16 Best Paralegal Programs In Sacramento, CA (2023 Updated)
Pursuing a career as a paralegal in Sacramento, CA can be an exciting and rewarding path. As an education reform expert, I‘m often asked for recommendations on the best paralegal programs in the Sacramento area that provide the knowledge, skills, and connections to launch a successful career in this growing field.
After thoroughly researching the top schools and programs, I‘ve compiled this definitive list of the 16 best paralegal programs in Sacramento for 2024. Whether you‘re just starting out or looking to advance your career, these institutions offer high-quality education and training tailored to help you achieve your goals.
1. MTI College
MTI College is a premier institution dedicated to empowering students for career success through high-quality, relevant education. For over 50 years, MTI has equipped students with the practical job skills and industry-specific knowledge needed to excel in fields like business, technology, healthcare, and more.
The paralegal studies program at MTI College provides comprehensive training grounded in real-world application. Students gain a broad understanding of the American legal system and develop essential skills like legal research and writing, litigation preparation, and law office administration. With small classes led by faculty with real-world legal experience, students receive personalized attention and graduate prepared to enter the paralegal job market.
MTI also offers robust career help with resume writing, interview prep, networking events, and job placement assistance. With strong industry connections throughout Sacramento, MTI graduates gain access to exclusive job opportunities.
Key Facts:
- Comprehensive paralegal certificate can be completed in just 9 months
- Hands-on training in law office procedures and software programs
- Externship program for real-world experience
- Career Services Center provides networking events and job placement assistance
2. American River College
American River College is the largest community college in the Sacramento region, providing affordable, accessible education. Along with transfer degrees, ARC offers certificates and job training programs aligned with in-demand industries.
The paralegal studies certificate program provides focused training in just two semesters to gain entry into the paralegal profession quickly. Courses cover legal terminology, research, civil procedures, tort law, and more. Students also complete an internship where they gain hands-on experience in a law office or agency.
ARC maintains strong relationships with local law firms, courts, and legal nonprofits, facilitating internship placements that provide valuable experience to complement classroom learning. Many graduates join the robust ARC Paralegal Association alumni network for ongoing career support.
Key Facts:
- Comprehensive paralegal certificate takes just 2 semesters to complete
- Courses meet 3 days a week for in-person instruction and interaction
- Active internship program facilitates professional experience for students
- Extensive ARC alumni network provides mentoring and career assistance
3. University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
The University of the Pacific‘s McGeorge School of Law is a prestigious institution offering Juris Doctor and graduate law programs as well as undergraduate paralegal certificates. McGeorge is ABA-approved and internationally recognized for excellence in legal education.
McGeorge‘s ABA-approved undergraduate Legal Studies Certificate program is geared for professionals wanting to increase their legal knowledge and credentials. It combines online and in-person evening classes, allowing students to earn their certificate without career disruption.
Core legal specialty options include Public Law & Policy, Emphases in Government Affairs and Leadership, and Global Lawyering Skills. Students gain foundational knowledge of the legal system along with skills in research, writing, analysis, and policy. Upon completion, graduates are prepared for paralegal roles or to advance their current careers.
Key Facts:
- ABA-approved Legal Studies Certificate can be completed in 1 year
- Blended online and evening in-person course format
- Select specialization tracks in leadership, public policy, and global law
- Certificate qualifies graduates for the CP Exam to become a certified paralegal
4. Asher College
Asher College is a leading Sacramento institution providing career-focused education in fields like healthcare, business, and technology. For over 20 years, Asher has prepared students with hands-on training and industry-relevant certification to pursue in-demand roles.
The Paralegal Studies program provides comprehensive training following NALA, NFPA, and ABA guidelines. Courses cover areas like litigation, contracts, legal writing, family law, and more. Students utilize industry-standard legal software and participate in an internship for professional experience.
Asher‘s high job placement rates demonstrate the real-world applicability and value of its programs. Robust career assistance provides graduates with resume help, interview prep, portfolio building, and connections with the employer network to launch their paralegal careers.
Key Facts:
- 10-month Paralegal Associate‘s Degree program
- Litigation, legal research & writing, contracts, and software courses
- 160-hour internship at a local law office
- Extensive job placement support and network
5. Sacramento City College
With its excellent academics and renowned faculty, Sacramento City College empowers students seeking to build a better future. SCC offers affordable degree and certificate programs that promote equity and engage students through experiential learning.
SCC‘s Paralegal Studies program provides focused training in just two semesters to quickly gain the skills needed for paralegal work. Courses emphasize practical experience in areas like litigation, legal writing and analysis, contracts, and legal ethics. An internship in a law office, agency or with the Sacramento County District Attorney allows students to apply their new expertise in a professional legal setting.
