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.
Read how receiving a PLS Certificate from Cal State LA has impacted the careers of former students.
Program Objectives:
Develop and practice oral and written communication skills
Develop and practice skills to find answers and problem solve through experiential learning
Develop and practice critical thinking skills through writing assignments
Develop practical litigation, transactional and technology skills, and create a framework for continued learning in the workforce
Develop a framework for the knowledge, skills and ethical obligations of the paralegal profession
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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