Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Pick the Right One Near Glendale Arizona
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Glendale AZ and begin your journey that will lead to a gratifying profession in legal services. But in order to assure your success, it’s important that you find the best program so that you will receive the extensive training that you need. A growing number of academic options are becoming available in the legal field, both at school and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you go about finding the right school with so many alternatives? When looking for paralegal studies programs, many potential students begin by zeroing in on those that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are prime considerations when selecting a school, they are not the only qualifiers you must consider. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the school ought to be taken into account too. Later in this post we will review a list of questions that you should ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one prior to making your choice. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold the same job positions and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a separate job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Glendale 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 functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might assist with trial logistics or transporting files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is normally billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And the same as lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their everyday tasks might include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching relevant cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complex and very demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not confined to clerical or administrative functions more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers are able to take on a much larger number of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to start your career as a legal assistant in Glendale AZ is by earning a certificate, which can take just six months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and can be earned at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. Once you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you might choose to continue and earn a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Arizona to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some 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 cover the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two crucial initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Programs
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more common and may be a good option for individuals living in Glendale AZ looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to individuals who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online programs can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even secondary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the training 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 dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and conventional setting, then earning your degree or certificate online could be the ideal choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Glendale AZ area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must learn 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 also. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant factors to consider as well, 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 considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in need to be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Glendale AZ law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are often offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no previous experience, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Glendale AZ law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also offer an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the Glendale AZ legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, particularly 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 secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Arizona legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws vary from one state to another, it might be a good idea to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in Arizona or the state where you plan to work after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to first consider those colleges that are within the Glendale AZ area.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be obtainable to help reduce part of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Glendale AZ. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these added expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while receiving their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Glendale AZ, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you select provides that option. Finally, ask what the process is for making-up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Glendale
Enroll in the Best Glendale Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal degree school is a vital first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Glendale home. Paralegal education programs are offered in numerous lengths and formats. Several types of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you elect to obtain your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to review each school and make your final decision. And with the ideal training you can realize your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Glendale Arizona.
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