Paralegal Studies Program
How to Pick the Best One Near Buckeye Arizona
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Buckeye AZ, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. However, it's important that you locate the ideal school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to succeed. A growing number of educational options are becoming available in the legal field, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one start? A number of potential students begin by looking for schools within driving range of their homes. Of those options, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right option simply because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. There are several other factors that you should evaluate when analyzing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. We will address those topics and other important questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. But before we do, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the educational choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both hold comparable job positions and functions, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Buckeye AZ attorneys with a wide range of job duties, including legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could assist with the logistics of a trial or transporting documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is usually billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be diverse in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their everyday tasks may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complex and very challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not confined to administrative or clerical duties more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to take on a much larger number of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to start your career as a paralegal in Buckeye AZ is by obtaining a certificate, which may involve as little as 6 months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more expansive education and can be earned at many community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. When you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you might want to proceed and receive a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Arizona to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. A few of the highly regarded certifying agencies in the field are:
- National Federation of Paralegal Associations
- American Alliance of Paralegals
- National Association of Legal Assistants
- National Association for Legal Professionals
By graduating with a paralegal certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Classes
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more prevalent and may be an excellent alternative for individuals living in Buckeye AZ searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to individuals who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online schools can sometimes be less expensive than more traditional options. Even secondary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are thinking about are accredited by a respected organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online could be the ideal option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Buckeye AZ area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other crucial issues to consider as well, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in should be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Buckeye AZ law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Buckeye AZ law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while attending school. They can also offer an avenue for students to begin establishing contacts within the Buckeye AZ legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Arizona legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary from state to state, it might be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school located in Arizona or the state where you want to work after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to create relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to initially investigate those schools that are within the Buckeye AZ area.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be accessible to help reduce some of the cost, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Buckeye AZ. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Buckeye AZ, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you select provides that option. Last, inquire what the process is for making-up missed classes because of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Buckeye
Choose the Best Buckeye Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the right paralegal studies training program is a vital first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Buckeye residence. Paralegal training programs are made available in various lengths and formats. Different kinds of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your opportunities for success in your new career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you choose to obtain your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to assess each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the ideal training you can achieve your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Buckeye Arizona.
Buckeye Paralegal Certificate Programs | Buckeye Paralegal Certificate