September 2014 Needs Assessment

Transcription

1 Business: Paralegal Studies September 2014 Needs Assessment Prepared by Danielle Pearson Date: September 2, 2014 Business: Paralegal Studies Business: Paralegal Studies Needs Assessment Page 1

2 Scope Data compiled in this report covers San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, and Los Angeles counties. Data were drawn from external sources, including the Employment Development Department s California Labor Market Information, the U.S. Department of Education s Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), O*NET OnLine, and Chaffey College s Colleague Administrative database. Data Sources and Calculations Educational Program Data TOP Code Program of Study Paralegal The Taxonomy of Programs (TOP) is a standardized system used at the state level to classify programs and courses that are intended to achieve the same outcome at different colleges throughout the state. CIP Code Program of Study Legal Assistant/Paralegal The Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) is a standardized coding system used at the federal level to facilitate accurate tracking, assessment, and reporting of fields of study and program completion at educational institutions throughout the country. This report draws on the Legal Assistant/Paralegal CIP code, which maps to the Paralegal TOP code, to compare Chaffey College to other institutions and examine employment trends. Completions Data Degree and certificate data regarding students at Chaffey College were collected from the Colleague Administrative database. Degree and certificate data for all comparison schools were collected from the U.S. Department of Education s Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). All comparison institutions included in this report are postsecondary and have provided data to IPEDS. IPEDS defines postsecondary education as a formal program designed primarily for students beyond high school age. These include academic, vocational, and continuing professional education, and exclude avocational and adult basic education programs. Occupational Data SOC Code Occupational Title Paralegals and Legal Assistants Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers Legal Support Workers, All Other The Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system is used by federal statistical agencies to classify workers into occupational categories. The Legal Assistant/Paralegal CIP code was mapped to the SOC codes listed in the table above using the crosswalk described in the paragraph below. Business: Paralegal Studies Needs Assessment Page 2

3 Educational Program to Occupation Crosswalk The TOP-CIP-SOC Crosswalk (Employment Development Department, 2009) was used in this report to map TOP codes to CIP and SOC codes. This crosswalk allows the user to estimate labor market demand for California Community College program completers using SOC based projections from the Labor Market Information Division. Industry Data The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is used by federal statistical agencies to classify business establishments for the purpose of conducting and reporting research on the U.S. business economy. Using the Standard Occupational Classification codes listed above, associated NAICS industries were identified. Business: Paralegal Studies Needs Assessment Page 3

4 Introduction and Contents Contents Background Information 5 Regional Job Outlook 7 Largest & Fastest Growing Industry Employers 10 Regional Graduation Summary 13 Chaffey College s Performance on Core Indicators 15 Purpose and Goals Chaffey College currently offers a Business: Paralegal Studies certificate program consisting of 27 units. The following is a description of the Business: Paralegal Studies program as outlined in the Catalog: The Paralegal Studies certificate program is intended to prepare students for employment as paralegals in various legal sectors. The American Bar Association (ABA) By- Laws, Section uses the terms paralegal and legal assistant interchangeably referring to persons who, although not members of the legal profession, are qualified through education, training, or work experience, and are employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, governmental agency, or other entity in a capacity or function which involves the performance under the direction and supervision of an attorney, of specifically delegated substantive legal work. The Paralegal Studies certificate program emphasizes practical application and the development of up-to-date paralegal related job skills in addition to teaching legal theory. The program is designed to enhance the ability of students to reason, understand and apply correct principles of law by teaching analytical and critical thinking skills. Graduates of the program will possess skills to enter the paralegal profession. It also allows those already in the paralegal line of work to improve their understanding of the paralegal profession. California State statute requires all paralegals to be certified by an accredited educational institution. Chaffey College s Paralegal Studies certificate program meets and exceeds such mandates because Chaffey College is approved by the California Department of Education and the Western Association for Schools and Colleges, and the certificate is awarded to students who have successfully completed 27 semester units in law-related courses. Chaffey College s Paralegal Studies certificate program also exceeds the American Bar Association s guideline for paralegal educational requirement. The purpose of this report is to integrate and analyze data from multiple sources to determine labor market needs for the Business: Paralegal program at Chaffey College. Regional Definitions Inland Empire includes the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) Los Angeles County includes the Los Angeles- Long Beach-Glendale Metro Division Orange County includes the Santa Ana- Anaheim-Irvine Metro Division Key Terms and Concepts Replacement Jobs: Replacement jobs refer to the number of job openings due to workers leaving an occupation. Annual Openings: Annual openings are calculated by adding the number of new jobs to the number of replacement jobs, divided by the number of years in the projection period. Projections: Projections of employment are calculated by the Employment Development Department and are based on a mathematical formula that includes historical employment and economic indicators along with national, state, and local trends. Occupation: Jobs are grouped into occupations using the federal Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system. Industry: Occupations are grouped into industries using the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). Wages: Hourly wages are reported in percentiles and averages. The 25 th percentile is a useful proxy of entry-level wages and the 75 th percentile of experienced-level wages. Business: Paralegal Studies Needs Assessment Page 4

