California law sets the qualifications to work as a paralegal in the state.
California doesn’t license or register paralegals, but California law sets basic qualifications for paralegals. The state’s business and professions code outlines four ways to qualify as a California paralegal. You must complete at least one of them to legally call yourself a paralegal in California. The state code also requires paralegals to work under a lawyer’s supervision. Violations of the code carry fines of up to $2,500 for first offenses. Second offenses are misdemeanors, punishable by fines and jail terms of up to a year.
ABA-Approved Certificate
You can legally identify yourself as a paralegal in California if you have a certificate of completion from any paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association. The American Bar Association website lists approved programs available in California and other states.
Other Certificates
Certificates from accredited programs qualify as paralegal certification.
You can also qualify as a paralegal with a degree or certificate from a postsecondary institution offering paralegal programs. The program must include at least 24 semester units of law-related courses. It must also have accreditation from a national or regional accrediting organization or approval from the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education.
Degree Plus Experience
You can qualify as a paralegal in California with a baccalaureate degree in any subject plus at least one year of law-related work experience. Your work experience must be under the supervision of an attorney licensed to practice in California for the three previous years, or an attorney who has practiced law in California's federal courts for the three previous years. You need to get a written declaration from your supervising attorney that states you are qualified to perform the duties of paralegal.
Diploma Plus Experience
You can also earn certification as a California paralegal if you have a high school diploma and at three years of law-related experience under the supervision of a qualified California attorney. You must get a letter from your supervising attorney stating that you are qualified to work as a paralegal.
Continuing Education
Paralegals in California must complete at least four hours of legal ethics and four hours of general or specialized law courses every two years to continue working as paralegals. Supervising attorneys certify that paralegals have completed the continuing education requirements.
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