Paralegal Studies

Business Sciences

For pure, undiluted action, it’s hard to beat a career in the paralegal field. Professionals in this fast-paced sector command tremendous demand, and bold paychecks to match.

With job opportunities expected to grow 15% by 2026, the paralegal industry is one of the nation’s most upwardly mobile "Bright Outlook" occupations, according to occupational data application O-Net Online. The American Bar Association (ABA) approved Paralegal Studies program at Irvine Valley College provides a broad and versatile foundation for careers in administrative agencies, corporations, insurance companies, private law firms, local governments, and other legal environments.

View Transfer Options, Degrees & Certificates

The curriculum emphasizes practical, up-to-date training covering workplace-relevant career skills, as well as an introduction to legal theory. Courses are taught by experienced faculty with real-world experience as practicing attorneys and paralegals.

IVC Paralegal Studies program graduates enter the workforce qualified for paralegal employment under California Business and Professions Code, Section 6450.

Program Length

The average full-time student can complete the program in 1.5 years.

Transfer Options

A Paralegal Studies AS will prepare you for future study in the field of Legal Studies, Public Policy, Government Relations, Human Resources, or any law related discipline. 

Your Support Team

Your success is our priority! Whether you are just starting, in the middle of, or completing your time at IVC, we have a team of people in your corner to help keep you on-track to reach your goals at IVC and beyond! 

Coming Soon: Completion Teams to get students from start to goal! Look for your team beginning fall 2021!

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Transfer Options, Degrees and/or Certificates

Sample Academic Plans

  • This is only a sample academic plan. Some CSU majors may have additional required or recommended courses for transfer. Please see a counselor to create a customized My Academic Plan (MAP) that will best meet your specific academic goals.
Semester 1
Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
CourseTitleCSU GE Units/MajorUnits
WR 1College Writing 1A2 & Major4
ECON 10, MGT 10, or PSYC 10Statistics for Business and Economics or Statistical Methods in Behavioral SciencesB4 & Major3
COMM 1Communication FundamentalsA1 & Major3
AJ 2, 4, or 6Administration of Justice CourseMajor3
Learning & Self DevLifelong Learning and Self Development GE CourseE3
Semester 2
Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
CourseTitleCSU GE Area/MajorUnits
COMM 2, COMM 3 or WR 2Critical Thinking GE CourseA3 & Major3-4
Life ScienceLife Science GE CourseB23
ArtsArts GE CourseC13
PHIL 2Introduction to EthicsC2 & Major3
Transfer ElectiveCSU Transferable Elective (Courses 1-199)3
Semester 3
Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
CourseTitleCSU GE Area/MajorUnits
Major Course Major Course from List AMajor3
HIST 20 or HIST 21American History CourseD & Major3
Arts/HumanitiesArts or Humanities GE CourseC1 or C23
Social ScienceSocial Science GE CourseD3
Transfer ElectiveCSU Transferable Elective (Courses 1-199)3
Semester 4
Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
CourseTitleCSU GE Area/MajorUnits
Major CourseMajor Course from List AMajor3
PS 1American GovernmentD & Major3
Physical SciencePhysical Science GE CourseB13
Science LABPhysical Science LabB31
Transfer ElectiveCSU Transferable Elective (Courses 1-199)3
Transfer ElectiveCSU Transferable Elective (Courses 1-199)1-3

*Students may be eligible for one or more AA/AS/AA-T/AS-T degrees if they complete a GE transfer pattern, have specific courses, and have 60 transferable units. Please see a counselor for degree options and advisement.

  • This is only a sample academic plan. Please see a counselor and check IVC's catalog to create a customized My Academic Plan (MAP) that will best meet your specific academic goals.
Semester 1
Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
CourseTitleAS GE Area/MajorUnits
WR 1College Writing 11A4
MATH Math GE Course1C3-5
LGL 201Introduction to Paralegal Studies and EthicsMajor2
LGL 202Computer Technology and Electronic Research (Fall Only)Major3.5
Arts/HumanitiesArts or Humanities GE Course43
Semester 2
Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
CourseTitleAS GE Area/MajorUnits
Communication/Thinking Communication/Analytical Thinking GE Course1B3-4
LGL 203Business Law Contracts and TortsMajor3
LGL MajorLGL Major Course from List AMajor3
Social SciencesSocial Sciences GE Course33
ElectiveDegree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299)3
Summer
Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
CourseTitleAS GE Area/MajorUnits
LGL 213Legal Ethics (Summer Only)2
Semester 3
Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
CourseTitleAS GE Area/MajorUnits
LGL 205Introduction to Legal Research and WritingMajor3
LGL 206ACivil Litigation I (Fall Only)Major3
LGL MajorLGL Major Course from List AMajor3
ElectiveDegree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299)3
ElectiveDegree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299)3
Semester 4
Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
CourseTitleAS GE Area/MajorUnits
LGL 206BCivil Litigation II (Spring Only)Major3
LGL MajorLGL Major Course from List AMajor3
LGL 168Cooperative Work Experience: Paralegal StudiesMajor1-3
Natural SciencesNatural Sciences GE Course23
ElectiveDegree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299)3
  • Note: This sample academic plan does not account for the Ethnic Studies requirement for the AS degree.
  • This is only a sample academic plan. Please see a counselor and check IVC's catalog to create a customized My Academic Plan (MAP) that will best meet your specific academic goals.
Semester 1
Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
CourseTitleUnits
LGL 201Introduction to Paralegal Studies and Ethics2
LGL 202Computer Technology and Electronic Research (Fall Only)3.5
LGL 203Business Law Contracts and Torts3
LGL 206ACivil Litigation I (Fall Only)3
Semester 2
Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
CourseTitleUnits
LGL 205Introduction to Legal Research and Writing3
LGL 206BCivil Litigation II (Spring Only)3
LGL MajorLegal Major Course from List A3
LGL MajorLegal Major Course from List A3
Summer
Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
CourseTitleUnits
LGL 213Legal Ethics (Summer Only)2
LGL MajorLegal Major Course from List A3
  • AA = Associate of Arts
  • AS = Associate of Science
  • AA-T = Associate of Arts for Transfer
  • AS-T = Associate of Science for Transfer
  • COA = Certificate of Achievement
  • COP = Certificate of Proficiency

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Not sure if Paralegal Studies is the right fit?

That's OK!

Begin with the Exploratory Interest Area and explore Paralegal Studies while still working toward your academic goals.

Learn More

Or speak to one of IVC’s Academic Counselors to learn more about all of your options.

Contact Counseling

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