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Paralegal Instructor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Canyons School District

$89.24/hr

Paralegal Opening Date: 10/04/2023 Description We are now accepting applications for the Adjunct Instructor Applicant Pool. Adjunct pools are open on a fiscal year basis for continuous recruitment ...

Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District

$70.84 - $86.11/hr

A bachelor's degree in any subject and two years of experience in Paralegal, OR * any associate degree in any subject and six years of experience in Paralegal, OR * The equivalent NOTE : If you are ...

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Paralegal Instructor information

See California salary details

$40.5K

$63.1K

$81.9K

How much do paralegal instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for paralegal instructor in California is $63,087.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $81,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a paralegal instructor?

Paralegal Instructors are educators who teach courses related to paralegal studies, preparing students for careers as paralegals or legal assistants. They typically have extensive experience in the legal field and provide instruction on legal research, writing, ethics, and various areas of law. Paralegal Instructors may work at community colleges, universities, or specialized training programs and are responsible for developing curriculum, assessing student progress, and staying updated with legal trends. Their goal is to equip students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the legal profession.

What does a paralegal instructor do?

A paralegal instructor trains students in a paralegal education program. You usually teach in a paralegal degree or certificate program at a vocational or technical school, but some paralegal instructors teach students who are in a legal studies degree program at a university. Your duties include preparing a syllabus for each course, covering all necessary subject matter during class, and providing exams to assess students’ performance. Your responsibilities sometimes include offering career or developmental advice to students. You teach a variety of topics, including legal writing and document preparation, law library research, legal procedure, and other relevant subjects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a paralegal instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Paralegal Instructor, you need a strong background in legal studies, practical paralegal experience, and often a bachelor's or master's degree in law or a related field. Familiarity with legal research databases, course management systems like Blackboard or Canvas, and relevant teaching certifications is highly beneficial. Exceptional communication, mentorship, and organizational skills help engage students and foster an effective learning environment. These skills ensure that instructors can deliver high-quality education, prepare students for real-world legal work, and adapt to evolving educational standards.

What are some common challenges paralegal instructors face when transitioning from legal practice to teaching?

Paralegal Instructors who move from legal practice to teaching often encounter challenges such as adapting their communication style for diverse learners, developing engaging lesson plans, and balancing curriculum requirements with practical skill-building. Instructors must also stay updated on both legal developments and effective teaching methods. Building rapport with students and managing classroom dynamics are key to creating a positive learning environment, which may differ from traditional law office interactions.

What is the difference between Paralegal Instructor vs Paralegal?

AspectParalegal InstructorParalegal
Required CredentialsParalegal certification, teaching credentials (if applicable)Paralegal certificate or degree, sometimes certification
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, classrooms, online teachingLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageColleges, universities, vocational schoolsLegal industry, corporate sector, government
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

In summary, Paralegal Instructors primarily teach and train students in educational settings, often requiring teaching credentials alongside paralegal certification. Paralegals work within legal environments providing support to attorneys. While both roles require paralegal certification, their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

More about Paralegal Instructor jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Paralegal Instructor jobs in California?

The most popular types of Paralegal Instructor jobs in California are:

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For Paralegal Instructor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Paralegal Instructor jobs in California are:

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Paralegal Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Paralegal Instructor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, and 53% Part Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $63,087 per year, or $30.3 per hour.

Part-Time Paralegal Instructor (Pool)

West Valley-Mission CCD

Saratoga, CA

$38K - $55K/yr

Part-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Position Information
Position Title Part-Time Paralegal Instructor (Pool) Position ID Campus West Valley College
Position Summary Information
Definition
PART-TIME, ASSOCIATE FACULTY POOL
Applications for Part-Time, Associate Faculty pools are continually accepted (unless otherwise specified) by the District and will be added to the application pool for review by hiring authorities on an as-needed basis. Should you be invited for an interview, you will be contacted by a District representative.
Assignment
This position is a part-time position as an Associate Instructor in the Paralegal program. The teaching assignment may require teaching lecture-discussion courses during day, evening or on Saturday and/or in an on-line/distance education format. The assignments are as needed, during Spring, Summer, and/or Fall semesters. This position is represented by the West Valley-Mission Federation of Teachers (WVMFT), AFT 6554.
Work location: West Valley College, Saratoga, CA
Salary and Benefits
Salary is based on a percentage of workload, up to a maximum of 67% of a full-time load. Salary is prorated based on an initial hiring salary range of $38,464 - $55,582 per semester; and is based on academic achievement, teaching and related experience.
Minimum Qualifications
1. Education & Experience - Possess any one of the following:
  • Bachelor's degree in paralegal studies, or related field AND two years of professional experience; OR
  • Associate's degree in paralegal studies, or related field AND six years of professional experience; OR
  • A valid California Community College Instructor's Credential in the discipline; OR
  • The equivalent of the above.

