California is one of the most exciting states in the country, no matter your chosen profession. However, the increase in crime rate that California experienced in 2015—a staggering 276% for violent crimes—has many people considering a legal career. If you’re interested in a legal career in California, one of your top choices should be to become a paralegal.
Becoming a paralegal in California requires fulfilling certain requirements related to your education and work experience.
California Paralegal Certification
Basic Paralegal Certification Requirements
- Certification: A certificate from a program approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) or a certificate from a regionally accredited institution that had at least 24 credit hours focused on legal courses.
- Age: 18 or older.
- Licensure: There is no specific paralegal license in California.
- Degree: A bachelor’s degree in any subject or a high school diploma/equivalent.
- Experience: If you have a bachelor’s degree, you need one year of training under the supervision of an attorney licensed with the State Board of California. For high school graduates, you must have three years of supervised work experience. The supervising attorney must be willing to certify your ability to work as a paralegal.
- Citizenship: California paralegals must be US citizens or legal aliens.
Additional Requirements
- Continuing Education: Paralegals in California must complete eight hours of continuing education every two years. Four hours should be dedicated to ethics and four hours should either be in general law or a specific legal field.
- Background: Your employer may request you submit to a background check before you begin working as a paralegal.
Becoming a Paralegal in California
Paralegal Certification Process in California
After you complete one of the four certification requirements—an ABA-approved certificate, a certificate with 24 hours of legal coursework, a bachelor’s degree with one year of work experience or a high school diploma and three years of work experience—can begin working as a paralegal in California.
Some California paralegals may voluntarily pursue official certification, although it is not required by the state. Typically, you would become a certified paralegal through the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). NALA certification can help to improve your career prospects.
California Paralegal Degrees
Before becoming a paralegal, you must complete an educational program. This can include a paralegal certificate program, a two or four-year paralegal studies degree or a criminal justice degree. During your degree program, you will take courses in areas related to the law, such as legal research and legal writing.
Major Cities in California
- Los Angeles is the largest city in this state. 3.8 million people live in the Los Angeles area.
- San Diego is the second most populous city in California. It is home to 1.35 million residents.
- San Francisco is that state’s third largest with 837,442 residents.
What Does a Paralegal Do in California?
Paralegals in California and other areas of the country will work in law firms and will support attorneys. Other than giving legal advice to clients, which they are not legally allowed to do, paralegals perform many of the same duties as licensed attorneys. Paralegals can write legal documents, collect evidence for court cases, contact clients with important information and assist attorneys through the course of a trial.
California Legal Assistant and Related Careers
Careers that are related to paralegals can include legal assistants, legal secretaries and claims adjusters.
Employment Numbers in California
A tremendous number of paralegals work in California. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 29,180 were employed in this state in 2015.
Bureau of Labor Statistics Salary Ranges in California
San Diego paralegals will generally have a salary of $58,710. In Los Angeles, the average yearly pay for paralegals is $59,260. For those employed in San Francisco, the salary for a paralegal is $72,310.
California Paralegal Organizations
- National Association of Legal Assistants
- California Alliance of Paralegal Associations
- Bureau of Labor Statistics Paralegal Profile
Online Paralegal Programs and Schools in California
(It’s fast and free!)
Choose your area of study and receive free information about programs you are interested in. Pursuing an education in paralegal studies is vital to your success as a paralegal or legal assistant. Paralegals have a wide range of responsibilities that attorneys, law offices, and even government agencies rely on every day. A formal education is a must for paralegals looking to impress law offices in both the public and private sectors of the law.
Step-by-Step Guide (Bookmark me!!!)
California is one of the few states that has specific requirements for paralegals under California Business and Professions Code § 6450. To legally work as a paralegal in California, you must meet education and training requirements. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process.
Step 1: Meet California’s Minimum Educational Requirements
To legally work as a paralegal in California, you must meet one of the following requirements:
- Complete an ABA-approved paralegal program (certificate or degree).
- Earn a bachelor’s or associate degree in any subject plus 24 semester units in legal courses from an accredited institution.
- If employed as a paralegal before January 1, 2001, law-related work experience may qualify.
Pro Tip: Choose an ABA-approved program to ensure compliance with California’s regulations.
Step 2: Gain Experience Through Internships or Legal Work
Many employers prefer candidates with practical legal experience. Some paralegal programs require internships as part of graduation.
Where to Find Paralegal Internships:
- Law firms (corporate law, criminal law, family law, real estate law, etc.)
- Government agencies (California courts, public defender’s office, district attorney’s office)
- Corporate legal departments (banks, insurance companies, healthcare companies)
- Legal aid organizations (California Rural Legal Assistance, The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles)
Pro Tip: Internships often lead to full-time jobs—use them as a networking opportunity.
Step 3: Understand California’s Paralegal Regulations
California Business and Professions Code § 6450 sets legal rules for paralegals, including:
- You must work under a licensed attorney.
- You cannot offer legal services directly to the public.
- You must complete Continuing Legal Education (CLE) every two years.
