About The FCC SPA

Fresno City College paralegal students have the unique opportunity to join a student organization for paralegals, by paralegals.

The FCC Student Paralegal Association has been a social group and support network for all paralegal students. We organize law firm tours, social events, and even Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) seminars. In fact, SPA is one of the only student organizations that are registered with the State Bar of California as a general provider for continuing legal education!

The Student Paralegal Association hosts its own, annual graduation dinner at the end of each spring semester, honoring graduates from both the fall and spring, whether they completed the certificate or the degree program. Each year, the banquet is attended by members of the Fresno area legal community, and features prominent keynote speakers.

The Fresno City College Student Paralegal Association provides students a forum for:

• Enhancing the learning experience through association-sponsored seminars and presentations,

• Meeting prospective employers and colleagues in the local legal community at social gatherings,

• Participating in fund-raising and benefits

Our  members benefit from seminars hosted by SPA, a California State Bar-approved provider, and a newsletter published monthly.  We also hold events throughout the semester.  Students of the paralegal program are also welcome to attend SPA General Meetings held monthly. You will enjoy getting to know your fellow students as you work towards earning your certificate or degree.

Our Officers

Our officers work very hard to balance the focus between the academia, professional development and social interaction.  Our SPA Board and Officers represent the student members of the association.
We also have members who assist in making this a successful organization.  If you are interested in joining SPA, you can download and print the membership application, or email your request for an application to one of the SPA officers.

A Community of Education

Let's face it. It's all about the education and that is what brings us together at SPA. The Paralegal Studies Program at Fresno City College has been in existence for over 30 years. Under the diligent guidance of current program director, Peter Wasemiller, and former director Brian J. McCully, it has developed into a first rate and highly acclaimed program and truly equips us for moving into the legal profession.  To learn more about it click:  The Paralegal Program.   

Awards & Recognition:

The Brian McCully Jacket Award

The “Jacket Award” was created in 1989 by Paralegal Program Director Brian J. McCully while he was the instructor of the paralegal program’s legal research and writing classes in order to recognize the student earning the highest grade in that class. Since that time, subsequent instructors of the Advanced Legal Research and Writing class have continued the tradition of the “Jacket Award.”

The purpose of the award is to recognize the student earning the highest grade in the FCC Paralegal Program’s Advanced Legal Research and Writing Class. Each semester the winner was awarded $75 scholarship provided by Mr. McCully and their name was added to a perpetual plaque located in the law room at Fresno City College that contains the names of all previous Jacket Award winners. In 2016, the FCC SPA renamed the Jacket Award to the Brian McCully Jacket Award, and continues to maintain the plaque and the scholarship in honor of Dr. McCully's tireless contributions. Two of the former winners of this award are now instructors in the FCC Paralegal Program. In addition, five of the past winners are now practicing attorneys.

The Jacket Award is just one of the many ways the FCC Paralegal Program recognizes the accomplishments of its fine students and reaffirms its commitment to excellence - a commitment that has become the hallmark of the FCC Paralegal Program.