FCC VTEA FUNDED BUSINESS PROGRAMS

Short-Term Programs 8 month programs:  Business Office Assistant  Medical Billing Assistant  Computerized Accounting 36 day programs:  Legal Assistant Clerk  Full-Charge Bookkeeper

About the Paralegal Program  One of Fresno City College’s signature programs is its Paralegal Studies Program which was established in  The program curriculum is designed for the student who desires employment or advancement in the field of paralegal work.  The 37 semester-unit program meets the paralegal definition requirements imposed by California law.

Required Courses  Law & Legal System  Introduction to Paralegalism  Legal Research & Writing I & II  Litigation I & II  Law Office Practices  Word Processing I & II  Work Experience  Law Office Computing A total of 31 units

Elective Courses Students complete at least two of the following courses for a total of 6 units:  Bankruptcy  Business Org.  Criminal Law & Procedure  Discovery-Trial Preparation  Environmental Law  Evidence  Family Law  Legal Office Administration  Legal Document Preparation  Probate  Real Property  Torts / Contracts

Emphasis on Technology  COMPUTER ASSISTED LEGAL RESEARCH (Internet & Premium Databases)  SUMMATION (Litigation Support)  LEGAL SOLUTIONS (Judicial Council Forms)  TIMESLIPS (Time and Billing)  ABACUS LAW (Case Management, Conflict Checks, Etc.)

Work Experience As part of the Paralegal Students Program, paralegal students gain essential on-the-job training by completing a required 300-hour internship. In addition, the students receive classroom instruction in the areas of resume and cover letter preparation, interviewing, and other job hunting skills.

Internship  Private Law Offices  Government Law Offices  Local Courts and Administrative Agencies  Central California Legal Services  Corporations The internship allows students to practice what they have learned and to showcase their skills to potential employers. Sometimes internships lead to job opportunities. Internships occur in a variety of settings including:

Fresno City College was one of the first colleges nationwide to establish a chapter of Lambda Epsilon Chi (LEX). LEX is a national honor society that recognizes outstanding paralegal students. LEX Honor Society

A valuable resource for the Paralegal Studies Program is its Advisory Committee which meets and offers suggestions on subjects such as industry standards and trends, employment prospects, and skills development. This committee consists of local practicing attorneys, faculty members, paralegals, and human resource professionals. Advisory Committee

Library Fresno City College has a comprehensive Law Library available to all Paralegal Studies Program students. The collection includes both print and electronic media such as Lexis/Nexis.

Continuing Legal Education  MCLE Workshops - the Student Paralegal Association is a State Bar Approved MCLE General Provider  Student Paralegal Association Seminars  Program Elective Courses  Guest Lecturers The college provides additional educational opportunities for both current students and practicing paralegals. These opportunities include:

Mentor Program Students in the Paralegal Studies Program may participate in its Mentor Program. Individuals who volunteer to serve as mentors are generally alumni of the Fresno City College Paralegal Program working in the law office environment. A mentor serves as a resource for a student in relation to professional trends, internship opportunities, etc.

Student Paralegal Association  Experience learning opportunities through service to college and community  Develop teamworking abilities  Cultivate networking opportunities  Develop leadership skills The Fresno City College Paralegal Studies Program also has a dynamic student paralegal association that gives students the opportunity to: