Step Into the Legal Field With Confidence

Paralegals are the backbone of legal teams, conducting research, drafting critical documents, and helping cases move forward. Our program equips you with the practical skills and real-world experience to thrive in this fast-paced field. Whether you're just starting out, planning to attend law school, or making a career change, we offer flexible, affordable pathways. With demand for trained paralegals on the rise, now is the perfect time to turn your goals into a meaningful legal career, right here at Merritt College!

Why Become a Paralegal?

High Demand

Law firms, courts, and companies need trained paralegals. California has one of the largest legal markets in the country, with consistent demand for trained paralegals in law firms, government agencies, and corporate legal departments.

Great Pay

Start earning over $45,000/year with room to grow. Experienced paralegals can make $60K–$80K+.

Fast & Affordable Path

Get job-ready in under a year with a Certificate of Achievement, or earn an Associate Degree while working in the field.

Launchpad to Law School

Thinking about becoming a lawyer? Being a paralegal gives you a head start and real courtroom insight. Paralegal work offers hands-on experience in the legal system, making it a valuable step for those considering becoming an attorney.

Certificate of Achievement – Paralegal Studies (27-29 units)

Required courses:

PARLG 1 Law and the Legal Profession (3 units)
PARLG 6 Legal Research (3 units)
PARLG 8 Introduction to Civil Procedure and Litigation Practice (3 units)
PARLG 11 Advanced Legal Research and Writing (3 units)
ENGL 1A Composition and Reading (4 units)* OR

ENGL 1AS Composition and Reading with Support* (5 units)

Select a minimum of 11-12 units from the following:

PARLG 4 Law Office Management (2 units)
PARLG 9 Introduction to Tort Law (3 units) Offered in Fall
PARLG 10 Family Law (3 units)
PARLG 12 Estate Planning and Probate Procedure (3 units) Offered in Spring
PARLG 15 Criminal Law (3 units) Offered in Fall
PARLG 16 Seminar in Paralegal Studies Internship (1 unit)
COPED 474A Work Experience in Paralegal Studies (1-4 units)**
BUS 2 Introduction to Business Law (3 units)

*ENGL 1A is required for transfer.

**A maximum of 3 units can be applied to the Certificate or AA Degree.

Recommended but not required:

ADJUS 22 Concepts of Criminal Law (3 units)
BUS 1A Financial Accounting (4 units)
ENGL 5 Critical Thinking in Reading and Writing (3 units)
PHIL 1 Introduction to Philosophy (3 units)
POSCI 1 Government and Politics in the United States (3 units)

Associate of Arts – Paralegal Studies (60 units)

Contact Information

Program Director
Linnea N. Willis
Building P-208/218
lwillis@peralta.edu
(510) 434-3936

Department Chair
Mildred L. Oliver
Building A-128
moliver@peralta.edu
(510) 434-3859

Chriss-Foster-195x260

Dean of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
Dr. Chris Warren Foster
L123, (510) 436-2609

Denise Woodward

Denise Woodward
Staff Assistant
dwoodward@peralta.edu
(510) 436-2425

Counselors

Tanya Ilarde
CE Counseling Office
Building S | Room 438
(510) 434-3938
MCCareerEd@peralta.edu

Marlo Beall
CE Counseling Office
Building S | Room 438
(510) 434-3938
MCCareerEd@peralta.edu

Marisela Carvalho
CE Counseling Office
Building S | Room 438
(510) 434-3938
MCCareerEd@peralta.edu

Apply Today!

Completing your application takes less than 30 minutes! We’ve created an application guide to help you quickly and easily complete the steps to apply and enroll.

Apply

Paralegal Studies

REAL SKILLS. REAL LAW. REAL IMPACT.

Program Links

Merritt Links