Paralegal Studies Course
How to Select the Right One Near El Mirage Arizona
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near El Mirage AZ, it's time to start the process of picking a school. However, it's essential that you locate the right school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to be successful. As you probably understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of academic alternatives are becoming available, both at school and online. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right program with numerous options? Many potential students begin by looking for schools within traveling distance of their homes. Of those alternatives, they search for the program with the most affordable tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right choice just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the program should be considered as well. We will address those issues and other crucial questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the educational choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold comparable job positions and responsibilities, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a different job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals help El Mirage AZ attorneys with a diverse array of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could assist with the logistics of a trial or delivering files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is normally billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their regular tasks can include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and rather challenging. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not confined to administrative or clerical tasks more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to manage a much larger number of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to begin your career as a paralegal in El Mirage AZ is by earning a certificate, which may take as little as six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more expansive education and can be earned at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. When you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you may want to proceed and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Arizona to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. A few of the highly respected certifying organizations 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two crucial initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Classes
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more prevalent and may be an excellent alternative for students living in El Mirage AZ looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to individuals who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online schools can in some cases be less expensive than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are thinking about are accredited by a reputable organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the ideal choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the El Mirage AZ area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other crucial factors to think about as well, including 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 thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of El Mirage AZ law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are often available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several El Mirage AZ law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the El Mirage AZ legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Arizona legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? 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 graduation. Also, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the area where you choose to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to first investigate those colleges that are within the El Mirage AZ area.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost based on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be accessible to help minimize part of the cost, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in El Mirage AZ. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near El Mirage AZ, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you enroll in offers that option. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making-up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in El Mirage
Choose the Right El Mirage Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the best paralegal certificate program is a crucial 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 El Mirage home. Paralegal education programs are provided in numerous lengths and formats. Different types of public and private institutions offer paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you elect to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to review each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the appropriate education you can realize your career goal to become a successful paralegal in El Mirage Arizona.