Paralegal Studies
Paralegal Studies
From the Classroom to the Courtroom (and Beyond!)
For pure, undiluted action, it’s hard to beat a career in the paralegal field. Professionals in this fast-paced sector command tremendous demand, and bold paychecks to match.
The Los Angeles/Orange County region is home to a massive array of career opportunities in the legal support field, including openings for paralegals, legal secretaries and court clerks. Recent trends in cost management have created an energetic market for paralegal professionals, as businesses look for affordable replacements to full-time attorneys.
With job opportunities expected to grow 15% by 2026, the paralegal industry is one of the nation’s most upwardly mobile "Bright Outlook" occupations, according to occupational data application O-Net Online. The American Bar Association (ABA) approved Paralegal Studies program at Irvine Valley College provides a a broad and versatile foundation for future-proof careers in administrative agencies, corporations, insurance companies, private law firms, local governments, and other legal environments.
The curriculum emphasizes practical, up-to-date training covering workplace-relevant career skills, as well as an introduction to legal theory. Courses are taught by experienced faculty with real-world experience as practicing attorneys and paralegals.
IVC Paralegal Studies program graduates enter the workforce qualified for paralegal employment under California Business and Professions Code, Section 6450.
Ready to launch a Future BUILT Paralegal career? It all starts at Irvine Valley College!
What You Need to Know
What Programs Are Available to Me?
IVC offers an associate degree program in Paralegal Studies to help build your future-proof career!
Associate in Science Degrees
These two-year college degrees are designed for students who want to gain in-depth understanding of a particular field in order to enter a specific profession or to prepare for further education at a technical or trade school, or a 4-year college or university.
IVC Offers an AS in:
Paralegal Studies
Associate in Arts for Transfer Degrees
These two-year college degrees are designed for students who want to gain in-depth understanding of a particular field but differ in that they are specifically designed to help students transfer seamlessly to a 4-year California State University where they can complete a bachelor's degree.
IVC Offers an AA-T Degree in:
Law, Public Policy, and Society
Certificates of Achievement
Certificates of Achievement are state-approved certificates that acknowledge workplace competencies and job readiness in a particular field. In many cases, the courses that comprise a certificate of achievement are the same as those required for an associate degree, minus the General Education courses.
IVC Offers a COA in:
Paralegal Studies
Make sure your class schedule is built for success. Visit the course catalog to see what classes you need to earn your degree or certificate in Paralegal Studies.
Irvine Valley College is proud to provide our communities with affordable, accessible Career Education opportunities. Click for details on program costs and fees for the Paralegal Studies department.
Financial Aid, Scholarships & Grants
Want to learn how financial aid, scholarships and grants can make college more affordable? IVC’s Financial Aid Office has all the information you need!
School of Business Sciences
Department Offices: 949-451-5310
Full-Time Faculty:
June McLaughlin, Esq, LLM, LLM
Professor, Business Law
Program Director, Paralegal Studies
Contact by Email Form
Bennet Tchaikovsky, JD, CPA
Department Chair/Associate Professor, Business Sciences
949-451-5714
Traci Fahimi
Dean, Business Sciences
(949) 451-5204
IVC Paralegal graduates are building successful futures in careers like these, and more! Here are some in-demand job titles and their average yearly salaries.
Paralegals = $52,896
Legal Secretaries = $48,038
Court Clerks = $41,606
Average Salary In This Field
$41,606 to
$52,896 Per Year
Potential Careers
Paralegal
Legal Secretary
Court Clerk
Have Questions? Talk To A Counselor!
You’ve made an independent choice to boost your life and career through Career Education at IVC… but you’re not alone! Talk to a counselor for information on getting started, planning your career pathway, and more!