Paralegal Program

The paralegal degree program at West Los Angeles College teaches students to perform legal research, as well as drafting, investigatory record-keeping, and other administrative functions related to the legal system. Students who graduate the program will perform these functions under the supervision of an attorney or in a court and will gain instruction from the program in legal research, drafting legal documents, appraising, pleading, courthouse procedures, and other legal specializations. Get more details below including other California colleges that offer paralegal program.

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West Los Angeles College

Also known as West LA College

300 Cherry Lane, Coalinga, CA

West Los Angeles College, located in Los Angeles, California, was founded in 1969 and is one of nine colleges that comprise the Los Angeles Community College District, and one of 112 colleges that comprise the California Community College System.

WLAC offers higher education and vocational education opportunities for residents living in the areas of Marina Del Ray, Culver City, Greater West Los Angeles, and other nearby area. The school serves over 10,000 students annually as part of its mission to provide high quality education and services to residents of its service area.

Academics

West Los Angeles College offers a variety of programs aimed at providing transfer options or vocational/technical training in order to meet the needs of potential students and assist them in achieving their goals. Academic transfer programs allow students to pursue educational opportunities at colleges and universities through the completion of a curriculum that mirrors the freshman and sophomore years of such schools.  It is recommended that students apply for transfer to complete the final two years of their education to earn a bachelor's degree.

Students applying for transfer to CSU or UC system schools will find transfer made easier through agreements in place that guarantee admission of certain academic prerequisites are met. Transfer to out of state or private institutions will require varying requirements to be met and as such it is advised that students meet with a counselor prior to their first semester in order to plan a curriculum that best meets one's goals.

Vocational and technical programs provide students with the option to receive an education that assists in obtaining long term employment in a specialized area. Such programs provide students with the skills and education necessary to enter the workforce in a given area or industry through traditional and practical courses taught by veterans of the respective industry.

Practical courses in particular will be taught by professionals ensuring that training is approached with safety while assuring that it mirrors real life situations. Programs take between one and two years to complete and result in a certificate or degree based on the type of program pursued.

Programs offered include:

• Biology
• Business Administration
• Computer Systems
• Communications
• History

Admissions and Financial Aid

West Los Angeles College maintains an open enrollment policy that allows students to enroll easily if they are at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Submission of an application, previous records, and payment of fees is required before a student may register for classes. Prior to registration students are encouraged to participate in orientation and to meet with a counselor. Additionally, new students may be required to take a placement exam.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, and scholarships which are awarded based on need as determined through the applicant's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which is used by the financial aid office to determine need and program eligibility when constructing the aid packet. Aid must be reapplied for prior to each academic year, and should be submitted prior to posted deadlines in order to ensure that funds are disbursed in a timely fashion.

Students Enrolled in the Paralegal Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. West LA College has offered the following programs for students:

• Less Than Two-Year Award
• Associate's Degree

Students by Academic Level (2019)

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Description

Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, paralegals and legal assistants employment is expected to grow at a rate of 7.6% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Fresno, CA
  • Total Employment: 720
  • Average Hourly Rate: $22.84
  • Average Annual Salary: $47500

Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers

Description

Search real estate records, examine titles, or summarize pertinent legal or insurance documents or details for a variety of purposes. May compile lists of mortgages, contracts, and other instruments pertaining to titles by searching public and private records for law firms, real estate agencies, or title insurance companies.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, title examiners, abstractors, and searchers employment is expected to shrink at a rate of -0.3% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Fresno, CA
  • Total Employment: 130
  • Average Hourly Rate: $33.02
  • Average Annual Salary: $68690

Legal Support Workers, All Other

Description

All legal support workers not listed separately.

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).