Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Paralegal Studies

How should a prospective student evaluate a Paralegal Studies Program?

There are many factors to consider before a student decides to invest his or her time, talents, academic dreams, career plans and money in a specific Paralegal Studies Program. In 1994 the American Bar Association (ABA) published a helpful booklet entitled, How to Choose a Paralegal Program. Since then the paralegal profession has experienced extensive changes, but many of the basic suggestions remain helpful.

Prospective students should consider the following general factors:

• The educational objectives of the program and the specific objectives of each course should be clearly stated and tailored to employer expectations for paralegals in the legal marketplace.
  
  
• The reputation and educational standing in the community of the paralegal program including how long the paralegal program has been in existence and the qualifications of the program administrator and faculty.
  
  
• Inclusion in the curriculum of internships, placement assistance, academic counseling, and access to informational interviews with graduates.
  
  
• The academic quality of the coursework should be comparable to upper division college level coursework and measured in semester or quarter units.

What makes the SF State Paralegal Studies Program the right choice?

• The Paralegal Certificate Program at SF State was started in 1975 and is the ONLY fully accredited and ABA approved paralegal program in the immediate Bay Area that has been continuously operating for 30 years.
  
  
• The Paralegal Certificate Program faculty is comprised of attorneys, senior paralegals, and a judge. There are currently seventeen Adjunct Faculty, eight of whom have been teaching at SF State for over twenty years, and three of whom are Paralegal Program graduates. Faculty biographies are easily accessible from this site. Students are encouraged to read the backgrounds of their teachers.
  
  
• The Paralegal Studies Program Director worked as a paralegal for over twenty years, has been on the faculty since 1981, and teaches two required classes in the program.
  
  
• SF State is a fully accredited State University that offers quality education at a reasonable cost which is significantly lower than private educational institutions. The fees for upper division transferable units in the Paralegal Certificate Program are in line with all CSU fees.
  
  SF State was started in 1899 as The San Francisco State Normal School. After the 1906 earthquake the campus moved to a downtown location. The main campus at 19th and Holloway first held classes for the fall semester in 1954. Records indicate that 6,500 students were enrolled at that time. The first paralegal classes were held on the main campus in 1975. The SF State reputation and tradition of quality education continues today both at the main campus, and at the College of Extended Learning, ABA approved Paralegal Certificate Program.
  
  
• Individual résumé help and career assistance are available for all students. Career Faires are held three times a year and legal recruiters visit the campus. The SF State graduate placement rate averages 85-90%. Placement statistics are included in our semi-annual ABA report.
  
  
• Paralegal internships, many of which lead to jobs, are available after students complete their first semester. Our internship counselor meets with students individually to help match their needs and abilities to one of the many internship placements with attorneys and legal agencies.
  
  
• Graduate students are frequent guest speakers in classes, and new students may contact graduates in various areas of law for career advice. SF State maintains a graduate database, and the Program Director will help match students to a graduate for informational interviews.
  
  
• Location! Location! Location! The SF State paralegal program offers both day and evening classes at our convenient location in downtown San Francisco, close to jobs and legal resources, at the Westfield San Francisco Centre, Powell Street BART/Muni station.
  
  
• A balance between required courses and elective courses allows students to choose their main specialty area from among Corporate and Business Practice, Advanced Litigation, and Estate Planning and Elder Law. There are currently 19 elective class choices.
  
  
• Graduates may return at any time to take elective classes at a 50% tuition discount. There is no limit on the number of classes they may take.
  
  
• Courses taken for a Paralegal Certificate are upper division academic courses, which allow students to make an easy transition to a bachelor’s degree. Courses may be applied as general elective courses toward a Bachelor of Arts degree at SF State and all other CSU institutions.
  
  
• ABA approval is increasingly considered the paralegal "gold standard" in the legal community. ABA approval indicates that the competency based curriculum used by the SF State Paralegal Certificate Program meets the standards set forth by the ABA to assure quality education. While there are many good paralegal programs that do not have ABA approval, and many other accrediting agencies, the prestige of an ABA approved Paralegal Certificate speaks for itself in the workplace.
  
  
• ABA approval is recognized nationwide. Graduates with a Paralegal Certificate are fully qualified to work as paralegals in all 50 states.
  
  
• The SF State Paralegal Program is a long standing member of the American Association for Paralegal Education, AAfPE, the only national organization for paralegal educators. AAfPE, with over 450 members, has been serving paralegal educators, and educational institutions, since 1981. AAfPE’s member schools currently enroll over 41,000 students and have nearly 191,000 graduates (these are 2002 numbers and have since increased). AAfPE’s primary mission is to promote high standards for paralegal education. In 2002, AAfPE, along with five other law-related associations, the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, the National Association of Legal Assistants, The Legal Assistant Management Association, The Association of Legal Administrators, and the Standing Committee on Legal Assistants of the American Bar Association, drafted the brochure, Choosing a Quality Paralegal Education Program, which is available from AAfPE.
  
