Legal Secretary - Formerly Office Professional - Legal Office Emphasis, Legal Administrative Assistant Emphasis and Legal Office Professional - Major #2105

Certificate of Achievement Program Map
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The program map below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this path. It is always recommended that you meet with your pathway counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.


Training is designed to prepare students for employment in a legal office environment. Students may earn more than one certificate and are required to earn grades of "C" all courses.

Upon completion of the program, students will:
  1. 1. Use technology applications, office equipment, and software effectively in a professional setting.
  2. 2. Describe the basic organizational structure, operational principles and administrative processes associated with the law office environment.
Effective Term: 2023 Fall Semester

Term 1 

12 units

BA 20
Law and the Legal System

3 units
Effective Term: 2022 Spring Semester
What every educated citizen should know about law as a social process and about American law and legal institutions. The historical origins of law as well as the role law plays in modern western and non-western societies. Institutional sources of law; legal reasoning; judicial decision making and remedies; an overview of the civil and criminal litigation process; administrative law and procedure; alternative dispute resolution mechanisms; ethics and the legal system. (A, CSU-GE, UC)
Course Details:
  1. Advisory: ENGL 1A
    1. D8 - Political Science, Government, and Legal Institutions
    1. B - Social and Behavioral Sciences

    PLEGAL 1
    Introduction to Paralegalism

    3 units
    Effective Term: 2020 Fall Semester
    Overview of paralegal profession, including historical development, employment, ethics, job responsibilities, litigation process, legal analysis, and legal research and writing. (A, CSU)
    Course Details:
    1. Corequisite: BA 20
    2. Advisory: ENGL 1A
      1. CSU Transfer Course

        PLEGAL 7
        Law Office Administration and Ethics

        3 units
        Effective Term: 2023 Fall Semester
        Principles of law office management and operation include professional ethics, human relations, general office procedures, and office supervision. Preparation for working in law office environment. (A, CSU)
        Course Details:
        1. Corequisite: PLEGAL 1
          1. CSU Transfer Course

            PLEGAL 14
            Law Office Computing

            3 units
            Effective Term: 2020 Fall Semester
            Introduction to the use of various legal-specific computer software programs (litigation support forms creation, docketing, document management, etc.) commonly found in law offices. Hands-on training on use of selected programs. (A, CSU)
            Course Details:
            1. Corequisite: PLEGAL 1
            2. Corequisite: PLEGAL 156
            3. Corequisite: BT 140
              1. CSU Transfer Course

                Term 2 (Summer)

                6 units

                BT 28
                Microsoft Word I

                1.5 units
                Effective Term: 2024 Spring Semester
                This course provides instruction on the basic features of Microsoft Word and is designed to equip students with the skills to prepare personal correspondence and reports. (A, CSU)
                Course Details:
                1. Advisory: BT 106
                  1. CSU Transfer Course

                    BT 29
                    Microsoft Word II

                    1.5 units
                    Effective Term: 2024 Spring Semester
                    In this course, students will learn the advanced features of Microsoft Word. Designed for office personnel using Microsoft Word on the job. (A, CSU)
                    Course Details:
                    1. Prerequisite: BT 28
                      1. CSU Transfer Course

                        3 units

                        PLEGAL 156
                        Legal Document Processing

                        3 units
                        Effective Term: 2020 Fall Semester
                        Producing and formatting business and legal correspondence and documents using a current word processing program. (A)
                        Course Details:
                        1. Advisory: BT 1
                        2. Advisory: BT 28
                              or

                              BT 140
                              Legal Document Processing

                              3 units
                              Effective Term: 2020 Fall Semester
                              Producing and formatting business and legal correspondence and documents using a current word processing program. Crosslisted with PLEGAL-156. (A)
                              Course Details:
                              1. Advisory: BT 1
                              2. Advisory: BT 28
                                    Total: 18 units