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Legal Assisting

Dept. Chair:	Christine Thiltgen, R.N., J.D.
Email:	ThiltgC@arc.losrios.edu
Area:	Behavioral & Social Sciences
Dean:	Carlos Reyes
Phone:	(916) 484-8619

Academic Pathways to Becoming a Legal Assistant*

Beginning with the 2012-2013 catalog (all students starting the summer of 2012 or later) the following requirements must be met:

Associate of Arts in Legal Assisting Degree
- 30 units of General Education (must include ENGWR 300 or 480 and an additional 15 units in an additional two disciplines from the Approved General Education Courses for the A.A. in Legal Assisting) plus 30 units of Legal Assisting courses. (Click here to be taken directly to the listing of Approved General Education Courses for the A.A. in Legal Assisting.)
- Students must also fulfill ARC General Education & Competency requirements.
Legal Assisting Certificate (for those already in possession of an AA or higher from a regionally accredited institution)
- 30 units of Legal Assisting courses.

American River College's Legal Assisting AA degree and the Legal Assisting Certificate prepare successful graduates for entry-level positions as legal assistants in full compliance with California law.

*California Business & Professions Code sections 6450 et seq. defines "legal assistant" and "paralegal" as synonyms. Legal assistants do not give legal advice, only licensed attorneys may give legal advice.