  The founding director of the SF State Paralegal Program, Lee Gallery, served for many years on the AAfPE board of Directors. The current program director, Pat Medina, has assisted on curriculum development for AAfPE model course syllabi, and as a past winner of the teaching competition, serves as a judge for this annual event.

For these and many other reasons, SF State is your best choice for quality paralegal education that will lead to a rewarding paralegal career.

What are the academic requirements for acceptance as a certificate student and how do those requirements compare to employer expectations?

Students are required to have a minimum of 56 semester or 84 quarter units of prior academic college credit to be admitted as certificate students. Students who hold a BA degree from the US or another country are automatically eligible for admission. Students with at least three years of legal employment and 45 semester or 68 quarter units may petition for conditional admission. Check the SF State website for complete details.

The SF State Paralegal Certificate is an academic certificate which is universally recognized as upper division college credit by employers. While employer expectations for hiring paralegals vary, most large firms require a BA and an ABA Paralegal Certificate for all positions as career paralegals. Some employers will hire case clerks without a BA who have completed an academic paralegal certificate program. Some "non-career" paralegal jobs are available for college graduates with BA degrees.

What types of duties do paralegals perform on the job?

Paralegals work side by side with attorneys and other legal professionals. Most paralegals work under the direct supervision of an attorney drafting various documents, assisting the attorney with trial preparation and working directly with clients. Some experienced paralegals work as independent contractors working for many different attorneys on specific projects on a contract basis.

Paralegals perform the same functions as an attorney except those prohibited by unauthorized practice of law statues (See California Business and Professions Code Section 6450 (a)). General duties are limited only by statute or a supervising attorney’s determination of a specific paralegal’s competency.

Some examples of typical paralegal duties are:

• Factual and legal research.
• Organization of client matters.
• Drafting correspondence, pleadings and discovery for attorney review.
• Legal calendaring.
• Preparing subject matter databases.
• Interaction with clients, court personnel, and opposing attorneys.
• Reviewing, evaluating, and summarizing medical, business, commercial, and other records for attorneys.
• Reviewing legal documents (contracts, insurance policies, etc.) to spot controversial issues.

For a comprehensive list of duties, visit the NFPA (National Federation of Paralegal Associations) website to view the publication Paralegal Professional Responsibilities, which lists specific duties in 28 different legal specialty areas. To see a list of paralegal duties written by the ABA, go to www.abanet.org/legalservices/paralegals/lawyers.html.

Where do paralegals work?

Paralegals work everywhere. The traditional law office remains the most popular choice for beginning paralegals but it is not the only choice. Paralegals are defined by the nature of their work and not only their job title. You will find paralegals in corporate legal departments, banks, government agencies, real estate offices, public interest and legal aid organizations, and private industry. Paralegals can also work as non-lawyer advocates representing persons before administrative agencies. The career path for paralegals in the 21st Century is still evolving. Law firms continue to try to find ways to meet client needs and lower the costs involved with running a business. Paralegals are a cost effective way to serve client needs and increase revenue for a law firm.

What is the employment outlook for paralegals?

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the paralegal jobs will grow by an average of 27% between now and 2012. The projected growth rate is very strong and much higher than the expected growth rate of attorney positions.

What are the average wages and benefits for paralegals?

Wages vary by education. The more education, the higher the wages. Also, special skills such as a second language or a professional license acquired from past or present employment will raise your salary. If you have been a real estate agent, insurance agent, EMT, or RN, you can use that experience to your advantage during salary negotiations. At San Francisco State, you can also take our Notary Public course and become a notary, which will raise your salary. Type and size of employer will also affect wages. Many paralegals receive year end and case bonuses in addition to their annual wages. Benefits included in a paralegal’s annual wages usually include health insurance, sick leave, vacation time, and a retirement plan.

Robert Half Legal, a national placement agency, conducts and publishes a yearly salary survey for legal professionals. An entry-level paralegal in San Francisco can expect a beginning salary of anywhere from $30,000 to $45,000, depending on firm size and the above mentioned factors. A senior paralegal in San Francisco, depending on the number of years worked, can expect a salary range of $65,000 to six figures. These salary figures change and are updated in each yearly survey.

Does SF State have placement statistics for their graduates?

Our program director, Pat Medina, has been highly successful in helping students find their first paralegal position. Over 90% of recent graduates have been able to find work as paralegals.

Do I need to be accepted as an SF State student before I can begin taking classes?

