Legal Studies

Discover the ONLY Bachelor degree program in Northern California to be approved by the American Bar Association. Complete your BA and earn a Paralegal Certificate at the same time.

The Legal Studies department is host to two programs, the Paralegal Certificate and the Bachelor of Arts degree in Legal Studies. These programs are for students who wish to acquire the tools, skills and knowledge necessary to be trained as legal professionals.

The Legal Studies programs are committed to providing students with up-to-date quality education. Our faculty consists entirely of local practicing attorneys. We are closely connected to the thriving legal community through our distinguished advisory committee, and we are housed in the same facility as our law school. JFK University is the only Legal Studies program in the Bay Area to have a complete, on-campus law library.

By the end of the program, students will be able to do the following:

Demonstrate Proficiency in Legal Writing
Demonstrate proficiency in legal research
Describe and assess the ethical obligations and limitations of legal professionals
Navigate the use software applications commonly utilized in legal environments
Practice analytical and critical thinking ability

The Legal Studies Program prepares students with real-work experience through their internship program and is committed to graduating competent entry-level paralegals who are qualified to work in this professional field.

Paralegal Profession
The paralegal profession is one of the fastest-growing and exciting new careers to emerge in the last three decades. Paralegals work with lawyers in various legal environments and play a vital role in providing legal services under the supervision and direction of attorneys. Paralegals cannot provide legal advice except as directed by an attorney nor can they establish a client/business relationship or represent a client in court.

Paralegal Certificate
The certificate program consists of 13 upper division courses (39 quarter units) that can be completed in one year. To learn more about this program click here.

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Legal Studies
As the only ABA-approved BA degree in Northern California, students may build upon the foundation gained in the certificate courses by earning their Bachelor of Arts degree in Legal Studies. To view the curriculum of the program click here.

Further information about the legal and paralegal professions can be found at the following websites.

National Association of Legal Assistants: www.nala.org
National Federation of Paralegal Associations: www.paralegals.org
International Paralegal Management Association: www.paralegalmanagement.org/ipma

If you would like to have a printed copy of the brochure mailed to you, or would like more information on our Legal Studies programs, please contact the Admissions Office at 800.696.5358. or email proginfo@jfku.edu.