Certificate of Achievement (Transcripted): Legal Office Interpreting Spanish

Below is a sample academic plan that shows you how you can complete your Certificate in a timely manner. Your path may look different depending on your circumstances?for example, if you attend part-time, choose to take Intersession or Summer courses, or have earned prior credit (Credit for Prior Learning, Dual Enrollment, Transfer Credit). You are required to meet with a counselor to set up a comprehensive education plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals.

The certificate of achievement curriculum for Legal Office Interpreting Spanish is designed to prepare the student for employment in a legal setting interpreting Spanish to English and English to Spanish.  Students will be prepared for employment in law offices, court reporting services and the courts, both on the State and Federal level.  Students will have a basic understanding of legal terminology, ethics and legal procedures.

Demonstrate a basic understanding of legal terminology in both English and Spanish.

Apply the legal ethics and California regulations of the legal profession to interpreting.

Demonstrate an entry level proficiency in legal interpretation (Spanish/English).

Program Map

GE General Education Course
M Major Course
E Elective Course
SI Summer/Intersession Course *
* Course is appropriate for Summer and Intersession, which are accelerated terms.

Getting Started

Comprehensive Education Plan: You are required to meet with a counselor for a comprehensive educational plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor in your first semester.

First Semester

14-17 units
LAW 133 or BA 133
Legal Spanish and English bilingual skills required for interpreters and translators to provide professional interpreting and translating services to law offices, courts, law enforcement, government, and other legal related business. Topics include proper translation of legal terminology, consecutive mode of interpreting in a legal setting, professional role, standards, code of ethics, documents, forms, court reporting, and legal cases. Students must be fluent in both Spanish and English (oral and written) to be confirmed by instructor with first assignment. (Same as BA 133).
    OR
    Legal Spanish and English bilingual skills required for interpreters and translators to provide professional interpreting and translating services to law offices, courts, law enforcement, government, and other legal related business. Topics include proper translation of legal terminology, consecutive mode of interpreting in a legal setting, professional role, standards, code of ethics, documents, forms, court reporting, and legal cases. Students must be fluent in both Spanish and English (oral and written) to be confirmed by instructor with first assignment. (Same as LAW 133).
      LAW 100 or PARA 100
      Overview of the legal system including the courts, participants and various sources of law in the American legal system. Review of the legal and judicial process in the United States covering the adversarial system, jurisdiction of federal and state courts, and the general process of judicial review. Explanation of different sources of law including statutes, court cases and administrative agency rules. Review of basic legal reasoning and introductory legal research methods. Examination of legal ethics. Introduction to substantive areas of law and the effect the law has in various groups and individuals in our system. (Same as PARA 100.)
        Plan 1: 4B. Social Science
        Plan 2: 4. Social and Behavioral Sciences
        OR
        Overview of the legal system including the courts, participants and various sources of law in the American legal system and how society is affected. Review of the legal and judicial process in the United States covering the adversarial system, jurisdiction of federal and state courts, and the general process of judicial review and how different segments of society are affected. Explanation of different sources of law including statutes, court cases and administrative agency rules. Review of basic legal reasoning and introductory legal research methods. Introduction to substantive areas of law and the effect the law has in various groups and individuals in our system. Review of the role and regulation of legal professionals, legal ethics and consumer protection laws, and their effect on providing legal services to various segments of society. (Same as Law 100.)
          Plan 1: 4B. Social Science
          Plan 2: 4. Social and Behavioral Sciences
          LAW 121 or PARA 121
          This course provides an introduction to concepts and theories of ethical decision-making, moral conduct, obligation and permission, justice, responsibility, as applied to the Legal Profession. The course will explore the application of the California Rules of Professional Conduct as applied to the legal profession and society in general. (Same as PARA 121).
            OR
            This course provides an introduction to concepts and theories of ethical decision-making, moral conduct, obligation and permission, justice, responsibility, as applied to the Legal Profession. The course will explore the application of the California Rules of Professional Conduct as applied to the legal profession and society in general. (Same as LAW 121).
              LAW 110
              Legal Terminology
              The study of terminology used in a law office and the court system.
                BA 149
                Technology for Interpreters & Translators
                Learn the technology and equipment used by professional interpreters and translators. Develop skills in using hardware and software for in-person and remote interpreting and translating. Topics include emerging technologies such as AI tools, hands-on exercises comparing AI output with human translation, and evaluating the reliability and limitations of digital tools. Course content emphasizes ethical decision-making, professional standards, and practical applications. Integrating modern technology will help increase efficiency, accuracy, and productivity in written translation and verbal interpreting. Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish or Vietnamese is strongly recommended.
                  LAW 299 or PARA 299 or PARA 105
                  This work experience course of supervised employment is designed to assist students to acquire desirable work habits, attitudes and skills in a field related to the students’ major so as to enable them to become productive employees. This course also provides students with career awareness for jobs. 54 hours of work equals one unit of course credit. Student repetition is allowed per Title 5, section 55253. Students may earn a maximum of 14 units of credit for work experience.
                    OR
                    This work experience course of supervised employment is designed to assist students to acquire desirable work habits, attitudes and skills in a field related to the students’ major so as to enable them to become productive employees in the paralegal profession. This course also provides students with career awareness for jobs. 54 hours of work equals one unit of course credit. Student repetition is allowed per Title 5, section 55253. Students may earn a maximum of 14 units of credit for work experience
                      OR
                      This work experience course of supervised employment is designed to assist students that are participating in the Community Legal Information Resource and Referral Clinic (CLIRRC) to acquire desirable work habits, attitudes and skills in a field related to the students’ major to enable them to become productive employees. This course also provides students with career awareness for jobs. 54 hours of work equals one unit of course credit. Student repetition is allowed per Title 5, section 55253. Students may earn a maximum of 14 units of credit for work experience.