Prepare for a Career in the Legal Profession
Start your journey toward becoming a professional Paralegal at South Coast College: the trusted paralegal program in Orange County for hands-on, career-focused legal education.
Paralegals, also known as Legal Assistants, play a critical role in the legal field. They support attorneys with case preparation, research, drafting documents, and assisting during trials. If you’re organized, detail-oriented, and passionate about the law, enrolling in an AA degree in paralegal studies can be the first step toward an exciting and rewarding career. At South Coast College, our Paralegal Associate Degree program is designed to help you enter the legal profession with confidence without the years of law school required to become an attorney.
*Program length when completed in normal time.
Technology-Driven Training
Digital Law Office Skills
Legal Theory & Practice
Real-World Application
Day & Evening Options
Hybrid Learning Model
Explore the South Coast College Experience
Choosing the right program is about more than just the classes you take. At South Coast College, our goal is to provide an educational experience that fits your life while preparing you for the demands of the legal profession. Learn how our Paralegal Associate Degree program is designed to be flexible for busy students, supportive throughout your training, and focused on helping you graduate prepared to begin your career.
Flexible Learning for Working Adults
South Coast College’s Paralegal Associate Degree program is designed with busy students in mind. Our hybrid learning format blends engaging online coursework with on campus instruction in Orange, giving you both flexibility and face to face support.
Students may choose from day or evening schedules, making it possible to balance school with work, family, and other responsibilities. Whether you prefer a faster paced daytime option or an evening program spread over a longer period, you can pursue your paralegal education on a schedule that fits your life.
Financial Aid & Student Support
Qualified students may be eligible for federal financial aid, grants, and loans. South Coast College’s Financial Aid team provides step by step guidance throughout the application process to help you understand your options.
Beyond financial assistance, students receive academic advising, externship coordination, and career services support. From resume development to interview preparation, our team works with you to help you transition confidently from the classroom into a professional legal setting.
Professional Standards & Career Readiness
The South Coast College Paralegal Program is designed to meet the guidelines of the American Bar Association and California legal education standards.
Graduates are prepared to pursue entry level positions in:
- Law firms
- Corporate legal departments
- Government agencies
- Nonprofit legal organizations
Training emphasizes legal research, drafting, civil and criminal procedure, ethics, and the use of industry standard legal software. Students also complete a professional externship, gaining practical experience in a real legal environment before graduation.
Faculty with real world legal experience guide students in developing the skills, professionalism, and ethical foundation required to contribute effectively as a member of a legal team.
South Coast College gave me the skills and experience I needed to enter the legal field.
Jennifer Redding
I loved my time at South Coast College! … I would do all the courses again!
Rene Gaxiola
Why Choose South Coast College’s Paralegal Program?
At South Coast College, we train students for meaningful work in law firms, corporate offices, and public agencies. Our Paralegal Program combines legal knowledge, technology skills, and real-world training to help you enter the workforce with confidence.
You’ll learn to:
- Conduct legal research and case analysis using current databases and tools
- Draft legal documents, pleadings, and correspondence used in real cases
- Apply knowledge of civil and criminal procedure, contracts, and tort law
- Use industry-standard legal software widely employed by today’s law firms
Small class sizes ensure you’ll receive individual attention from instructors who know what it takes to thrive in the legal field. By the time you graduate, you’ll be equipped with the skills and confidence to contribute as a valued member of any legal team.
Is a Professional Paralegal Career Right for You?
Graduates of the South Coast College Paralegal Program are prepared for a variety of rewarding careers, including:
- Paralegal or Legal Assistant in law firms or government agencies
- Corporate Legal Department Assistant supporting in-house counsel
- Litigation Support Specialist managing case files and discovery
- Legal Researcher or Administrative Coordinator in legal services organizations
Completing an AA degree in Paralegal Studies can provide you with the education, training, and confidence to join the legal profession. If you’re ready to take the next step toward becoming a trusted member of a legal team, South Coast College is here to support your success.
What You’ll Study in the Paralegal Associate Degree Program
Our curriculum is carefully designed to prepare you for a variety of roles in law firms, corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Areas of study include:
- Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility
- English Composition
- Contract Law
- Torts
- Family Law
- Legal Analysis and Writing
- Legal Research
- Criminal Law and Procedure
- Estates, Wills, and Trusts
- Evidence
- Civil Litigation
Each course is taught with a focus on real-world applications, so you don’t just learn theory, you practice the skills you’ll use every day as a professional paralegal.
Paralegal Program FAQ
Does the program include real world experience?
One of the hallmarks of our program is the opportunity to complete a professional externship. As a paralegal student, you’ll gain on-the-job experience in a real law office, working alongside attorneys and legal professionals. This valuable experience helps you apply what you’ve learned in class, build industry connections, and strengthen your resume before you graduate.
When are classes offered?
At South Coast College, we understand that many of our students are balancing school with work and family responsibilities. That’s why we offer both day and evening schedules:
- Day Program – complete your degree in as little as 18 months*
- Evening Program – complete your degree in approximately 2 years*
Our hybrid learning model offers the best of both worlds with interactive online coursework combined with on-campus classes that provide personal guidance and networking opportunities.
Does South Coast College offer financial aid and student support?
South Coast College offers financial aid options to those who qualify, including federal aid, grants, and loans. Our Financial Aid Officers and Career Services staff are here to support you from enrollment through employment — helping you build a successful legal career.
Paralegals are employed in a variety of settings, including law firms, government offices, corporate legal departments, and nonprofit organizations. With a paralegal associate degree, you’ll be prepared to pursue entry-level opportunities and grow within the legal field.
Is the Paralegal program at South Coast College accredited?
Yes! South Coast College is accredited through the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and is licensed through the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).
Additionally, the South Coast College Paralegal Program is designed to meet the guidelines of the American Bar Association (ABA) and California legal education standards. Graduates are well-prepared for positions that require professional paralegal training and compliance with legal ethics and confidentiality practices.
Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to make a change, South Coast College is here to help. Call 714-867-5009 to speak with an Admissions Representative or fill out the form, and we’ll be in touch.
Discover the South Coast College difference and start building the career you’ve always wanted.
