Paralegal Studies

A Career Where You Can Help Others

Southwestern College offers two American Bar Association (ABA) approved programs, paralegal studies and paralegal studies—bilingual. Both programs are approved to be completed entirely online.  As per ABA requirements, students take a minimum of nine semester credits of legal specialty coursework through synchronous instruction (such as courses completed through synchronous videoconferencing format).  The department ensures compliance with this through the scheduling process. These programs provide students with a litigation background and focus on developing an awareness and sensibility to the  common legal issues of clients from various ethnic groups within the community. An understanding of international legal issues which impact San Diego due to its geographical location and other legal and business related activities are also developed.

The goal of the Paralegal Studies Program is to prepare students for employment in the legal field as paralegals, and this program is offered for paralegal education. The  paralegal works under the supervision of an attorney. Responsibilities are broad and varied including understanding procedural and substantive law; applying strong written and oral communication skills; engaging in critical thinking; identifying legal ethical issues; preparing legal documents in both transactional and litigation cases; interviewing clients; locating, analyzing, citing, and effectively using legal authority; preparing for trial; and organizing and managing documentation. Paralegals often work with attorneys in specialized areas of law such as immigration, family law, personal injury, contracts, wills, trusts, and probate.

Program Awards

Our Paralegal Studies programs are included in the Business field of study and offer these awards:

Award	Location	Estimated Completion	Program Map
Associate in Science Degree: Career/Technical	Chula Vista	# Semesters
Certificate of Achievement	Chula Vista	# Semesters

Programs related to Accounting include: Program 1, Program 2

Common Careers

Below is a sample of the career options available for the paralegal studies major. A few require a certificate of achievement, some require an associate in science degree, and some require a bachelor’s degree: claims examiner, compensation and benefits manager, compliance and enforcement inspector, contract consultant, forms and procedures specialist, freelance paralegal, labor relations specialist, law clerk, legal aide, legal assistant, legal research assistant, legal technician, Occupational Safety and Health Worker, paralegal, patent, agent, and title examiner. 

The average annual salary in this field is $78,910 for occupations like Claims Adjuster, Examiner or Investigator.

Typical Duties

• Working with Computers
  Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization
  Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Getting Information
  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Documenting/Recording Information
  Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
  Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
  Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Analyzing Data or Information
  Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Processing Information
  Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
  Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
  Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
  Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
  Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Performing Administrative Activities
  Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Developing and Building Teams
  Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Scheduling Work and Activities
  Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.