This program provides students with the knowledge and skills for entry into paralegal careers in public or private law offices and law-related agencies.
A grade of "C" or higher is required for all PLS courses.
Scroll to the end for a list of recommended electives.
Quarter 1 (16 credits)
PLS 111 Introduction to law and the legal process (5 credits)
PLS 127 Legal terminology (3 credits)
BTEC 121 Word processing I (3 credits)
ENGL& 101 English composition I (5 credits)
Career exploration:
- Find your people! Attend area-of-study activities and connect with clubs related to your career goals. Find out where students in your pathway go to study.
Action items:
- Meet with your advisor to build your degree plan in Starfish.
- Have your transfer-in credits officially evaluated.
- Visit the Intercultural Center, the Learning Center and the library.
Quarter 2 (15 credits)
PLS 120 Civil procedure and litigation (5 credits)
BUS 100 Business math (5 credits)
or any 5-credit course designated Computation (CP) on the Related Instruction list in the WCC catalog (5 credits)
CMST& 101 Introduction to communication (5 credits)
or CMST& 210 Interpersonal communication (5 credits)
or any other CMST course designated OC (5 credits)
Career exploration:
- Start keeping a portfolio of your best work.
Quarter 3 (14-16 credits)
PLS 112 Law office technology (3 credits)
PLS 130 Legal interview and investigation techniques (3 credits)
Humanities: a course with "H" at the end of the course description (5 credits)
BTEC 122 Business document design (5 credits)
or another Elective (3 - 5 credits)
Career exploration:
- Look for a summer job or internship related to your career goals.
Quarter 4 (14-18 credits)
PLS 175 Contracts, consumer law and access to justice (3 credits)
Social Science: a course with "SS" at the end of the course description (5 credits)
BUS& 201 Business law (5 credits)
or PLS 240 The practice of family law I (5 credits)
or another Elective (3 - 5 credits)
Optional:
Elective (3 - 5 credits)
Check the total credits you will have earned by the end of Quarter 6. If they don't add up to at least 90, add some elective credits to this quarter.
Career exploration:
- Listen to podcasts about the law or the kind of career you're aiming for.
Quarter 5 (13-15 credits)
PLS 152 Intro to legal research, writing and analysis (5 credits)
Math/Science: a course with "MS" or "MS l" at the end of the course description (5 credits)
PLS 241 The practice of family law II (5 credits)
or another Elective (3-5 credits)
Career exploration:
- Work on your resume through the Career and Transfer Center.
Action items:
- Meet with the internship coordinator about your Quarter 6 PLS internship.
- Apply to graduate.
Quarter 6 (13-15 credits)
PLS 151 Law office procedures and legal ethics (5 credits)
PLS 160 Administrative law (5 credits)
or another Elective (3 - 5 credits)
PLS 190 Paralegal studies internship (5 credits)
Action items:
- Attend the spring job fair.
Recommended Paralegal Studies Electives
- BTEC 122 Business document design (5 credits) (if not used as a core course)
- BUS& 201 Business law (5 credits)
- PLS 160 Administrative law (5 credits)
- PLS 190 Paralegal studies internship (1-5 credits)
- PLS 210 Legal documents, administrative processes, probate, wills (3 credits)
- PLS 220 Real estate legal procedures (3 credits)
- PLS 240 The practice of family law I (5 credits)
- PLS 241 The practice of family law II (5 credits)
- Any other PLS course not used as a core course
