Paralegal Studies Course
How to Pick the Best One Near Fountain Hills Arizona
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Fountain Hills AZ and begin your journey that will result in a fulfilling profession in legal services. However, it's crucial that you locate the best school so that you will receive the extensive training that you require to achieve success. A growing number of educational alternatives are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. However with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one start? When checking out paralegal studies schools, the majority of students start by zeroing in on the ones that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although cost and location are necessary considerations when picking a college, they are not the only qualifiers you ought to consider. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the program need to be taken into account also. Later on in this article we will review a list of concerns that you should ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare every one prior to making your choice. But before we do, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both hold comparable job roles and responsibilities, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a different job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Fountain Hills AZ lawyers with a wide range 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 might assist with trial logistics or transporting documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is typically billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they work, but some of their daily activities can involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and very challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not limited to administrative or clerical duties more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys have the ability 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 educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to launch your career as a legal assistant in Fountain Hills AZ is by earning a certificate, which may take just 6 months to complete. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and may be acquired at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. Once you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you may want to continue and get a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Arizona to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. Some of the highly regarded certifying agencies in the profession 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 address the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 essential initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Programs
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more common and can be a good alternative for students living in Fountain Hills AZ searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to individuals who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online schools can sometimes be less expensive than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a respected agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online could be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Fountain Hills AZ area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many 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 important issues to consider also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick should be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Fountain Hills AZ law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Fountain Hills AZ law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also offer a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the Fountain Hills AZ legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Arizona legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws vary from state to state, it might be a good idea to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in Arizona or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be important to build relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the area where you want to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to initially consider those schools that are within the Fountain Hills AZ area.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential received and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be accessible to help minimize some of the expense, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Fountain Hills AZ. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, some of these additional costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Fountain Hills 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 enroll in makes available that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Fountain Hills
Choose the Right Fountain Hills Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the best paralegal certificate school is a vital first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Fountain Hills home. Paralegal education programs are provided in many formats and lengths. Several types of public and private institutions provide paralegal training, including community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you decide to obtain your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to review each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the right education you can achieve your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Fountain Hills Arizona.
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