California’s approach to paralegal regulation places responsibility squarely on the supervising attorney. Unlike jurisdictions that license or independently regulate paralegals, California requires attorneys to ensure that the paralegals they supervise meet statutory education and continuing education requirements.
That responsibility includes continuing legal education.
Statutory Framework
California Business and Professions Code section 6450 governs who may perform paralegal services and under what conditions. The statute requires that individuals performing paralegal work meet specific educational and continuing education requirements. Attorneys may not delegate paralegal duties to individuals who do not satisfy these requirements.
As a result, paralegal compliance is not a standalone obligation. It is part of an attorney’s supervisory and professional responsibility.
Paralegal MCLE Requirements
In California, paralegals are required to complete eight hours of mandatory continuing legal education every two years. This includes four hours of legal ethics and four hours in either general law or an area of specialized practice.
Paralegals are responsible for completing the required education and maintaining records of completion. However, paralegals do not certify their compliance to the State Bar of California. Instead, paralegals certify compliance to their supervising attorney.
If compliance is ever questioned, it is the supervising attorney, not the paralegal, who is responsible for certifying that the statutory requirements have been met. The State Bar of California is the authority governing these requirements.
Allocation of Responsibilities
Paralegal Responsibilities
- Complete eight hours of MCLE every two years, including four hours of legal ethics
- Maintain records of CLE completion
- Certify compliance to the supervising attorney
Supervising Attorney Responsibilities
- Ensure supervised paralegals meet the requirements of Business and Professions Code section 6450
- Certify paralegal compliance if asked
- Ensure paralegal duties are delegated only to statutorily qualified individuals
Why This Matters
Compliance with section 6450 is not merely administrative. It has practical implications for ethics, billing, discovery, and overall risk management. Attorneys are expected to know whether the paralegals supporting their practice are statutorily eligible to do so.
From a practice standpoint, paralegals who regularly participate in CLE are better equipped to support attorneys efficiently, particularly in areas such as ethics, legal technology, litigation support, and evolving court rules. Investing in paralegal education strengthens the entire legal team.
The Role of the Bar Association of San Francisco’s Paralegal Section
One of the most effective ways for attorneys to support paralegal CLE compliance is to encourage participation in the Bar Association of San Francisco’s Paralegal Section.
The Paralegal Section offers CLE programs designed specifically for paralegals working in California practices, with content that is practical, relevant, and aligned with statutory requirements. In addition to CLE, the Section provides networking opportunities, professional development programming, and meaningful engagement with the broader San Francisco legal community.
For attorneys, encouraging paralegal participation in the BASF Paralegal Section can reduce administrative burden, increase confidence in compliance, and promote consistency in training. For paralegals, it provides accessible education, leadership opportunities, and a strong professional network.
Conclusion
In California, paralegal CLE compliance is a shared responsibility, with ultimate accountability resting with the supervising attorney. Ensuring compliance protects attorneys, firms, and clients while supporting professional excellence.
The Bar Association of San Francisco’s Paralegal Section offers a practical and reliable pathway for meeting CLE requirements while fostering professional growth and connection. Encouraging paralegals to participate is a simple step that benefits the entire practice.
California Business and Professions Code § 6450. (n.d.). California Legislative Information. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=BPC§ionNum=6450