Legal Studies Department
Contact Us
Kristen Robinson, Esq.
Department Co-Chair (A-107)
Robinson_Kristen@sac.edu
(714) 564-6750
Kim Smith, Esq.
Department Co-Chair (A-107)
Smith_Kim@sac.edu
(714) 564-6750
Welcome to the Legal Studies Department!
Please explore our course offerings, certificates, and degree options. Our faculty are always happy to answer any questions you may have. We are looking forward to seeing you in class!
The Legal Studies Department offers a tremendous variety of pathways for students to prepare for careers in the legal field. As an ABA approved paralegal program, students have the opportunity to study and learn in a program which only a select minority of paralegal education programs achieve. The SAC Legal Studies Department faculty look forward to helping you achieve your educational goals!
Why is American Bar Association approval important?
The ABA approves and sets national standards. Only around 30% of all paralegal programs nationwide receive ABA-approval. SAC’s paralegal program is ABA-approved. Ask attorneys who they are most looking to hire. Chances are, it is only graduates from ABA-approved programs.
Apply for the Paralegal Studies Bachelor of Arts Program
Earn a Bachelor degree at Santa Ana College and embark on a career working for a lawyer, law firm, or government office as a paralegal!
Explore this American Bar Association-approved program here!
Accreditation Information
The Paralegal Program, an American Bar Association (ABA) approved program, is designed to prepare students to work as an assistant to a licensed attorney in a law firm, governmental agency, or corporation as defined by section 6450 of the California Business and Professions Code. A paralegal will have knowledge on legal matters and will perform many of the same tasks performed by attorneys, such as researching cases and interviewing witnesses. A paralegal must work under a licensed attorney and cannot provide legal services on their own.
Paralegal A.A.
Earn an associates degree or certificate of achievement in the Paralegal Program to get started on a career path to becoming a Paralegal.
Learn More about the Paralegal Associate Degree
Paralegal Certificate
Accreditation Information
The Paralegal Program, an American Bar Association (ABA) approved program, is designed to prepare students to work as an assistant to a licensed attorney in a law firm, governmental agency, or corporation as defined by section 6450 of the California Business and Professions Code. A paralegal will have knowledge on legal matters and will perform many of the same tasks performed by attorneys, such as researching cases and interviewing witnesses. A paralegal must work under a licensed attorney and cannot provide legal services on their own.
Law, Public Policy & Society - A.A.-T
This Associate in Arts in Law, Public Policy and Society for Transfer Degree (AA-T) prepares students to transfer to a four-year institution leading to a baccalaureate degree in a variety of majors
Pathway to Law
Santa Ana College is the first Orange County Community College chosen to participate in the Pathway to Law School Program, which focuses on providing community college students with an appropriate transition into law school.
Legal Interpreting
The Certificate of Achievement for Legal Office Interpreting is designed to prepare the student for employment in a legal setting by interpreting:
or
Legal Office Technician
This certificate program will prepare the student with technical office skills necessary for employment in a law office as an assistant to attorneys and paralegals.
Legal Interpreting, Translation, and Technology Apprenticeship (LITTA)
Are you interested in a career at the intersection of law, language, and technology? The Legal Interpreting, Translation, and Technology Apprenticeship (LITTA) program at Santa Ana College (SAC) offers a structured, hands-on pathway into a high-demand profession that supports access to justice.
Legal interpreters and translators play a vital role in ensuring meaningful participation in the legal system for individuals with limited or no English proficiency. Courts, legal aid organizations, government agencies, and private law firms depend on highly trained language professionals to accurately convey complex legal concepts where precision, ethics, and cultural awareness are essential. Through an apprenticeship model, LITTA allows students to develop these skills in real legal settings while contributing to work with immediate community and social impact.
Unlike traditional classroom-only programs, LITTA emphasizes applied learning under the supervision of experienced mentors. Apprentices gain exposure to courtroom proceedings, client interviews, depositions, and legal documents while developing core professional competencies, including legal terminology, ethical decision-making, confidentiality, and cultural competency. This immersive training builds confidence, professional judgment, and practical experience that cannot be fully replicated through coursework alone, while also helping students understand how legal systems function in practice.
LITTA is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), and the program’s application with the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) is currently pending. Apprentices benefit from an “earn-while-you-learn” model and the opportunity to build professional networks early in their careers.
Pathways into the LITTA Apprenticeship Program
There are two pathways to onboarding:
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You are currently employed in a role that includes interpreting and/or translation services.
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You are seeking employment and would like assistance securing a qualifying position through the program.
Get Involved
Students: Interested in becoming an apprentice?
Employers: Are you a law office or legal employer with entry-level positions requiring interpreting and/or translation skills?