Paralegals and legal assistants in California play an important role in the legal system — from preparing legal documents to supporting attorneys in trial preparation and research.
With steady job growth, competitive salaries, and opportunities in law firms, corporate offices, and government agencies, this is a career that offers both stability and advancement.
One of the best ways to begin your career is by enrolling in an accredited paralegal program.
Below you’ll find top local and online schools near Oakland, plus helpful info on certification and career paths.
Flexible Paralegal Programs
Now Accepting Students in Oakland, California:
Paralegal Schools near Oakland
#1
Merritt College
📍
Oakland, CA
•2.7 miles away
Located in Oakland, CA Merritt College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Accounting Technology, Bookkeeper, and Corrections.
Located in Hayward, CA Chabot College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Automotive Technician, Automotive Technology, and Accounting Technology.
Located in San Francisco, CA City College of San Francisco is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Aviation Maintenance Technology, Auto Body and Collision Repair, and Automotive Technician.
Located in San Bruno, CA Skyline College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Automotive Technician, Automotive Technology, and Beauty Cosmetology.
Located in Redwood City, CA Canada College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Accounting Technology, Bookkeeper, and Digital Media Technology.
Based on BLS occupation: Paralegals and Legal Assistants (23-2011)
Data Year: 2024 • California
💰Median Pay (2024)
$72,960
$35.08 per hour
💼
Mean Pay (2024)
$76,920 per year$36.98 per hour
🏁
Wage Percentiles
10th Percentile$48,000
$23.08 per hour
25th Percentile$57,040
$27.43 per hour
75th Percentile$95,910
$46.11 per hour
90th Percentile$105,350
$50.65 per hour
🌎
California vs U.S.
Median Wage+19.6%
$72,960
$35.08 per hour
Mean Wage+15.7%
$76,920
$36.98 per hour
Percent difference vs U.S.
📊
Employment Outlook
202445,740
Employment: 45,740 jobs
🎯
Additional Details
👥
Employment per 1,000 Jobs
2.53
📐
Employment RSE
6.1%
📦
Total Employment (BLS sample)
45,740 jobs
How to Become a Paralegal in California
Complete an ABA-approved paralegal certificate or associate degree program.
Build experience through internships or entry-level roles in law firms, courts, or corporate legal teams.
Earn credentials by sitting for exams such as the NALA Certified Paralegal (CP) or NFPA Paralegal CORE Competency Exam (PCCE), then maintain continuing education.
How to Choose the Right Paralegal School
Confirm the program is ABA-approved or recommended by your state bar association.
Review coursework for legal research, litigation, contracts, and law office technology.
Compare career services and internship placement to build connections in California.
Look for flexible online, evening, or accelerated formats that align with your schedule.
Ask about certification prep for NALA, NFPA, or NALS credentials.
Meet the author:Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.
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