The Paralegal Studies Certificate is offered through the College of Extended Learning and is separate from our main campus. You do not need to apply to SF State to participate in the certificate program and you may begin the program without first being accepted as a Certificate Program student. You may apply to the College of Extended Learning anytime during your first semester of classes.

What is the total cost of the Paralegal Certificate Program and how do I pay for it?

The total cost is approximately $6,705, in addition to a $50 application fee. Most courses are $225 a unit, and the program consists of 30 units. Cost of books varies from class to class. Students pay for courses as they take them on a semester to semester basis.

The College of Extended Learning receives no state money; therefore, financial aid is extremely limited. Financial aid, if granted, is only available to students who are admitted to the Paralegal Certificate Program. For further information, visit the financial aid website.

The San Francisco Paralegal Association offers annual scholarships which have been awarded for the past five years to students in the SF State Paralegal Certificate Program. Many other organizations offer scholarships. Students are given a list of contacts as part of the new student packet.

Is Lexis, the online legal research search engine, included in the cost of the program?

Unlike other paralegal programs, SF State does not require students to pay for a Lexis ID up front. At the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters, we offer Lexis subscriptions for the incredible low rate of $60 per year. Law firms can spend several thousand dollars a year for the same 24/7 access to Lexis that our students receive.

Since our students pay as they go for their classes, instead of paying tuition up front, Lexis is a separate expense to be budgeted. We do teach all of our students how to use Lexis during their mandatory course in Legal Research & Writing. Our computer teacher is also a certified Lexis instructor and is an excellent resource for student questions.

Where do I buy my textbooks?

Textbooks are available online at the SF State website or at the main campus bookstore. Books are usually available the week before classes begin.

Students are free to post notices to sell their textbooks to incoming students. Notices are posted near the job board at the Downtown Campus. If you do buy your books through another student or at a website such as Amazon, be sure that you are purchasing the correct edition of the text.

How long will it take to complete my Paralegal Certificate?

Many students come to the Paralegal Certificate Program with family and employment obligations. Recognizing that each student is unique, with his or her own goals, abilities, and constraints, the Paralegal Certificate Program is designed to be flexible. Over the course of four years, students may complete the program at their own pace by choosing the number of courses to take each semester. No minimum number of units per semester is required. However, special requirements may apply to international students and those receiving financial aid.

The average student takes two classes a semester and completes the program in 5 semesters (18 months). It is possible, however, to finish the program within a year by attending full-time. A four semester and a five semester illustrative academic plans is included in the student information packet.

A Paralegal Certificate represents the mastery of a large body of legal knowledge and the acquisition of numerous practical skills. Successful entry into the paralegal profession requires formal education of sufficient length, sophistication, depth, and quality to gain that knowledge and mastery of those skills. Most students enter a paralegal program with little or no legal background and need to learn a new language, "legalese", new concepts, a new way of critical thinking. This requires students to take the time to assimilate and combine legal theory with practical applications in an internship. Lifetime knowledge and skills cannot be rushed or adequately covered in “weekend wonder” programs. Each student needs to plan their own career path considering their personal goals and education. They receive help from the SF State Paralegal Program Director or Program Coordinator. Individual appointments are available for academic planning.

Are students allowed to take paralegal classes for general interest without choosing to get a Paralegal Certificate?

All SF State paralegal classes are open to students with a general interest in the law. Being enrolled in the program is not required as long as the student is eligible to take upper division college coursework, has the permission of the instructor, and formally registers for the class.

Will the paralegal classes I take at SF State transfer to law school?

Although paralegal courses do not earn law school credit, taking paralegal classes before applying to law school is a great idea because:

• You can "test the waters" to see whether you really want to study law at a much less expensive course rate while learning a marketable skill.
• Some of the instructors in the paralegal program also teach law school classes. You can learn from them about law school classes and how they differ from paralegal courses.
• You can work as a paralegal while attending law school, and if you’re lucky, your law firm will help pay your law school tuition.
• Your first year of law school will be very easy!

Does the SF State Paralegal Program offer any online courses?

In many areas of study, online courses are acceptable alternatives to live classroom teaching. In addition, technology is an increasing and enormous force in educational delivery and in the daily lives of paralegals. However, SF State paralegal courses are not offered online at this time because of the restrictions imposed by ABA approval on course curriculum, and the cost of implementing online courses which would ultimately fall on students. Computer skills and electronic research have been fully integrated into the course curriculum.

The benefits of live classroom teaching and learning are enormous. Paralegal students learn to develop oral presentation skills, become comfortable speaking before others and working with groups, learn from each other, and begin networking. They are better prepared to enter the legal workforce through the interactions they have with students and instructors in a face to face environment. The importance of teamwork and building relationships in a "real life classroom" cannot be over-emphasized. There are also no power failures or computer glitches that cannot be compensated for in a real classroom where there is always a "plan B."

