Merced College

Find a job as a paralegal professional

Paralegals, sometimes known as legal assistants, aid lawyers with the provision of legal services. Paralegals are trained individuals that are learning to do much of the work from lawyers today, giving them an opportunity to work as a team to better serve their clients.

Paralegals perform their tasks under the auspices of an attorney and are regarded as professional workers who must be mindful of confidentiality. Paralegals do not provide legal counsel/advise or appear in court on clients behalf, however, paralegals do provide a great service in assisting lawyers in the successes of their cases. The main task of paralegals is to assist lawyers in preparing for closings, hearings, trials, and corporate meetings. The investigation of the facts of a case, and the consideration of all pertinent material, is done by a paralegal. Other duties of paralegals include identifying appropriate laws, judicial decisions, legal articles, and other relevant material to the assigned case. Paralegals are an integral part of the legal world; common duties include preparing the legal arguments, drafting's pleadings and motions to be filed with the court, obtaining affidavits, and assisting lawyers during trials. Paralegals also categorize and track files of case documents and make them accessible and easily available to lawyers.

About The Program

Students in the Merced College paralegal program can earn either a Certificate of Completion in Paralegal Studies, or an Associate Degree.

Local lawyers, paralegals and instructors teach our courses at Merced College. Plus, there are numerous opportunities for actual field experience utilizing the internships.

Nowadays knowledge in related disciplines such as psychology, sociology, electronics, computers, and business as well as the traditional paralegal skills are necessary for paralegal. Students should take many different classes so that they will learn more for their paralegal studies and have an easier time finding a job.