Designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful paralegal.

Paralegals perform substantive and procedural legal work as authorized by law, which work, in the absence of the paralegal, would be performed by an attorney. Paralegals have knowledge of the law gained through education, or education and work experience, which qualifies them to perform legal work. Paralegals adhere to recognized ethical standards and rules of professional responsibility. 

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment opportunities for paralegals and legal assistants are projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2010. Employment growth stems from law firms and other employers with legal staffs increasingly hiring paralegals to lower the cost and increase the availability and efficiency of legal services. The majority of job openings for paralegals in the future will be new jobs created by rapid employment growth. 

Cuesta College Paralegal Program has been approved by the California Community Chancellor's Office (and satisfies the requirement of California Business and Professions Code, §6450).  The program is designed to train students in the skills and expertise required to obtain employment as legal professionals. The program is also designed to help paralegals satisfy continuing education requirements under California law and preparation for NALA certification. All courses are taught by highly regarded attorneys, paralegals and professionals in the legal field.