Joan Rettinger, Esq.
Assistant Professor
Director of Paralegal Studies
Department(s)
Contact Info
Email: joan.rettinger@gcccd.edu
Office: E-111D
Office Hours: By appointment, please email joan.rettinger@gcccd.edu for an appointment
on Zoom. Spring 2025 Student Hours Tuesdays from 11:30am-12:30pm, 1:50-4:50pm Tuesdays
and 11:30-12:30pm Thursdays in E-231. During this time, I will be on my computer and
should be able to return emails rapidly. During In Person Hours, you should be able
to meet with me in my office, or I can zoom from my office to you, if that works better
for the student, just send me an email.
Bio
My preferred pronouns are: she, her, hers.
2022-present: Co-Chair of the Business and Professional Studies Department (Paralegal and Real Estate), Cuyamaca College
2021-present: Assistant Professor and Director of Paralegal Studies, Cuyamaca College
2019-2021: Adjunct Professor Paralegal Studies, Cuyamaca College
2015-present: Attorney at Law, Rettinger Law (Estate Planning and Family Law)
2002-2010: Enrollment Services, Communication and Computing Services, San Diego State University
Cuyamaca College committees
Academic Senate (AS) 2023-present
Workforce Development Committee (WDC) 2021-present
Student Success and Equity Committee (SSEC) 2021-2022
Transfer Center Advisory Board Committee (TCABC) 2021- 2022, 2023-2025
Education
J.D., Cum Laude, Child, Family, and Elder Law Concentration, 2014, California Western School of Law
A.S., with Honors, Paralegal Studies, 2009, Cuyamaca College
B.A., with Honors, Political Science, 2005, San Diego State University
The travel bug and I made a lifelong bond while I was earning my bachelor’s degree. I studied abroad at Oxford University and further developed my appreciation of other cultures starting in Europe and venturing to South East Asia. I've explored to 19 countries so far and often am considering future adventures in my limited free time. One of my personal goals is to visit all 7 continents (3 down, 4 to visit!). I'm a native San Diegan, who enjoys hiking and baking.
Course(s)
PARA 100 Introduction to Paralegal Studies
Course Note:
*ZTC* Zero Textbook Cost section: This course does not require purchase of a textbook and may use free Open Educational Resources (OER) or free textbook alternatives.
This is a HyFlex course. HyFlex Classes are taught simultanously on campus and through Zoom at scheduled days and times like a traditional class. Students can choose whether to attend class in-person or via Zoom and class sessions may be recorded. Some instructors require in- person attendance for some class sessions, so check with the instructor for attendance requirements. I require in person attendance to complete all exams.
PARA 145 Estate Planning
Course Note:
*ZTC* Zero Textbook Cost section: This course does not require purchase of a textbook and may use free Open Educational Resources (OER) or free textbook alternatives.
PARA 146 Probate and Administration of Estates
Course Note:
*ZTC* Zero Textbook Cost section: This course does not require purchase of a textbook and may use free Open Educational Resources (OER) or free textbook alternatives.
PARA 150 Family Law (Divorce, Separation, Nullity, and Paternity)
Course Note:
*ZTC* Zero Textbook Cost section: This course does not require purchase of a textbook and may use free Open Educational Resources (OER) or free textbook alternatives.
PARA 151 Family Law (Custody, Visitation, and Support)
Course Note:
*ZTC* Zero Textbook Cost section: This course does not require purchase of a textbook and may use free Open Educational Resources (OER) or free textbook alternatives.
PARA 250 Internship
Course Note:
Please note in the class schedule the 2 mandatory meetings.
BUS 125 Business Law
If the class you need is closed, place your name on the priority wait list. As space opens, you will be moved up on that list. Every effort will be made to accommodate "crashers." All students on the wait list for an online class must e-mail me the first 2 days of class to obtain any available add codes. Students on the wait list for an onsite class must attend the first class meeting to obtain an add code.
Course Note
*ZTC* Zero Textbook Cost section: This course does not require purchase of a textbook and may use free Open Educational Resources (OER) or free textbook alternatives.