Successful completion of either of the academic options below will qualify the graduate for entry-level employment as a Legal Assistant as required by California Business & Professions Code sections 6450 et seq.
Legal Assisting Certificate Requirements:
Students who have earned an A.A., or higher, degree from a regionally accredited institution qualify for a Certificate upon successful completion of 30 units of Legal Assisting courses as outlined below. (The 21 units of Core Requirements plus 9 units of Concentration Requirements.) Please see an academic counselor to have transcripts evaluated. Counseling may be contacted by clicking on: http://www.arc.losrios.edu/Support_Services/Counseling.htm
AA Degree Requirements:
Students who have not earned an A.A., or higher, degree from a regionally accredited institution must complete the requirements for the A.A. degree. In addition to the Legal Assisting courses outlined below, students who graduate with an AA degree must complete ARC's general education and competency requirements.
General Education courses must include at least 18 units included in the American Bar Association's Breadth Requirements. See an academic counselor for choosing specific courses. A listing of the courses included in the ABA Breadth Requirements is found on the ABA Breadth Requirements page.
Specialty Courses Required for Legal Assisting Degree or Legal Assisting Certificate
| Core Requirements | Units |
| Legal Assisting 300 Introduction to Law and the American Legal System |
3 |
| Legal Assisting 310 Civil Procedure and Litigation |
3 |
| Legal Assisting 312 Torts and Personal Injury |
3 |
| Legal Assisting 314 Contract Law for Legal Assistants |
3 |
| Legal Assisting 320 Legal Research |
3 |
| Legal Assisting 321 Legal Writing |
3 |
| Legal Assisting 350 Law Office Management |
3 |
| Concentration Requirements (see below) |
9 |
| Total Required Units | 30 |
| Concentration Requirements (electives) Select 9 units from the following: |
Units |
| Legal Assisting 330 Family Law and Procedure |
3 |
| Legal Assisting 332 Administrative Law and Procedure |
3 |
| Legal Assisting 334 Criminal Law and Procedure |
3 |
| Legal Assisting 340 Techniques of Interview |
1 |
| Legal Assisting 342 Evidence |
3 |
| Legal Assisting 360 Corporations Law |
3 |
| Legal Assisting 362 Estate Planning and Probate Procedure |
3 |
| Legal Assisting 364 Landlord Tenant Law |
3 |
| Legal Assisting 366 Basic Bankruptcy |
3 |
| Legal Assisting 368 Workers' Compensation Law |
3 |
| Legal Assisting 498 Work Experience in Legal Assisting |
2-4 |