5 Background Information Business: Paralegal Studies Business: Paralegal Studies programs in California Community are instructional programs that study the principles and procedures developed and enforced by institution of government for the social order in the form of legislation, decisions, regulations, and orders. Course topics usually cover legal terminology, forms and procedures; general legal concepts; principles and techniques of legal research, including analysis of legal issues, documentation of appropriate legal precedents, and presentation of research findings useable by attorneys, judges, and others. 1 The descriptions of job duties for paralegal-related occupations are provided by the Occupational Information Network. 2 Paralegals and Legal Assistants 2 Paralegals and Legal Assistants assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. They also conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action. Typical Tasks Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system. Prepare for trial by performing tasks such as organizing exhibits. Prepare legal documents, including briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements. Meet with clients and other professionals to discuss details of case. File pleadings with court clerk. Gather and analyze research data, such as statutes, decisions, and legal articles, codes, and documents Call upon witnesses to testify at hearing. Investigate facts and law of cases and search pertinent sources, such as public records, to determine causes of action and to prepare cases. Direct and coordinate law office activity, including delivery of subpoenas. Keep and monitor legal volumes to ensure that law library is up-to-date. 1 California Community Colleges, Chancellor s Office, Taxonomy of Programs, Sixth Edition (Corrected Version). 2 O*Net Online: Business: Paralegal Studies Needs Assessment Page 5

6 Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers 2 Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers search real estate records, examine titles, or summarize pertinent legal or insurance documents or details for a variety of purposes. They may compile lists of mortgages, contracts, and other instruments pertaining to titles by searching public and private records for law firms, real estate agencies, or title insurance companies. Typical Tasks Prepare lists of all legal instruments applying to a specific piece of land and the buildings on it. Examine documentation such as mortgages, liens, judgments, easements, plat books, maps, contracts, and agreements to verify factors such as properties legal descriptions, ownership, or restrictions. Read search requests to ascertain types of titled evidence required and to obtain descriptions of properties and names of involved parties. Copy or summarize recorded documents, such as mortgages, trust deeds, and contracts, that affect property titles. Examine individual titles to determine if restrictions, such as delinquent taxes, will affect titles and limit property use. Prepare reports describing any title encumbrances encountered during searching activities, and outlining actions needed to clear titles. Verify accuracy and completeness of land-related documents accepted for registration, preparing rejection notices when documents are not acceptable. Confer with realtors, lending institution personnel, buyers, sellers, contractors, surveyors, and courthouse personnel to exchange title-related information or to resolve problems. Enter into record-keeping systems appropriate data needed to create new title records or update existing ones. Direct activities of workers who search records and examine titles, assigning, scheduling, and evaluating work, and providing technical guidance as necessary. Legal Support Workers, All Other 2 Occupational description and typical tasks not available. Business: Paralegal Studies Needs Assessment Page 6

7 Regional Job Outlook Projected Regional Job Outlook The table below displays 2010 employment estimates and 2020 projections for the two occupational groups associated with Business: Paralegal Studies programs. Job openings for Paralegals and Legal Assistants are estimated to grow by approximately 20% over this time period, while the other two occupations are expected to grow at much slower rates. Total Estimated 2010 Jobs Total Projected 2020 Jobs Projected Growth (%) Ave. Annual New Job Openings Ave. Annual Replacement Job Openings Ave. Annual Total Job Openings Paralegals and Legal Assistants State of California 26,800 32,200 5,400 (20.1%) Inland Empire 1,080 1, (18.5%) Los Angeles CO 7,350 8,770 1,420 (19.3%) Orange CO 3,450 4, (23.2%) Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers State of California 5,100 5, (3.9%) Inland Empire Los Angeles CO 1,430 1, (8.4%) Orange CO (0.0%) Legal Support Workers, All Other State of California 7,200 7, (5.6%) Inland Empire (4.9%) Los Angeles CO 2,430 2, (5.4%) Orange CO Indicates there are no data available. Source: Labor Market Information Division, Employment Development Department, Occupation Profile, on the Internet at: (visited August 29, 2014). Business: Paralegal Studies Needs Assessment Page 7