How can I find out specific information about courses before I decide to choose that course?

All SF State instructors prepare a competency-based syllabus for each course they teach. These course syllabi are available to students in the Student Resource Center. Instructors list their phone numbers and e-mail addresses and students are encouraged to contact them with specific questions.

How can I learn about the background and qualifications of my instructors?

Check this site and the current course catalog. Also many of our instructors are published authors. Their books can be found in the Student Resource Center.

What are the statutory requirements that define a paralegal in California?

A number of states have adopted requirements for paralegals. California's statute is the strictest. (See Business and Professions Code sections 6450-6454, adopted in 2000, on the California State Senate site). Business and Professions Code Section 6450(c) states in part that a paralegal shall possess at least one of the following:

1. A certificate of completion of a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association.
2. A certificate of completion of a paralegal program at, or a degree from, a postsecondary institution that requires the successful completion of a minimum of 24 semester, or equivalent, units in law related courses.

What is the difference between CEU units and semester units?

Continuing education units (CEU) are nationally recognized units for measuring participation in professional development activities or programs that do not award academic credit. They are appropriate when a certain number of hours are required by an employer or a professional association or by law where non-credit study is acceptable. A number of states, including California, require paralegals to satisfy annual continuing education requirements. Business and Professions Code Section 6450 requires that all paralegals have four hours of general legal CEU and four hours of ethics CEU every two years.

SF State is an approved continuing education provider, and the SF State Paralegal Certificate Program offers CEU courses for paralegal students and graduates. These are usually short, weekend courses.

Students must be careful in selecting CEU courses. Only CEU offered by approved MCLE (Mandatory Continuing Legal Education) providers are recognized pursuant to Business and Professions Code Section 6450. CEU units do not qualify as units for the SF State Paralegal Certificate which requires semester hour credits.

Who regulates paralegals in California?

Paralegals in California are not regulated. Business and Professions Code section 6450, et seq. does not establish a state agency to regulate paralegals. This law dictates the qualifications and functions of paralegals in California, but it does not set forth a regulation plan. For instance, the law does not require licensing or certification by a state agency nor does it require registration of paralegals with a state or local government entity. The law does not establish a governing body, mandate competency testing or moral character investigations. The law does not create an ethics code, however Paralegals are duty bound to follow the ethics codes established by NFPA and NALA, the two professional associations for paralegals. For information check out their websites www.paralegals.org and www.nala.org.

What are the statutory continuing education requirements for paralegals?

Business and Professions code section 650(d) requires that all paralegals shall be required to certify completion every two years four hours of MCLE in ethics and every two years completion of four hours of MCLE in either general law or in a specialized area of law. All continuing legal education courses shall meet the requirements of Business and Profession Code section 6070. SF State has met the stated requirements and has been designated MCLE provider number 3431 by the State Bar of California. Each semester there are several Saturday courses offered for MCLE credit. Paralegals should maintain their continuing education certificates in their firm's personnel file with a duplicate file in their own possession. If the continuing education criteria are not met by the paralegal, then the paralegal is in violation of the code.

What type of "Unique Support" does SF State offer paralegal students?

SF State provides both educational and personal support to paralegal students, including an Information Night/Open House before each new semester, individual academic counseling appointments, internship opportunities, and career placement advice. Graduates continue to receive benefits through discounted courses and CEU courses.

In the course Computer Applications in the Law, SF State paralegal students learn how to master the legal software that is used in today’s law firms. Students have access to state of the art computer labs, and can sample trial versions of many of the most popular software programs used in law offices for litigation tracking, time and billing, calendaring, and database work. Our computer teacher is a Senior Litigation Paralegal at a major law firm. She is a graduate of our Paralegal Program and an expert in Electronic Discovery. She provides individual assistance to students in her “hands-on” classes, which include search engines and advanced Internet research as part of the class. In Legal Research, students learn both conventional and computerized legal research techniques and may subscribe to LEXIS for their course work. The rate for one calendar year is $5.00 a month for 24/7 access on their personal computers.

The SF State Program Director worked as a litigation paralegal for over 20 years, and is a "hands-on" director. She teaches two required classes, and is the Internship and Career Advisor. She has numerous contacts in the Bay Area legal community and places many graduates in jobs even before they complete the Paralegal Certificate Program.

We look forward to welcoming you as a paralegal student at SF State Extended Learning.

Pat Medina
Program Director
415.817.4222
Patsmedina@aol.com

Baseemah Rahman
Program Coordinator
415.817.4223
Brahman@sfsu.edu