AND
2. Demonstrated ability to effectively teach, counsel or work with persons of diverse socioeconomic, cultural, disability and ethnic backgrounds.
Desired Qualifications
The ideal candidate will also demonstrate the following desired qualification(s):
  • Broad general knowledge and experience in law and the paralegal field
  • Teaching experience preferred
  • Current experience within the paralegal/legal field
  • Appropriate certification/license to practice
  • Current training in the paralegal or related field including the area of patent prosecution and intellectual property law
  • Active involvement in a professional or law organizations (PASCCO,ABA)
  • Computer literacy in legal software, on-line legal research tools, and application programs
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues from other disciplines, student groups, college support services and community/advisory groups
  • Commitment to participation in department activities and the shared governance of the college
Examples of Duties and Responsibilities
Instructional duties and assignments may consist of one or more of the following:
  • Provide instruction for assigned courses. This includes preparation for in-class or on-line/distance education activities, evaluation of students' work, consultation with students outside of class and/or on-line, maintenance of currency in the subjects taught.
  • Maintain accurate class and other records required by the college.
  • Submit, when due, attendance rosters and grade reports.
  • Follow course outlines as filed in the instruction offices.
  • Maintain office hours each week, at .5 hours per week per section.
  • Observe, support and enforce the regulations, policies and programs of the District and college.
  • Provide each student with a written course syllabus at the beginning of the course, as per instructions in the Faculty Handbook.
  • Refer students to appropriate college sources for information on counseling and other student services.
  • Assist students by providing advice on requirements for successful achievement in the members' area of expertise.
  • Work cooperatively within the college community.
  • Foster an environment that protects academic freedom within the college community.
  • Foster a positive working environment that is free from harassment, prejudice and/or bias.
  • Demonstrate a respect for the dignity of each individual.
Other Duties Application Information
APPLICATION INFORMATION:
  • Interested applicants must submit online all materials requested, including: (1) A completed online West Valley-Mission Community College District application; (2) Resume; (3) Unofficial copies of transcripts; (4) District Equivalency Application, if applicable; and (5) Any requested licenses or certificates, if applicable.
  • All sections of the online application, including Education and Educational Work History, must be completed thoroughly.
  • Supervisor(s) name(s) and telephone numbers must be included in the application.
  • Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  • Do NOT send unrequested materials. Unrequested materials will be removed from your application and will not be used for consideration of employment.
  • The employment application and supporting documents represent you; it is to your advantage to fill out the application form carefully and completely.

ABOUT TRANSCRIPTS:
  • If a minimum requirement is possession of a degree, then a copy of transcripts is required to be included with your application to verify the degree being awarded. If no transcripts are included, the application may be screened as not meeting minimum requirements.
  • Degrees must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Council on Post-Secondary Accreditation and/or the U.S. Department of Education.
  • Candidates with degrees earned outside of the United States must provide official certification of equivalency to U. S. degrees by a certified U. S. credential review service, must have a U.S. evaluation (course by course of the transcripts) and must be submitted with this online application.
  • If you do not have an electronic version of the transcript, you can get it scanned at an office supply or copy store, then attach the electronic version of your transcript to this online application.
  • Copies of diplomas, grade reports, graduation petitions, transcript evaluations requests, or similar documents WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of transcripts.
  • When uploading transcripts, please ensure they are NOT encrypted, secured, or password-protected or they will be rejected by the system.

EQUIVALENCY INFORMATION:
Applicants applying under equivalency bear the responsibility of submitting the District's Equivalency Application form with details and evidence of the factors (academic preparation and/or experience) that they believe to be equivalent of the required qualifications for this position. Application(s) for equivalency are required if degrees are not in exact discipline required.
The Equivalency Application is included in the online application as an OPTIONAL form to complete.
  • ONLY complete the Request for Equivalency application if degree does not match discipline(s) stated in the Minimum Qualifications.
  • List accurately and completely the courses taken that match requirements of the required degree.
  • Do NOT attach documents such as course evaluations.

For assistance, contact:
Office of Human Resources, Attn: Recruitment
14000 Fruitvale Ave, Saratoga, CA 95070
Phone: (408) 741-2174 Fax: (408) 741-2564
Email: careers@wvm.edu
Selection Process
SELECTION PROCESS INFORMATION:
  • Applications will be screened by appropriate department representatives on an as-needed basis. Qualified applicants who best meet the needs of the division will be contacted for an interview.
  • Travel expenses to attend the interview are the responsibility of the candidate.
  • Applications will remain in our online system for 1 year. Each year, part-time pools will be refreshed and applicants will be notified of the opportunity to re-submit application.
  • Application materials become the property of the District and will not be returned or duplicated.
  • The district reserves the right to contact former, current, the most recent employers, and others to investigate past employment records of applicants.
  • Upon hire the successful candidate must provide the required documents of identity and authorization to work and attest he/she is authorized to work in the United States.
  • The district does not provide visa sponsorship.

EEO STATEMENT:
West Valley-Mission Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer that seeks to employ a diverse workforce who will contribute to an inclusive and welcoming educational and employment environment. The District is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of ethnic group identification, race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, physical disability, mental disability, genetic information, ancestry, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, language, accent, citizenship status, transgender status, parental status, marital status, economic status, military or veteran status, and medical condition consistent with applicable federal and state laws.
Special Instructions to the Applicant
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number FY13/14-088POOL Open Date 04/30/2024 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes

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