course challenge, examination, or portfolio.
If you completed your undergraduate education at an institution where English was not the primary language of instruction, you must submit evidence of English language proficiency. International academic transcripts can be translated through www.atanet.org. You must submit an acceptable TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 550 paper-based or 79-80 internet-based tests (with a minimum Writing sub-score of 24 and Speaking sub-score of 26) to demonstrate English proficiency.
Where/How to Send/Submit Academic Documents for Admission
The online application and official transcripts reflecting a conferred (awarded) degree must be received by Cal State LA's College of Professional and Global Education (PaGE) Enrollment Office. Apply to the Paralegal Studies Certificate Program between November 4, 2024, and January 10, 2025 (5:00 p.m.). The transcript deadline is TBA.
The Enrollment Management Office will email applicants with missing transcripts during the application window until official transcripts are received. You will be notified by email from the Enrollment Management Office regarding admission. When submitting official transcripts to the address below, the document needs to be printed on the issuing institution’s official paper/letterhead and sealed by the institution in an envelope. Opened transcripts are considered unofficial and will not be used for admission review. All submitted documents will not be released back to you.
NOTE: If you encounter technical difficulties applying to this program, please email the College of Professional and Global Education Student Services Office for assistance.
Please mail official transcripts reflecting a conferred degree to:
Cal State LA – Paralegal Studies
801 S. Grand Avenue, Suite 600
Los Angeles, CA 90017
If transcripts are not mailed to the address listed above, our office will require you to request another official copy from your university.
Prospective students who received their degrees from Cal State LA will not need to submit official transcripts but must indicate their CIN (Campus Identification Number) when applying and creating their PaGE account. Applications cannot be processed if profiles and applications from Cal State LA alumni do not contain CINs.
Electronic Submission of Documents
To ensure receipt of your official transcripts reflecting a conferred degree, our office accepts electronic transcripts if your institution has this option. Please request that your official transcripts be sent electronically to the Admissions Office.
Please read Cal State LA's Non-Discrimination Policy.
Join our interest list to learn more about the Paralegal Studies Certificate Program
Law firms in need of paralegal interns or employees, please contact the College of Professional and Global Education Programs Office.
For more information about the Paralegal Studies Certificate Program, please contact the Cal State LA Downtown Outreach and Recruitment Department: [email protected].