Pro Tip: Read the full California Business and Professions Code § 6450 for compliance details.
Step 4: Consider Voluntary Paralegal Certification (Optional but Recommended)
While California does not require certification, earning one can increase job prospects and salary potential.
Top National Paralegal Certifications:
- Certified Paralegal (CP) – NALA
- Professional Paralegal (PP) – NALS
- California Advanced Specialist Paralegal (CASP) – CAPA
Pro Tip: Some California law firms require national certification for senior paralegal positions.
Step 5: Find a Paralegal Job in California
Where to Apply:
- Law firms (litigation, family law, corporate law, real estate law, etc.)
- Corporate legal departments (tech, healthcare, finance, insurance companies)
- Government agencies (California courts, district attorney’s offices, public defenders)
- Legal aid organizations (Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, California Rural Legal Assistance)
Top Cities for Paralegal Jobs in California:
- Los Angeles – Largest legal market with opportunities in entertainment and corporate law.
- San Francisco & Silicon Valley – High demand in corporate and tech law.
- San Diego & Sacramento – Growing legal markets in government and private law firms.
Pro Tip: Join professional associations for job networking:
- California Alliance of Paralegal Associations (CAPA)
- Los Angeles Paralegal Association (LAPA)
- San Diego Paralegal Association (SDPA)
Step 6: Maintain Compliance & Continuing Legal Education (CLE)
Paralegals in California must complete:
- 8 hours of CLE every two years, including:
- 4 hours in legal ethics
- 4 hours in general law or legal technology
Pro Tip: Track CLE credits early to avoid last-minute compliance issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need a license to be a paralegal in California?
No, but you must meet educational requirements under California law.
How much do paralegals make in California?
The average salary is $65,000–$85,000 per year, with higher salaries in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Where can I find paralegal jobs in California?
Useful Resources
Comparison of Paralegal Programs in California
| Institution | Location | Program Name / Degree | ABA Approved? | Program Length | Approx. Cost | Delivery Format | Accreditation | Acceptance Rate (Institution) | Graduation Rate (Institution) | Contact / Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Ana College | Santa Ana, CA |
|
Yes | 2 years (A.A.) / ~1 year (Certificate) | $46/credit (in-state) | On-campus | ACCJC | Open Admission (100%) | ~21% | Santa Ana College Website |
| Cerritos College | Norwalk, CA |
|
Yes | 2 years (A.A.) / ~1 year (Certificate) | $46/credit (in-state) | On-campus | ACCJC | Open Admission (100%) | ~22% | Cerritos College Website |
| Mt. San Antonio College | Walnut, CA |
|
Yes | 2 years (Associate) / ~1 year (Certificate) | $46/credit (in-state) | On-campus | ACCJC | Open Admission (100%) | ~30% | Mt. SAC Website |
| Los Angeles City College | Los Angeles, CA |
|
No | 2 years (Associate) / ~1 year (Certificate) | $46/credit (in-state) | On-campus | ACCJC | Open Admission (100%) | ~16% | LACC Website |
| University of San Diego Paralegal Program |
San Diego, CA |
|
Yes | 4–10 months (Certificate) | $6,000 – $7,000 total | On-campus & Hybrid | WSCUC | ~50% (USD undergrad) | ~80% (USD undergrad) | USD Paralegal Website |
| UC Irvine Extension (Continuing Education) |
Irvine, CA / Online |
|
Yes | 3–12 months (Certificate) | $7,300 total (approx.) | On-campus & Online | WSCUC (UC system) | ~30% (UC Irvine undergrad) | ~85% (UC Irvine undergrad) | UC Irvine Paralegal |
| National University | Multiple CA Campuses + Online |
|
No | 4 years (Bachelor’s) | ~$370/quarter unit (check updates) | On-campus & Online | WSCUC | ~89% | ~31% | National University Website |
| Fremont College | Cerritos, CA + Online |
|
Yes | ~18 months (A.A.) / 3–4 years (B.A.) | $15,000+ total (varies) | On-campus & Online | ACCSC | Flexible / Varies | ~30% (estimate) | Fremont College Website |
| Cal State East Bay (Continuing Education) |
Hayward, CA |
|
No | ~1 year (Certificate) | $6,000 total (approx.) | On-campus & Hybrid | WSCUC (CSU system) | ~70% (CSU East Bay undergrad) | ~47% (CSU East Bay undergrad) | CSUEB Continuing Ed |
| City College of San Francisco | San Francisco, CA |
|
No | 2 years (Associate) / ~1 year (Certificate) | $46/credit (in-state) | On-campus | ACCJC | Open Admission (100%) | ~21% | CCSF Website |
Important Note: ABA approvals, tuition, program formats, acceptance rates, and graduation rates are subject
to change. Many California community colleges have open admissions (near 100%), but lower overall
graduation rates for first-time, full-time student cohorts. Figures listed above are approximate,
institution-wide metrics, not specific to paralegal students. For the most accurate and current details,
always consult the school’s official website or speak with admissions/program advisors.