There are many educational pathways for becoming a paralegal in California. Completing a certificate program typically takes a few months to a year, earning an associate’s degree usually takes two years, and obtaining a bachelor’s degree typically requires four years of study. Can you be a paralegal without a degree in California?

While California does not require certification to work in the field, it does offer voluntary state certification through the California Alliance of Paralegal Associations (CAPA) in addition to national options.

In the fast-paced world of law, paralegals are indispensable allies—offering essential support to attorneys and legal teams. With more paralegal jobs than any other state, California offers aspiring professionals a diverse range of career paths.

LA-area students who want to complete their paralegal studies in Downtown Los Angeles can enroll in the paralegal certificate program offered by California State. Their long-running paralegal program gives students the foundational knowledge needed to thrive as California paralegals.