8 Projected Job Growth by Region The graphs below show the projected growth from 2010 to 2020 of occupations that employ Business: Paralegal Studies program completers. Job openings for Paralegals and Legal Assistants are plentiful across all regions of interest. Job openings are limited for Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers as well as All Other Legal Support Workers. Paralegals and Legal Assistants 40 % Growth California Inland Empire LA County Orange County Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers 40 % Growth N/A 0 California Inland Empire LA County Orange County Legal Support Workers, All Other % Growth N/A California Inland Empire LA County Orange County Source: Labor Market Information Division, Employment Development Department, Occupation Profile, on the Internet at: (visited September 2, 2014). Business: Paralegal Studies Needs Assessment Page 8

9 Hourly Wages by Region This table displays the first quarter 2014 hourly wage statistics of individuals employed in occupations that employ Business: Paralegal Studies program completers. Wages are fairly even across the three occupations listed. Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Los Angeles County earn the highest mean hourly rate, whereas Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers in the same county earn the lowest mean hourly rate. Mean Hourly Rate 25 th Percentile Median Hourly Rate 75 th Percentile Paralegals and Legal Assistants State of California $29.22 $20.47 $27.44 $36.03 Inland Empire $25.86 $19.83 $24.58 $28.81 Los Angeles CO $31.54 $22.52 $30.41 $39.81 Orange CO $26.92 $19.11 $23.52 $33.10 Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers State of California $30.12 $20.10 $27.69 $39.38 Inland Empire $29.00 $20.42 $25.87 $37.24 Los Angeles CO $25.60 $17.81 $21.48 $28.77 Orange CO $30.49 $20.57 $30.55 $38.32 Legal Support Workers, All Other State of California $28.09 $20.87 $26.47 $33.14 Inland Empire $22.48 $18.21 $21.02 $24.56 Los Angeles CO $27.30 $20.85 $26.63 $32.57 Orange CO $25.51 $20.32 $23.19 $28.34 Source: Labor Market Information Division, Employment Development Department, Occupation Profile, on the Internet at: (visited September 2, 2014). Business: Paralegal Studies Needs Assessment Page 9

10 Largest and Fastest Growing Industry Employers Largest Industry Employers of Business: Paralegal Studies Occupations The graphs below display the 2010 staffing patterns of the largest industries employing completers of Business: Paralegal Studies programs across the state of California. The legal services industry employs the majority of Paralegals and Legal Assistants and All Other Legal Support Workers, while the insurance carrier industry employs the majority of Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers. Number of Employees Paralegals and Legal Assistants 2500 Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers Number of Employees Insurance Carriers Activities Related to Real Estate Legal Services Offices of Real Estate Agents & Brokers Local Government Employment Services Business: Paralegal Studies Needs Assessment Page 10

11 Number of Employees Legal Support Workers, All Other Source: Labor Market Information Division, Employment Development Department, Staffing Patterns, on the Internet at: (visited September 2, 2014). Change Over Time of the Largest Industry Employers of Business: Paralegal Studies-Related Occupations The graphs below display projections of change over time from of the largest industries employing Business: Paralegal Studies-related occupations in the state of California. Growth is expected in the majority of industries employing Paralegals and Legal Assistants. The insurance carrier industry is expected to reduce positions available for Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers, although this occupation is expected to grow in activities related to real estate. All Other Legal Support Workers will also experience a mix of growth and decline depending on industry. Paralegals and Legal Assistants Percent Change 120% 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% 16.8% 18.5% 0.0% 57.1% 14.3% 0.0% 33.3% 0.0% 0.0% 100.0% Business: Paralegal Studies Needs Assessment Page 11

12 30% 25% Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers 25.0% 20% 15% Percent Change 10% 5% 0% -17.4% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% -5% -10% Insurance Carriers Activities Related to Real Estate Legal Services Offices of Real Estate Agents & Brokers Local Government Employment Services -15% -20% Legal Support Workers, All Other 120% 100% 100.0% 100.0% 80% 60% 40% Percent Change 20% 0% -20% -40% 4.3% 9.1% -20.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Source: Labor Market Information Division, Employment Development Department, Staffing Patterns, on the Internet at: (visited September 2, 2014). Business: Paralegal Studies Needs Assessment Page 12