With more than 60 years of history and over 30,000 students, SCC has the resources and partnerships to help paralegal graduates launch their careers. The school maintains relationships with over 500 employer partners for job placement.
Key Facts:
- Just 2 semesters to complete the Paralegal Certificate
- Litigation, legal research, writing, and technology training
- Professional internship with area legal employers
- Extensive Sacramento employer network for job placement
6. National University
National University offers accessible, career-focused programs aligned with some of today‘s fastest-growing industries. With campuses throughout California and online programs available globally, National provides an innovative and flexible learning experience.
The ABA-approved paralegal certificate program allows professionals to expand their legal knowledge without career disruption. Courses delivered entirely online cover litigation, contracts, legal research, ethics, and writing. An internship option facilitates practical experience.
Many National students are already professionals seeking to increase their legal skills. The program emphasizes technology and research capabilities that give graduates an advantage in the modern legal marketplace. With flexible evening and online courses, students can earn their certificate on their own schedule.
Key Facts:
- Fully online program can be completed in just 1 year
- ABA-approved curriculum aligned with industry needs
- Designed for working professionals seeking career advancement
- Emphasizes technology and research capabilities
- Courses offered evenings and online for scheduling flexibility
7. University of San Francisco
The University of San Francisco is a leading Jesuit institution delivering academic excellence and values-driven education. USF offers premier law programs along with an ABA-approved paralegal certificate program.
USF‘s Paralegal Certificate program is facilitated completely online, allowing students flexibility while developing essential legal skills. The curriculum covers litigation, contracts, legal research, writing, technology, ethics, and substantive legal topics. An internship option facilitates hands-on experience.
Taught by practicing attorneys and paralegals, the program provides real-world insight and training. As a top-ranked national university, graduates gain credentials and connections that set them apart in the job market. USF also allows students to continue their education by applying certificate credits towards a bachelor‘s degree.
Key Facts:
- ABA-approved paralegal certificate program
- Can be completed fully online in 1 year or less
- Taught by experienced legal practitioners
- Internship option for hands-on learning
- Credits can be applied towards a bachelor‘s degree
8. Carrington College
Carrington College provides career-focused training and certification programs in healthcare, trades, and other in-demand fields. With campus locations throughout California, Carrington prepares students with hands-on learning and real-world skills.
The Paralegal Studies Associate‘s degree program provides well-rounded education covering legal principles, procedures, research, and practical skills training. Coursework emphasizes written and oral communication, critical thinking, and legal technologies. Students participate in an internship to apply their paralegal expertise in a professional legal environment.
Carrington‘s small classes facilitate personal attention, and services like tutoring, advising, and career help provide support. With strong industry relationships in Sacramento and beyond, Carrington assists paralegal graduates with job placement in law firms, government agencies, and corporations.
Key Facts:
- Paralegal Associate‘s degree can be completed in 1.5 years
- Blend of legal theory and practical skills application
- Internship facilitates professional experience
- Services like tutoring and career advising provide student support
- Strong law industry connections for job placement
9. Brandman University
Brandman University provides flexible degree programs for working professionals and adult learners. As one of the schools within the prestigious Chapman University System, Brandman emphasizes innovation, excellence, and educational access.
The Paralegal Studies Bachelor‘s degree completion program allows professionals to earn their BA fully online. Students develop a comprehensive understanding of the legal system through courses like Criminal Law, Civil Procedure, Legal Research, Contracts, and Tort Law. Electives allow customization based on interest.
Taught by practitioners with legal expertise, the program combines substantive legal knowledge with practical skills. Brandman also facilitates internship opportunities to gain direct legal experience. With small classes and academic advising, students receive robust support services tailored for adult online learners.
Key Facts:
- Fully online paralegal bachelor‘s degree program
- Can be completed in as little as 18 months
- Courses taught by legal professionals
- Customizable electives based on interest
- Academic advising and support services for online learners
10. Unitek College
Unitek College is a leading vocational and nursing school offering a range of health science and technology programs. Unitek empowers students with career-ready training, certifications, and connections to employers.
The Paralegal Studies program provides focused training in just 14 months, combining online courses with in-person skills labs. Courses emphasize litigation, legal writing, terminology, software, and substantive topics. Students gain working knowledge of California and federal law and court systems.
This program is taught by experienced attorneys who provide real-world insight. Hands-on externships facilitate professional experience and connections. Unitek also assists graduates with job placement through an extensive network of legal employers.
Key Facts:
- Focused 14-month Paralegal Studies Diploma program
- Blend of online and in-person learning
- Taught by attorneys with practical experience
- 140-hour externship develops real-world skills
- Job placement assistance and legal employer network
11. West Sacramento Adult School
West Sacramento Adult School provides continuing education for adults seeking career training and professional development. Offering flexible course schedules and affordable prices, their programs help learners of all backgrounds achieve success.
