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: 2025 Fall 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, UC)
Course Details:
  1. Advisory: ENGL C1000
    1. D8 - Political Science, Government, and Legal Institutions
    1. B - Social and Behavioral Sciences

    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)

    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)

    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)

    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: 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)
            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