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: 2025 Fall Semester

Term 1 

12 units

BA 20
Law and the Legal System

3 units
Effective Term: 2026 Spring Semester
This course covers what every person should know about law as a social process, as well as U.S. law and its legal institutions. It includes the historical origins of law and the role law plays in modern Western and non-Western societies. Other areas covered include institutional sources of law, legal reasoning, judicial decision-making and remedies, an overview of the civil and criminal litigation processes, administrative law and procedure, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and ethics in the legal system. (A, CSU, UC)
Course Details:
  1. Advisory: ENGL C1000

PLEGAL 1
Introduction to Paralegal Studies

3 units
Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester
This is a survey course of the paralegal profession, including its historical development, employment, ethics, job responsibilities, the litigation process, legal analysis, and legal research and writing. (A, CSU)
Course Details:
  1. Corequisite: BA 20
  2. Advisory: ENGL C1000

PLEGAL 7
Law Office Administration and Ethics

3 units
Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester
The course explores the fundamental principles of law office management and operation including human relations, general office procedures, and office supervision; with particular attention devoted to ethics and the legal profession. (A, CSU)
Course Details:
  1. Corequisite: PLEGAL 1

PLEGAL 14
Law Office Computing

3 units
Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester
This course introduces students to the use of various legal-specific computer software programs (litigation support forms creation, docketing, document management, etc.) commonly found in law offices; and provides hands-on training on use of selected programs. (A, CSU)
Course Details:
    (
  1. Corequisite: PLEGAL 1
    2. OR
  2. Corequisite: PLEGAL 156
    3. OR
  3. Corequisite: BT 140
    4. )

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

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

3 units

PLEGAL 156
Legal Document Processing

3 units
Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester
This course provides students with experience in producing and formatting business and legal correspondence and documents using a current word processing program. (A)
Course Details:
    (
  1. Advisory: BT 1
    2. OR
  2. Advisory: BT 28
    3. )
or

BT 140
Legal Document Processing

3 units
Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester
This course provides students with experience in producing and formatting business and legal correspondence and documents using a current word processing program. (A)
Course Details:
    (
  1. Advisory: BT 1
    2. OR
  2. Advisory: BT 28
    3. )
Total: 18 units