Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies
Riverside City College
Key Information
Campus location
Riverside, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
18 Months
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 435
Application deadline
Request Info
Earliest start date
Request Info
Introduction
This program prepares individuals to perform research, drafting, investigatory activities, record-keeping, and related Paralegal administrative functions under the supervision of an attorney in a law firm, public or private entity, and/or within a courtroom setting. This includes instruction in legal research, drafting legal documents, appraising, pleading, courthouse procedures, and legal specializations.
Pathway to Law School
The California Community Colleges and the State Bar of California selected Riverside City College to participate in a new initiative that will provide a direct pathway to six of California’s top law schools.
The Community Colleges Pathway to Law School Initiative (CCPLSI) is an unprecedented effort within public higher education to enhance opportunities and advancement in the legal profession for diverse populations, particularly those who have been under-represented.
The initiative, sponsored by the State Bar’s Council on Access and Fairness, established agreements with twenty-seven community colleges and eight law schools and their respective undergraduate institutions. Students in the program will receive assurances that credits in prescribed courses will transfer. Admitted students are required to participate in various CCPLSI activities.
Participating undergraduate and law school institutions are:
- University of California, Berkeley and UC Berkeley School of Law
- University of California, Davis and UC Davis School of Law
- University of California, Irvine and UC Irvine School of Law
- University of California, Los Angeles and UCLA School of Law
- University of Southern California and USC Gould School of Law
- Loyola Marymount University and Loyola Law School
- University of San Francisco and USF School of Law
- Santa Clara University and Santa Clara University School of Law
The Riverside City College Pathway to Law School Initiative requires students to complete seven courses based on a defined set of “success factors” that help make effective lawyers. The transfer initiative will align criteria from these success factors with community college courses already approved in the corresponding Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) to prepare students for law school. Students graduating from our program will earn the title of Law Scholar, which will be recognized by the participating institutions.
Requirements:
- Complete Pathway to Law School Application.
- A Pathway to Law School Student Educational Plan (SEP) with a RCC counselor and submit it with this application.
- Statement of Interest (MLA Style, no more than two pages).
- Have direct contact with a Faculty Champion a minimum of once per month.
- Attend all required program orientations and workshops.
- Complete a progress report each fall and spring semester.
- Enroll in only courses designated on Pathway to Law School Student Education Plan (SEP).
- Complete 30 units each academic year (including spring and summer) — understanding that dropping courses will jeopardize eligibility for this contract.
- Students must maintain the required GPA at the community college and undergraduate institution.
- Participate in Community Service, College Service, and/or Civic Learning activities on or off-campus such as Law Society, Mock Trial, MUN, ASRCC Student Government, ASRCC Supreme Court, or ASRCC Senate
Required Courses:
- English 1A
- English 1B
- Communications 3
- Math 12
- History 6
- Political Science 1
- Business 15
- Interdisciplinary Studies 5
Gallery
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Financial Aid Support for Your Educational Goals
There are many types of financial aid available to you at RCC. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application is required for most financial aid forms. Types of financial aid include grants, scholarships, tuition waivers, and student loans.
Federal Grants
- Federal Pell Grant (Part of FAFSA application)
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG - Part of FAFSA application)
State of California Grants
- California College Promise
- Cal Grant Program
- Student Success Completion Grant
- Chafee Grant Program for eligible foster youth and former foster youth
- California National Guard Education Assistance Award Program (CNG EAAP)
Riverside Community College District Scholarship
There are over 250 scholarships available to students through the RCCD Foundation, and only one application is needed to apply. If you are an admitted student at RCC and have a student email address, you can apply for scholarships offered by the RCCD Foundation.
CGACC-RCC International Student Scholarship
International Students at Riverside City College are welcome to apply for CGACC-RCC Scholarship. This scholarship is in the form of a tuition fee reduction estimated at $1,250. The application deadline for CGACC-RCC International Student Scholarship is July 25, and the results of the students selected are typically announced by August 6.
To be eligible for this award, the applicant must be a new or continuing international student who will study full-time at one of the RCCD colleges (Riverside City College, Norco College, or Moreno Valley College) on an F-1 Student Visa in the fall semester. Transfer students can also apply. New international students who apply for the scholarship must have a completed RCC international student application, submit all required documents, and receive an RCCD I-20.
Curriculum
Associate of Science Degree
The Associate of Science Degree in Paralegal Studies will be awarded upon completion of the degree requirements, including general education and other graduation requirements as described in the college catalog.
Required Courses (37.5 units)
Level I Courses:
- BUS-18A --- Business Law I --- 3
- PAL-10 --- Introduction to Paralegal Studies --- 3
- PAL-64 --- Legal Research and Computer Applications --- 3
- PAL-68 --- Civil Litigation and Procedures I --- 3
- CAT/CIS-80 --- Word Processing: Microsoft Word for Windows --- 3
or
- CAT/CIS-84 --- Word Processing: WordPerfect for Windows --- 3
Level II Courses:
- BUS-18B --- Business Law II --- 3
- PAL-14 --- Legal Ethics --- 3
- PAL-70 --- Law Office Policies, Procedures, and Ethics --- 1.5
- PAL-72 --- Legal Analysis and Writing --- 3
- PAL-78 --- Civil Litigation and Procedures II --- 3
Specialty Courses (Select 9 units from the following) --- 9
- ACC-1A --- Principles of Accounting I --- 3
- PAL-80 --- Internship Project --- 1.5
- PAL-81 --- Bankruptcy Law and Procedures --- 3
- PAL-83 --- Estate Planning and Probate Procedures --- 3
- PAL-85 --- Family Law and Procedures --- 3
- PAL-87 --- Trial Practice Preparation and Procedures --- 3
- RLE-82 --- Legal Aspects of Real Estate --- 3
Program Outcome
Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Produce written legal documents involved in litigation. Utilize electronic resources to research law and apply it to a given set of facts.
- Utilize appropriate judicial council pleading forms to produce documents required for pursuing and defending a lawsuit.
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of discovery tools and their functions related to trials.
- Demonstrate ethical behavior of paralegals relevant to the attorney/ client relationship.