13 Regional Graduation Summary Education and Training 3 Education and training requirements for Business: Paralegal Studies-related occupations vary. Paralegals and Legal Assistants acquire skills in various ways. Employers prefer Paralegals who are college graduates of paralegal programs or college graduates who have completed paralegal certificate programs. Some employers train legal secretaries or other staff for paralegal positions. Many employers want a Paralegal who has experience in a particular specialty, such as patent prosecution, real estate, tax preparation, nursing, or criminal justice. Some will hire those with no legal experience but experience in a technical field useful to the law firm such as tax preparation, estate practice, nursing, criminal justice, or health administration (for personal injury practice). California offers Regional Occupational Programs (ROP) for Careers in Paralegal. Education and training for Title examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers and Legal Support Workers is similar to that of Paralegals and Legal Assistants. Regional Completers in Business: Paralegal Studies Programs The table below displays the number of program completers in the academic year at regional institutions offering Legal Assistant/Paralegal programs. Besides Chaffey College, there are 47 institutions offering degrees and/or certificates below the baccalaureate level across the four-county region. Institution Name < 1 year Certificate 1 to < 2 year Certificate Award Level Associate s Degree 2 to < 4 year Certificate Chaffey College Abraham Lincoln University Cerritos College Charter College-Canyon Country Coastline Community College College of the Canyons El Camino Community College District Everest College Anaheim Everest College City of Industry Everest College Ontario Metro Everest College West Los Angeles Fremont College Fullerton College ICDC College InterCoast Colleges Burbank Intercoast Colleges Carson InterCoast Colleges Orange Labor Market Info, Employment Development Department, California Occupational Guides, on the Internet at: (visited August 29, 2014). Business: Paralegal Studies Needs Assessment Page 13

14 Irvine Valley College ITT Technical Institute Corona ITT Technical Institute Orange ITT Technical Institute San Bernardino ITT Technical Institute Sylmar ITT Technical Institute Torrance Los Angeles City College Los Angeles Mission College Los Angeles Southwest College Los Angeles Trade Technical College Mt San Antonio College Mt San Jacinto Community College District North-West College Pasadena Pasadena City College Platt College Los Angeles Platt College Ontario Platt College Riverside Rio Hondo College Riverside City College Sage College San Bernardino Valley College Santa Ana College South Coast College Summit College University of Antelope Valley Victor Valley College West Los Angeles College Westwood College Anaheim Westwood College Inland Empire Westwood College Los Angeles Westwood College South Bay Total Note: -- indicates that this type of degree is not offered. 0 indicates that this degree is offered but no degrees or certificates were granted. Source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, on the Internet at: Business: Paralegal Studies Needs Assessment Page 14

15 Chaffey College s Performance on Core Indicators The Perkins IV Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006 mandates that all state and local postsecondary institutions provide data on six core performance indicators for their career and technical education programs. These indicators are: 1) Technical Skill Attainment; 2) Completions; 3) Persistence and Transfer; 4) Employment; 5a) Nontraditional Participation; and 5b) Nontraditional Completion. Performance goals are set at the state and local levels and progress is monitored based on a comparison between the actual percentage of students who master each performance area and the negotiated levels of performance Chaffey College Performance on Core Indicators The table below displays negotiated and actual core performance indicator levels for all Chaffey College students classified under the Paralegal TOP code. This CTE Cohort is defined by the Chancellor s Office as those with 12+ CTE units in the discipline in 3 years. Chaffey performed below negotiated levels on core indicators 3, 4, 5a, and 5b. Performance was above negotiated levels for Core 1 Technical Skills Attainment, and Core Completions. Core Performance Indicators Negotiated Level State District Chaffey College Performance Percent Above or Below District Negotiated Level Core 1 Technical Skill Attainment 89.50% 89.50% 92.45% 3.0 Core 2 Completions- Credential, Certificate, Degree, or Transfer Ready 81.50% 75.61% 83.87% 8.3 Core 3 Persistence and Transfer 86.50% 83.24% 64.00% Core 4 Employment 80.85% 77.65% 55.88% Core 5a Non-traditional Participation 22.60% 20.29% 16.98% -3.3 Core 5b Non-traditional Completions 26.50% 22.49% 9.68% Source: CA Community Colleges Reporting Services, Paralegal, College Core Indicator Information by 6-Digit TOP ( Fiscal Year Planning). Business: Paralegal Studies Needs Assessment Page 15