Legal Assisting

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

Academic Pathways to Becoming a LEGAL ASSISTANT*

• Associate of Arts in Legal Assisting Degree
  • 30 units of General Education plus 30 units of Legal Assisting courses
• 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.

The followings skills certificates are designed to prepare students with a basic set of skills and knowledge for NON-LEGAL ASSISTANT positions:

• Law Office Assistant Certificate
  • This 16 unit certificate includes basic office skills and introduces students to the professional office setting.
• Introduction to Law & Legal Research Certificate of Completion
  • This 6 unit certificate of completion is designed specifically, and only, to meet the legal training minimum required for employment by the State of California for applicants for Legal Analyst positions.