Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Casa Grande Arizona
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Casa Grande AZ, it's time to begin the process of picking a school. However, it's crucial that you find the best school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to succeed. As you most likely understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of educational options are becoming available, both on campus and online. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right program with numerous alternatives? A number of potential students start by trying to find schools within driving range of their homes. Of those options, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are necessary considerations when choosing a college, they are not the only factors you ought to consider. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the program should be considered too. Later on in this post we will cover a list of concerns that you must ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one prior to making your decision. But before we do, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both hold the same job roles and functions, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a separate job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Casa Grande AZ lawyers with a wide range of job duties, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job functions are relevant to the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might assist with the logistics of a trial or delivering documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is usually billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be varied in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their daily tasks can include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching related laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complex and very demanding. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not restricted to clerical or administrative tasks more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the main support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys are able to manage a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic requirements and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a legal assistant in Casa Grande AZ is by obtaining a certificate, which can involve as little as 6 months to complete. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and may be obtained at numerous community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. Once you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to proceed and receive a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Arizona to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. A few of the highly respected 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 advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two essential initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Schools
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more popular and may be a good option for individuals living in Casa Grande AZ searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to individuals who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online programs can often be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a respected agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional setting, then earning your degree or certificate online could be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices 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 Casa Grande AZ area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other crucial issues to research also, 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 programs you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose need to be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Casa Grande AZ law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Casa Grande AZ law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Casa Grande AZ legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Arizona legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws differ from state to state, it may be beneficial to select a paralegal school domiciled in Arizona or the state where you want to work after graduating. In addition, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to initially look at those colleges that are within the Casa Grande AZ region.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be available to help offset some of the cost, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Casa Grande AZ. Naturally if you opt to attend an online program, some of these added expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Casa Grande AZ, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you enroll in makes available that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making up missed classes because of sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Casa Grande
Choose the Best Casa Grande Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the best paralegal studies degree school is a vital first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Casa Grande residence. Paralegal training programs are offered in numerous lengths and formats. Various kinds of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced impact on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you elect to receive your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to evaluate each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the ideal training you can accomplish your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Casa Grande Arizona.
Casa Grande Paralegal Programs | Casa Grande Paralegal Certificate Programs