Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Pick the Best One Near Flagstaff Arizona
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Flagstaff AZ and start your journey that will result in a fulfilling career in legal services. However, it's essential that you locate the best school so that you will receive the extensive training that you require to succeed. More and more academic choices are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you go about finding the right program with numerous options? Many prospective students begin by looking for schools within driving distance of their homes. Of those options, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are prime considerations when selecting a school, they are not the only qualifiers you need to consider. There are various other qualifications that you should evaluate when comparing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. We will cover those issues and other crucial questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both fill the same job positions and functions, just 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 help Flagstaff AZ attorneys with a wide range of job duties, including legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are based upon the type of practice where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could assist with trial logistics or delivering documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is usually billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they work, but some of their daily activities can involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching relevant cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and other records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be involved and very challenging. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not confined to administrative or clerical duties more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the main support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys are able to take on a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to start your career as a paralegal in Flagstaff AZ is by obtaining a certificate, which can take as little as 6 months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more expansive education and may be earned at numerous community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. When you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you may want to continue and earn a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Arizona to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your employment opportunities, but help establish 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will address the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 essential initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Programs
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more prevalent and may be an excellent option for individuals living in Flagstaff AZ searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to individuals who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online schools can often be less costly than on campus options. Even ancillary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting may be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a highly regarded agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and formal environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the right option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Flagstaff AZ area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial issues to research as well, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Flagstaff AZ law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program 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 a few Flagstaff AZ law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also offer a means for students to start establishing contacts within the Flagstaff AZ legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Arizona legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary from one state to another, it might be a good idea to select a legal assistant school domiciled in Arizona or the state where you plan to work after graduating. In addition, it will be important to create relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to initially consider those schools that are within the Flagstaff AZ area.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be obtainable to help minimize some of the expense, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Flagstaff AZ. Naturally if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Flagstaff AZ, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you select provides that option. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Flagstaff
Enroll in the Best Flagstaff Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the ideal paralegal certificate program is an essential first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Flagstaff residence. Paralegal education programs are provided in various lengths and formats. Various types of public and private institutions make available paralegal education, including 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 prospects for success in your new profession. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick carefully. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you choose to receive your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to review each school and make your final selection. And with the ideal training you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Flagstaff Arizona.
Flagstaff Paralegal Certificate Online | Flagstaff Paralegal Studies