The Paralegal Certificate Program provides concise training in legal principles and paralegal skills. Courses emphasize legal terminology and vocabulary, foundations of law, research, and practical skills development. Successful graduates gain credentials to begin professional paralegal work.
As an adult education program, West Sacramento is designed to meet the unique needs of adult learners. With evening, weekend and online courses, students can complete the Paralegal Certificate on a schedule that fits their life and responsibilities outside of school.
Key Facts:
- Concise Paralegal Certificate program
- Courses offered evenings, weekends and online
- Designed specifically for adult learners
- Practical legal skills development
- Low cost continuing education
12. California Paralegal College
California Paralegal College focuses exclusively on paralegal education and training. For over 25 years, Cal Paralegal has prepared graduates with the credentials and experience needed to launch paralegal careers.
Cal Paralegal‘s diploma and certificate programs emphasize real-world job skills aligned with industry needs. Courses cover litigation, contracts, legal research, writing, technology, and more. The internship program places students in Sacramento law offices, agencies, and courts to gain direct legal experience.
With evening and weekend courses, small class sizes, and affordable tuition, Cal Paralegal removes barriers facing adult career-changers. The school maintains relationships with area legal employers to connect graduates with job opportunities. Alumni also join a large professional network for mentoring and ongoing career development.
Key Facts:
- Evening and weekend courses fit student schedules
- Small classes provide individualized instruction
- Internship program facilitates professional experience
- Connections with legal employers for job placement
- Extensive alumni network for career support
13. California Northstate University
California Northstate University is a premier health sciences institution and community-focused university. CNU provides leading health science and pharmacy programs along with courses for non-health science majors.
CNU‘s Paralegal/Pre-Law Certificate allows students to focus their electives on pre-law and paralegal coursework while completing their bachelor‘s degree. Courses provide specialized knowledge and training for law school or professional legal work.
Pre-law courses emphasize analytical reasoning, writing, and communication skills needed for law school and legal careers. Paralegal courses cover legal research, contracts, litigation, and substantive topics to gain credentials for paralegal roles. The certificate can be earned fully online, offering scheduling flexibility.
Key Facts:
- Paralegal/Pre-Law certificate embedded within bachelor‘s degree
- Specialized law and paralegal courses
- Develop skills for law school or paralegal careers
- Can be completed fully online
- Earn certificate along with bachelor‘s degree
14. UEI College
UEI College is an accredited career college offering vocational programs in fields like business, healthcare, and technology. UEI has 11 California locations providing career-focused training, certifications, and job placement assistance.
The Paralegal Studies program can be completed in just 8 months, quickly preparing students to begin professional roles. The curriculum covers legal terminology, research, civil procedures, legal writing, and substantive topics. Students gain hands-on experience using industry-standard legal software.
UEI campuses maintain close employer relationships to connect graduates with job opportunities. Dedicated career development coaches also assist students with resume writing, interview prep, and networking. UEI‘s short-term vocational programs provide an accessible pathway to begin an in-demand legal career.
Key Facts:
- 8-month Diploma Paralegal program
- Legal software and writing training
- Substantive law courses provide well-rounded knowledge
- Robust job placement services upon completion
- 11 California campus locations
15. Charter College
With campuses in California and across the western US, Charter College offers career-focused certificate and degree programs in fields like healthcare, business, and trades. Charter‘s curriculum combines classroom learning with practical knowledge and experience.
The Paralegal Studies Associate‘s degree program spans just 18 months, quickly preparing graduates for paralegal roles. Courses emphasize legal research, writing, technology, and substantive law. Students also complete an externship where they gain direct legal experience and connections.
Charter‘s paralegal instructors have professional experience in law offices and bring practical insight to the classroom. With small class sizes, students receive individualized attention and support. Charter‘s flexible schedules also accommodate working students.
Key Facts:
- 18-month Associate‘s degree in Paralegal Studies
- Legal writing, research, technology, and law courses
- Externship provides professional legal experience
- Small classes and flexible schedules
- Instructors are experienced legal professionals
16. North-West College
North-West College is a Southern California-based career college with locations throughout the state. North-West offers healthcare, business, and technology programs with a hands-on focus and professional certifications.
The Paralegal Studies program provides career-ready training in just 18 months. Developed with industry input, the curriculum emphasizes in-demand skills like litigation, contracts, legal research, and writing. Students gain experience with software used in law offices and take part in an internship.
North-West campuses facilitate small class sizes, tutoring, and other support services to help students succeed. Career assistance is also provided through resume workshops, interview prep, employer panels, and job fairs. With stackable credentials and practical training, graduates are prepared to excel as paralegals.
Key Facts:
- 18-month Associate of Occupational Science Paralegal degree
- Developed with input from legal professionals
- Software training and internship experience
- Small classes and career preparation services
- 8 California campus locations
